PRESS RELEASE - Thursday, September 4, 2008
Louisiana Department of Education Working to Reopen Schools
The Louisiana Department of Education (DOE) is working with local school districts throughout the state to get classes back underway in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. A majority of the state's school systems have seen their operations disrupted by the storm.
Louisiana Workforce Commission Announces Business and Career Solutions Center Openings, Extended Hours
The Louisiana Workforce Commission announced today that its Business and Career Solutions Centers in central and north Louisiana are open and will be staffed seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist job seekers and employers.
State government office closures by parish for Friday
Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis announced the closure of state government offices on Friday, September 5, 2008, due to Hurricane Gustav, in certain parishes.
Governor Jindal Requests 100% Federal Cost-Share for Disaster Declarations
Today, Governor Bobby Jindal issued the following letter to the White House requesting that Category “A” and “B” disaster declarations be adjusted to 100% federal cost-share.
FEMA Amends Disaster Declaration to Include St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes
Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following letter amending the category A Individual Assistance Declaration to include the parishes St. Tammany and Tangipahoa.
Governor Bobby Jindal Issues Executive Order on State Elections
Governor Jindal issued an executive order postponing congressional and local elections as per the request of the Secretary of State's Office.
Update on Water Systems under Boil Advisory, 7:15 p.m.
Hurricane Gustav has caused widespread power outages and damage to drinking water systems throughout Louisiana.
Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions Releases Status on Financial Institutions
The Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (LOFI) and federal regulatory agencies are in the process of continually updating a database on the status of financial institutions in Louisiana after Hurricane Gustav.
Louisiana Chief Medical Officer Continues to Update Number of Gustav Fatalities
Read the memo sent from Louisiana Chief Medical Officer Louis Cataldie, M.D., regarding fatalities related to Hurricane Gustav.
DOTD reminds citizens of 511 Traveler Information System
As citizens return to their homes in Louisiana, the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) reminds residents that travelers can access up-to-date information about weather-related road conditions, construction activities and other critical incidents by dialing 511 from their telephone.
Latest Plaquemines Parish Information - Medical Services and Open Business List
The following is a list of medical facilities that are now open in Plaquemines Parish:
DSS Prepares for Disaster Food Stamps, Warns Against Calls Asking For SS Numbers
Following reports that people are lining up outside of closed parish offices for Disaster Food Stamps, the Department of Social Services (DSS) is reiterating that the first phase of the program has been launched with the distribution of food, water and ice by the National Guard. DSS is preparing for the second phase of the program which is the issuance of Disaster Food Stamp benefits. Also, any resident who gets a phone call about food stamps asking for their social security number should not respond; those requests are not coming from DSS.
Tangipahoa Parish Update
The Tangipahoa Parish government released an announcement today regarding water, blue tarps and other important parish information.
Update on Water Systems under Boil Advisory
Hurricane Gustav has caused widespread power outages and damage to drinking water systems throughout Louisiana.
DEQ Provides Information about Debris Removal for Local Governments
A debris site application form is currently available at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Web site. This application is used for local governments to provide the department with information concerning a variety of debris-management procedures. The site can be found at http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/2890/Default.aspx.
DEQ says fish and vegetation may be affected by Hurricane Gustav
DEQ expects to see scattered fish kills across Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. Most of these fish kills will be associated with low dissolved oxygen in the water. Low dissolved oxygen results from the organic matter washed into the streams, lakes and bays from storm debris and runoff. As the organic matter in the water is assimilated the oxygen levels will return to levels that will support aquatic life.
Points of Distribution (POD) Locations and Contacts Announced
Today, points of distribution (POD) locations were released. The PODs will offer ice, water, food, and tarps.
PLEASE NOTE: This information is based on reports from local sheriffs offices and EOCs and may be updated by them as they allocate resources throughout the day.Click here for a list of distribution points by parish.
DEQ Urges Caution when Returning Home after Gustav
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality urge residents to use caution when returning to hurricane-damaged homes and buildings. In particular, the agencies advise the following precautions to prevent injury.
Lafayette Announces Supplies Distribution Site
Ice, water, tarps and meals-ready-to-eat will be distributed at the Blackham Coliseum ,located at 2330 Johnston St. in Lafayette, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2008. This will be a drive-through distribution point. Vehicles will enter the rear of the Blackham Coliseum off of Coliseum Road which will be accessed via Souvenir Gate and Reinhardt Dr.
St. John Opens Red Cross Distribution Sites, Urges Conservative Use of Sewer Services
St. John Parish has released important important information regarding supply distribution and re-entry into the parish.
St. James Parish Update
The St. James Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness, along with the St. James Parish Sheriff's Office, is announcing that ice distribution points are at the Grand Point Grand in Grand Point for the East Bank. The location for the West Bank has changed to the West Bank Reception Hall in Vacherie. There will be only one bag per adult, on a first come first serve basis. Lutcher High School will open as a shelter today at 12:00 noon for residents needing shelter. The collection sites in Gramercy and Vacherie will open today until collection bins are filled. A curfew is in effect from 6:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. until further notice. An alcohol ban is also currently in effect. Please be advised that St. James Parish is not under a boil water order from the Department of Health and Hospitals.
Louisiana Department of State Civil Service Testing Center Damaged, Testing Canceled
The Baton Rouge Testing and Information Office in the Agriculture and Forestry Building on Florida Blvd. has sustained severe water damage from Hurricane Gustav. The office is closed until further notice. There will be no Civil Service state testing for at least the next week.
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