Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Sheriff's Office Tuesday Morning Update

Tuesday Morning Update

I am very happy to report that it appears we have been spared from any tidal surge flooding.  All the indicators last night looked badly and tides were rising rapidly, however early this morning, the gages reported that the surge was beginning to fall which should indicate that the flooding threat is over. This would not have been the case had the storm continued to be a strong Cat 3 or 4.  We just missed it (FLOODING).

St. Charles Parish it appears has again been spared any major devastation.

Public works crews are working to clear streets of trees and power lines.

We are hopeful that this can be substantially completed by tonight.

Deputies are out in force patrolling the streets protecting property

If streets become passable we will later today make an announcement on general re-entry. Right now emergency responders and industry/ businesses essential employees are able to come in. We suggest I-55, then east on I-10, and then I-310. 

If we make an announcement later today, everyone who chooses to return needs to know the following;

THERE ARE NO STORES OPEN

THERE IS NO ICE

THERE IS NO GASOLINE

THERE ARE POWER OUTAGES IN ABOUT 80% OF THE PARISH

THE SEWER SYSTEM IS NOT OPERATIONAL AND BACKUPS ARE POSSIBLE IF MANY PEOPLE BEGIN TRYING TO USE THE SYSTEM

WATER IS RUNNING AND MEDICAL CARE IS UNAVAILABLE IN SCP AND NOT AVAILABLE IN OUR SURROUNDING PARISHES. Please monitor news reports later today for more information.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

So, does this mean that we should not try to flush our toilets?

St. Charles Parish said...

Flush as little as you can... We are OK now but we are in the process of moving generators around to the lift stations to keep everything going. The less pressure our residents can put on the system, the better.

restlessinatl said...

If I am driving from Atlanta for Wednesday's proposed re-entry, are all of the highways open along the way to St.Charles Parish?

john55 said...

Are there plans for FEMA to set up for water and ice distribution similar to post-Katrina?
Or maybe porta-potty
distribution :)

dsoileau said...

I am traveling from TN, once I am able to go I-55 to I-10 to I-310 I will not be stopped in St John Parish to get on I-10 to go I-310 exit to Norco? I work for a petroleum inspection company and need to return.

St. Charles Parish said...

dsoileu, you should not have a problem if you have company ID and explain your situation.

We have not heard anything from FEMA about ice / water distribution...

Also I am working on getting the list of roadblocks set up by state police...

culotta38 said...

My grandparents are here in Houston but are extremely anxious to return home to the St. Rose area. They are talking like they are leaving in the morning (Wednesday). Do you know what sort of damage they may go home to, they live near Sombrero Lane? Also is this the best place for them to check before they head out?

St. Charles Parish said...

Yes, check here later this afternoon after our 4 p.m. press conference and we'll have all the details they'll need to know for re-entry.

-Renee

Nawlins5 said...

I have a Tier 1 placard due to my Company's location in Jeff Psh. It's good for 6 parishes but SCP was not listed. My home is in St Rose. Will I have problems getting to my home if I need to grab any sort of supplies?

Thanks,
Kurt

Unknown said...

So, I'm very concerned regarding the state of the parish and the school board's plan to re-open schools next week. I have a relative who passed my home where I have no power. I plan to only return when the power and sewerage and other conditions improve (availibilty of gas, food, medical services, etc). Is the Parish Government going to coordinate with Public Schools to ensure that people do not have to go back to inclement living conditions for children to attend school? Is it a possibility of schools remaining closed past Monday if the situation with power and sewerage does not improve by that day?

St. Charles Parish said...

Schools we be closed as long as their facilities do not have power. So school opening is doubtful for Monday.