ExxonMobil shuts down plants for safety during imminent hurricane

ExxonMobil announced Aug. 26 that it has safely shut down local facilities in preparation for Hurricane Laura, which is projected to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. 

"ExxonMobil Beaumont area facilities, including the Beaumont Polyethylene Plant, have completed a safe and systematic shutdown of operations," the company advised in a Facebook post at about 3 p.m. "Safety is our first priority, and we have taken the necessary precautions to minimize impact to the community and personnel throughout the shutdown process.

"Our primary focus continues to be the safety of our employees, contractors and the community. We are reaching out to our employees and their families to confirm that they are safe. 

"We continue to communicate with state and local emergency planing officials about measures we are taking to prepare for the hurricane."