PRESS RELEASES - Monday, September 1, 2008

Parish Officials Close Highways
The Louisiana State Police will be assisting local area officials with the closure of all highways in the parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines.

London Avenue Canal Gate Close and 17th Street Canal Gates Closing
As a result of water rising to the operational trigger on both canals, Col. Alvin B. Lee, New Orleans District commander, ordered the canal gates closed late Monday afternoon. Once the gates are closed, the Corps can begin pumping water from the canal into the lake to maintain the safe water elevations.

All State Government Offices Closed Tuesday
Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis has announced the closure of all state government offices on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, due to Hurricane Gustav. Essential personnel, including employees that are required to work due to Hurricane Gustav, should report to work as directed by their supervisors.

Once Gustav Passes, Residents Should Wait Before Returning Home
The state of Louisiana cautions residents not to try to return to their homes immediately after Hurricane Gustav passes and to monitor media for information about when it is safe to return to their parish. Residents should wait until they get the "all clear" from their parishes that it is safe to return before leaving the safe location where they are sheltering and attempting to return home.

Potential Environmental Health Hazards Loom When Returning to Homes and Businesses After Hurricane Gustav
Cleanup activities related to returning to homes and businesses after Hurricane Gustav can pose significant health and environmental challenges. People may be exposed to potentially life-threatening hazards such as leaking natural gas lines. Residents are warned that using un-vented fuel burning equipment indoors could result in carbon monoxide poisoning. During a flood cleanup, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity may present serious long-term health risks from microorganisms, such as bacteria and mold.

Some Parishes Announce Curfews
Curfews are in effect in some parishes Monday night. Click here for the full list, which will be updated as information becomes available.

Food Safety Stressed During Power Outages
The Department of Health and Hospitals is warning the thousands of Louisiana residents currently without power due to Hurricane Gustav not to consume foods spoiled due to prolonged loss of electricity.

Residents Urged to Use Caution When Operating Generators
The Department of Health and Hospitals is cautioning residents who may be using generators due to power outages caused by Hurricane Gustav to be mindful of the dangerous health risks that may result if not used properly. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, irritability, confusion and memory loss. Getting to fresh air is essential once the symptoms are recognized, and call for medical help.

Update From Plaquemines Parish
At this hour, the river levees and the private "back" levees are holding up throughout Plaquemines Parish. There are no reports of flooding at this time. Power is out across the parish and there is no running water.

Woman Dies While Driving During Hurricane
On September 1, 2008, at approximately 8:40 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 which resulted in the death of a Jefferson, LA, woman. The driver was wearing her seatbelt and alcohol is suspected to be a factor in this crash.

Universities Update Closure Information
The University of Louisiana System and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System have reported additional closure updates.

Evangeline Parish Implements Curfew
Evangeline Parish will implement a curfew starting on Monday, September 1, at 1:00 p.m. until Evangeline Parish President Bob Manuel lifts it. After 1 p.m. on September 1, only emergency vehicles will be allowed on the roadways.

Update from Belle Chasse, La.
At 6:30AM this morning, Monday September 1, 2008, Plaquemines Parish is feeling Tropical Storm Force winds and some Hurricane Force winds. There are no reports of any damage. In Belle Chasse where the Sheriff's Department, Parish Officials and EMS workers are monitoring the storm, there are no reports of any damage due to wind or any flooding. So far, Parish President Billy Nungesser reports the levees are holding.

Harvey Canal Gates Closed, Effective 4:30 A.M. Monday Sept. 1
Col. Alvin B. Lee, New Orleans district commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ordered the Harvey Canal gates closed at 4:30 this morning.