PRESS RELEASES - Tuesday, September 2, 2008
President Declares Major Disaster for Louisiana
The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Louisiana to help people and communities recover from the effects of Hurricane Gustav on September 1, 2008, and continuing.
All State Government Offices Closed Wednesday
Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis has announced the closure of all state government offices on Wednesday, September 3, 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.
Federal Officials To Evacuees: Stay Away, Be Patient, Be Safe
The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working with its federal, state and local partners to remind those that fled Hurricane Gustav to remain in place until state and local officials announce it is safe to return.
Updated Parish Re-entry Plans, Curfews
The state has compiled from parish and media reports a list of current re-entry plans and curfews for parishes affected by Hurricane Gustav. The state urges anyone wishing to return to their homes to check with their parish Emergency Operations Center and listen to the local media. Click here for the full list, which will be updated as information becomes available.
Louisiana Chief Medical Officer Determines Number of Gustav Fatalities
Louisiana's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Louis Cataldie, has confirmed ten deaths attributed to Hurricane Gustav, including six deaths related to evacuation and three deaths caused by falling trees.
Department of Social Services Prepares for Disaster Food Stamps
The Department of Social Services is preparing for the issuance of Disaster Food Stamp benefits. This is a federally authorized program that must be approved by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services before it can be implemented for eligible Louisiana residents. DSS is working with the USDA/FNS to activate the Disaster Food Stamp Program (DFSP) and to set specific program eligibility criteria and benefits.
Louisiana Technical College Greater Acadiana Region 4
Due to Hurricane Gustav, all Louisiana Technical College Greater Acadiana Region 4 campuses will be closed to STUDENTS on Wednesday, September 3. Campus Administrators will open each LTC Region 4 campus from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3. Available faculty and staff may report during that time.
DHH Addresses Urgent Patient Need for Dialysis
Emergency hemodialsys patients who need urgent dialysis treatment today or evacuees from out-of-town seeking treatment in Baton Rouge can call (225) 387-1333 to schedule dialysis.
State Issues Precautionary Closures of ALL Oyster Harvest Areas
The Department of Health and Hospitals has closed ALL oyster harvest areas from the Mississippi State Line to South West Pass Vermillion Bay as a precautionary measure in anticipation of the adverse effects of Hurricane Gustav. This precautionary closure prohibits oyster harvest from all state waters and is effective today, September 2, 2008 at official sunset.
Orleans Levee District Officials Report No Levee Damage on Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Area
Orleans Parish Levee officials have inspected the levees along the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal from Paris Road in Orleans Parish along U.S. Hwy 90 and around the NASA Michoud Facility and report no damage to the levees.
State Announces Location for National Guard Supply Distribution Points in Lafourche, Iberia, St. Mary, and Terrebonne
The National Guard has now opened six supply distribution points throughout Lafourche, Iberia, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes. These points will distribute water, ice, food, and tarps to residents affected by Hurricane Gustav.
Keeping Your Drinking Water Safe after Gustav
If you lost water pressure at your tap or if the water pressure is extremely low, Dr. Jimmy Guidry, State Health Officer, recommends that homeowners disinfect their water by any one of the following methods prior to consumption (including drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or preparing food).
Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration Issues Update
- OCPR Levee Officials to begin Levee Assessments Today
- Orleans Levee District and State Official Help Plaquemines Parish Close Levee Break on East Bank near Braithewaite
- Preliminary Reports from South Lafourche Levee District Show No Levee Overtopping or Breeches
- Inspections of South Terrebonne to begin Today
Department of Social Services News Update: DSS Launches Operation Reconnect
More than 84,000 Louisiana residents are currently taking refuge in shelters in nine states and the Department of Social Services has created a hotline where loved ones can call to locate family members who evacuated for Hurricane Gustav. The phone number is 1-800-957-1601 and it will be activated at noon central time.
Residents Urged to Practice Chainsaw Safety
One of the first chores many people face immediately after a storm is clearing tree limbs using chain saws. Hurricane Gustav is proving to be a major producer of downed trees and branches across the state, and residents will be busy over the next few days clearing the debris. The Department of Health and Hospitals is urging Louisianians to practive chainsaw safety.
DHH Advises Citizens to Use Caution when Returning to Storm-Impacted Areas
Louisiana health officials are urging people returning to residences damaged by Gustav to be aware of health and safety dangers that remain close to home, including gas septic and utility safety and debris removal and household safety.
|
