eligibility: Impacted by Hurricane Gustav & Ike -> Impacted by Hurricane Isaac

notes: 10/10/2008 10:18:55 AM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: DATE: October 10, 2008 TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Opelousas, Chauvin and Harrisonburg to Assist Residents BATON ROUGE, La. –Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) will open Monday in Opelousas, Chauvin and Harrisonburg to assist residents who had damage or losses from hurricanes Gustav and Ike, according to Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials. Disaster Recovery Center location and hours of operation: St. Landry Parish Terrebonne Parish Old Courvelle Toyota Ward 7 Citizens Club 706 N. Main St. 5006 Hwy. 56 Opelousas, LA 70570 Chauvin, LA 70344 Monday, Oct. 13- Friday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Catahoula Parish Harrisonburg Courthouse 301 Bushley St. Harrisonburg, LA 71340 Monday, Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and then Tuesday, Oct. 14- Friday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Additional Disaster Recovery Center locations will be announced in the coming days. Disaster Recovery Center staff can answer questions about registration for disaster assistance and hazard mitigation, help with disaster loan applications and provide information and contacts for other programs. Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike are encouraged to register for assistance by calling the toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 1-800-462-7585) which is open 24 hours a day seven days a week. Applicants also may register on-line at www.fema.gov. Residents are encouraged to register prior to visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. Officials remind affected residents who have already filled out damage report forms with the state, parish emergency managers or voluntary agencies that they must register with FEMA at the above numbers or Web site to be considered for federal assistance. All residents also are encouraged to get involved with the recovery process by helping spread the word about available assistance and the registration numbers. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives at the Disaster Recovery Centers will meet individually with each applicant to provide assistance in completing his or her disaster loan application and to accept completed disaster loan applications. Returning the applications is an essential part of the disaster recovery process even for individuals who do not want a loan. The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for losses not fully covered by insurance. The SBA may loan up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Up to $2 million is available for uncompensated business disaster losses. Residents and business owners can receive information about SBA disaster loans and help with the application process by calling the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visiting the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov. FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO LA HURRICANE VICTIMS 10/10/2008 3:08:12 AM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: DATE: October 10, 2008 TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO LOUISIANA HURRICANE VICTIMS NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana residents affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike can now request free legal assistance through a toll-free number operated by the Louisiana Civil Justice Center, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) . Residents who have legal issues arising from one or both of the storms, but lack the resources to secure adequate legal services, may request help Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. by calling 1-800-310-7029. Free Spanish translation is available for callers who do not speak English. This assistance is available whether the inability to afford legal services existed prior to the disaster or is a result of the disaster. When calling for legal assistance, residents should indicate that they need help with a hurricane-related issue. Those qualifying for assistance will be matched with a volunteer Louisiana lawyer who will provide free legal help. The type of legal help typically available includes: · Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims · Assistance with home repair contracts and contractors · Assistance with consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures · Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in a major disaster · Drafting powers of attorney · Estate administration (insolvent estates) · Preparation of guardianships and conservatorships · Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems · Counseling on landlord/tenant problems · Referring individuals to local and state agencies that may be of further assistance (e.g.,consumer affairs) Residents should be aware that there are certain limitations to this service. For example, this program is not available to assist with cases that will produce a fee or result in a financial settlement. For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov. · FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. --------------------------------------------- 9/23/2008 2:16:28 PM TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ** To assist FEMA with its assessment of housing damage in Terrebonne Parish, residents whose homes are uninhabitable are requested to contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 985-873-6357. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. It is anticipated that the Bayou Black Recreation Center will be closing at the end of day today with all operations consolidated to the Kirshman’s site tomorrow – more information will be provided as it comes available. For information on the program please call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) and press option 3 for more information or visit their website at www.dss.louisiana.gov DEBRIS REMOVAL Monday, September 22, 2008, approximately 9,314 yards of debris were picked up throughout the parish. Debris removal is ongoing with 71 trucks now operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has added the Airbase Park, Valhi Lagoon Blvd. Park and Gibson Fire Stations as residential drop sites. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. ** Residents should be aware that debris needs to be separated into three different stacks for collection purposes: 1. Normal garbage collection; 2. Vegetative /woody debris, if possible this material should be cut into 8’ to 12’ lengths and stacked into piles along the right of way or within 5 feet of the curb. Plastic bags filled with vegetative waste, and wooden fencing will not be picked up by contractors collecting vegetative debris because the plastic bags and treated wood are not burnable. These materials need to be placed with construction and demolition piles. 3. Construction and demolition waste will be picked up separate from the woody debris waste because it is not burnable. Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electric devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of your contractors. SHELTERS ** To assist FEMA with its assessment of housing damage in Terrebonne Parish, residents whose homes are uninhabitable are requested to contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 985-873-6357. Approximately 180 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas Auditorium, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate transitional housing. WATER Revised Boil Water Advisory: The boil water advisory remains in effect for customers who live along or adjacent to: Island Road – Isle de Jean Charles Community in Pointe-aux-Chenes; From 6687 Hwy. 56 (Robinson Canal Elevated Water Storage Tank) to the end. The boil water advisory in these areas may be lifted after laboratory analyses are concluded. HOSPITALS Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center has resumed normal operations. Terrebonne General is fully operational. ELECTRICITY Electric distribution is fully available with the exception of those homes too damaged by the storms to receive power service. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Baptist Church in Ashland South; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Upper Dularge Fire Station; 5. We will also be providing supplies to the Mechanicville Gym as requested. INFRASTRUCTURE The dewatering plan is in the final stages with the parish operating its portable pumping capacity and 72 of the 73 permanent pump stations back online. The permanent pump station at Clinton Street has been replaced with a large number of portable pumps in Ward 7. ** Parish Officials continue to request your assistance in removing debris from storm drains and ditches and catch basins. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will continue at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Courtney Alcock Parish President/ Public Information Officer (985) 873-6401/ (985) 655-6105 ------------------------------------------ 9/19/2008 2:57:19 PM Subject: Specific Information regarding Evacuation Declarations and Return to Parish Many residents are being questions by their insurance carriers about dates of evacuation and return into the Parish. Please report the following information to assist them. Thank you for all you do. GUSTAV: Mandatory Evacuation: Saturday, August 30 @ 4:00 p.m. Return : Look and Leave only: Friday, Sept 5 @ 6:00 a.m. RETURN: Lift of Look and Leave: Sunday, Sept 7 @ 11:00 a.m. IKE: Voluntary Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 10:00 a.m. Mandatory Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 5:30 p.m. This was revised to include all of the Bayou Dularge from Cenac Towing south, all of Highway 56 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Chauvin area), All of Highway 57 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Ashland, Dulac areas), all of Highway 55 South from intersection of Klondyke/Bourg Larose Highway (Montegut area), and all of Pointe Aux Chenes along Highway 665 up to its intersection with Highway 55. Michel H. Claudet, President Terrebonne Parish Government Phone: 985-873-6401 email: mhclaudet@tpcg.org ============================================================================= SEPTEMBER 19, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/19/2008 2:54:50 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ** POST-HURRICANE IKE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT On Friday, September 19, the United States Air force will use C-130 planes to spray for mosquitoes in Terrebonne Parish. This additional spraying is part of a limited application program that is only available to those parishes affected by Hurricane Ike’s storm surge and is at the request of Terrebonne Parish to protect residents from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. All spraying will follow EPA guidelines and is being managed by state health officials. While the spray is nontoxic to humans, plants and animals, it is recommended to those individuals with respiratory difficulty to remain indoors during the spraying. The spraying will occur during the last 2 hours of daylight. Residents can expect to see the large C-130 military aircraft flying at or above an altitude of 150 feet during the actual spraying application. WATER ** Revised Boil Water Advisory: The boil water advisory has been modified to include only two areas and continues for customers who live along or adjacent to: Island Road – Isle de Jean Charles Community in Pointe-aux-Chenes; From 6687 Hwy. 56 (Robinson Canal Elevated Water Storage Tank) to the end. The boil water advisory in these areas may be lifted after laboratory analyses are concluded. HOSPITALS Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center resumed normal operations effective 2PM on Thursday, September 18, 2008. The following services are available: The Emergency Room will be open with Surgical Divert status – no cases requiring surgery should be transported for care. Internal Medicine Units and Intensive Care beds will be open for inpatients. Due to the opening of Chabert, the DMAT is terminating operations. Terrebonne General is fully operational. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing with approximately 52 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. Yesterday approximately 8990 yards of debris were picked up throughout the parish. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has added the Airbase Park, Valhi Lagoon Blvd. Park and Gibson Fire Stations as residential drop sites. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas Auditorium, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate transitional housing. ** Housing Authority Director Wayne Thibodaux is requesting that tenants in Senator Circle return to their units to begin cleanup and units which received water below the electrical outlets power was turned on yesterday afternoon. Residents of Bayou Towers are being allowed in on a daily basis between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to visit their units and pick up any needed items. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Catholic Church in Dulac; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station concluded yesterday. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity and 72 of the 73 permanent pump stations back online. The permanent pump station at Clinton Street has been replaced with a large number of portable pumps in Ward 7. ** In anticipation of today’s rainfall, parish officials again request your assistance in removing debris from storm drains and ditches and catch basins. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. For information on the program please call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) and press option 3 for more information or visit their website at www.dss.louisiana.gov FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. PRESS BRIEFINGS There will be no press briefing held on Saturday, September 20th or Sunday, September 21st. Press briefings will resume on Monday, September 22nd at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401/ (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457/ (985) 876-2427 ========================================================================== ANIMAL SHELTER 9/19/2008 11:46:12 AM The Animal Shelter is up and running; but they have no phone service at this time. Any calls should be sent to 985-873-6759 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 18, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/18/2008 11:12:18 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center with 89 evacuees, Dumas with 82 evacuees, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is running with approximately 50 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has 3 additional drop off sites will be added today please check www.tpcg.org for locations. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Knights of Columbus Hall on Shrimper’s Row; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station continues. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. ** Results of water quality sampling in areas currently under a boil water advisory will be revised at 4:00 p.m. today at which time Waterworks may be able to reduce the remaining areas within the advisory. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CABLE Comcast’s representative has indicated that the company is targeting having service fully restored throughout the parish by week’s end. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 17, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/17/2008 10:59:36 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%, and service has been restored to the juvenile detention center. SLECA has restored power to the majority of Grand Caillou and Dularge. Entergy - approximately 2200 customers remain out of power of which 2000 are in the Cocodrie and Pointe-aux-Chenes areas. Entergy is targeting restoring power today in the Cocodrie area. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 229 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Dumas Gym is sheltering approximately 35 Bayou Towers residents. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations for those residents. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with approximately 50 trucks registered with our contractor for debris removal in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. It is anticipated that there will be 60 debris removal trucks by the end of the day. Residents may drop off debris themselves at Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville sites. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s, tarps and cleaning supplies as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Bobtown; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is expected to conclude today. The dewatering plan and the north wind are facilitating water moving out of flooded areas, any ponding is being handled by pumps. If present conditions persist with no rain and pumps fully operational, it is expected that dewatering in the lower Dularge area is expected to have water out of houses in 3-4 days; dewatering in the Chauvin area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10 days to have the water return to normal levels in the Chauvin area; dewatering in the Montegut area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10days to have the water return to normal levels in the Montegut area. An estimate for dewatering in the Pointe-aux-Chenes area will be provided at tomorrows briefing. TPCG and officials are continuing to add pumping capacity in flooded areas; once flooding areas have equalized the Levee Board will immediately close any breaches/cuts. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The only remaining roadblock is located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. Economic Development The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311 CABLE Comcast will have a representative present at tonight’s Council meeting to provide a report on the status of service in Terrebonne Parish. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================================== SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING 9/16/2008 11:14:46 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish has transitioned from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%. SLECA was fully operational but now has a service outage in Grand Caillou and Dularge due to problems within the system in the Ashland area. SLECA is working to resolve that outage today. Entergy - approximately 2900 customers remain out primarily in the southern areas of the parish. Entergy is addressing those outages as receding flood waters allow. SHELTERS Approximately 285 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Staging for new evacuees is being handled at Dumas Auditorium. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with additional trucks coming into the area and collection is returning to pre-Ike levels. The contractor has an additional burn site on Coteau Road near Bayou Gardens which is now operating. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center- today is the last day for this location as the distribution is moving it’s focus to the southern reaches of the parish. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Air lifting of sand to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is underway. The unwatering project is in effect with 12 parish pumps deployed throughout the parish to alleviate areas of flooding. TPCG is working with the Levee District to deploy additional pumps the District has acquired with the only hindrance being access problems due to remaining high water. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway and awaits Federal authorization to proceed. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The remaining roadblocks are located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes and at Hwy. 315 at the Dularge overpass which is in place solely to slow traffic due to standing water on the roadway. Woodlawn Ranch Road is now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock Bill Dodd Public Information Officer Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================= ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne -> Follow website link for Terrebonne Parish Hurricane Isaac updates (LTel 9/17/12)
cat_notes: -> Removed old notes: 9/17/12 LTel: 10/10/2008 10:18:55 AM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: DATE: October 10, 2008 TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Opelousas, Chauvin and Harrisonburg to Assist Residents BATON ROUGE, La. –Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) will open Monday in Opelousas, Chauvin and Harrisonburg to assist residents who had damage or losses from hurricanes Gustav and Ike, according to Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials. Disaster Recovery Center location and hours of operation: St. Landry Parish Terrebonne Parish Old Courvelle Toyota Ward 7 Citizens Club 706 N. Main St. 5006 Hwy. 56 Opelousas, LA 70570 Chauvin, LA 70344 Monday, Oct. 13- Friday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Catahoula Parish Harrisonburg Courthouse 301 Bushley St. Harrisonburg, LA 71340 Monday, Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and then Tuesday, Oct. 14- Friday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Additional Disaster Recovery Center locations will be announced in the coming days. Disaster Recovery Center staff can answer questions about registration for disaster assistance and hazard mitigation, help with disaster loan applications and provide information and contacts for other programs. Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike are encouraged to register for assistance by calling the toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 1-800-462-7585) which is open 24 hours a day seven days a week. Applicants also may register on-line at www.fema.gov. Residents are encouraged to register prior to visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. Officials remind affected residents who have already filled out damage report forms with the state, parish emergency managers or voluntary agencies that they must register with FEMA at the above numbers or Web site to be considered for federal assistance. All residents also are encouraged to get involved with the recovery process by helping spread the word about available assistance and the registration numbers. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives at the Disaster Recovery Centers will meet individually with each applicant to provide assistance in completing his or her disaster loan application and to accept completed disaster loan applications. Returning the applications is an essential part of the disaster recovery process even for individuals who do not want a loan. The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for losses not fully covered by insurance. The SBA may loan up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Up to $2 million is available for uncompensated business disaster losses. Residents and business owners can receive information about SBA disaster loans and help with the application process by calling the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visiting the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov. FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO LA HURRICANE VICTIMS 10/10/2008 3:08:12 AM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: DATE: October 10, 2008 TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO LOUISIANA HURRICANE VICTIMS NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana residents affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike can now request free legal assistance through a toll-free number operated by the Louisiana Civil Justice Center, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) . Residents who have legal issues arising from one or both of the storms, but lack the resources to secure adequate legal services, may request help Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. by calling 1-800-310-7029. Free Spanish translation is available for callers who do not speak English. This assistance is available whether the inability to afford legal services existed prior to the disaster or is a result of the disaster. When calling for legal assistance, residents should indicate that they need help with a hurricane-related issue. Those qualifying for assistance will be matched with a volunteer Louisiana lawyer who will provide free legal help. The type of legal help typically available includes: · Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims · Assistance with home repair contracts and contractors · Assistance with consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures · Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in a major disaster · Drafting powers of attorney · Estate administration (insolvent estates) · Preparation of guardianships and conservatorships · Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems · Counseling on landlord/tenant problems · Referring individuals to local and state agencies that may be of further assistance (e.g.,consumer affairs) Residents should be aware that there are certain limitations to this service. For example, this program is not available to assist with cases that will produce a fee or result in a financial settlement. For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov. · FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. --------------------------------------------- 9/23/2008 2:16:28 PM TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ** To assist FEMA with its assessment of housing damage in Terrebonne Parish, residents whose homes are uninhabitable are requested to contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 985-873-6357. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. It is anticipated that the Bayou Black Recreation Center will be closing at the end of day today with all operations consolidated to the Kirshman’s site tomorrow – more information will be provided as it comes available. For information on the program please call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) and press option 3 for more information or visit their website at www.dss.louisiana.gov DEBRIS REMOVAL Monday, September 22, 2008, approximately 9,314 yards of debris were picked up throughout the parish. Debris removal is ongoing with 71 trucks now operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has added the Airbase Park, Valhi Lagoon Blvd. Park and Gibson Fire Stations as residential drop sites. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. ** Residents should be aware that debris needs to be separated into three different stacks for collection purposes: 1. Normal garbage collection; 2. Vegetative /woody debris, if possible this material should be cut into 8’ to 12’ lengths and stacked into piles along the right of way or within 5 feet of the curb. Plastic bags filled with vegetative waste, and wooden fencing will not be picked up by contractors collecting vegetative debris because the plastic bags and treated wood are not burnable. These materials need to be placed with construction and demolition piles. 3. Construction and demolition waste will be picked up separate from the woody debris waste because it is not burnable. Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electric devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of your contractors. SHELTERS ** To assist FEMA with its assessment of housing damage in Terrebonne Parish, residents whose homes are uninhabitable are requested to contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 985-873-6357. Approximately 180 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas Auditorium, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate transitional housing. WATER Revised Boil Water Advisory: The boil water advisory remains in effect for customers who live along or adjacent to: Island Road – Isle de Jean Charles Community in Pointe-aux-Chenes; From 6687 Hwy. 56 (Robinson Canal Elevated Water Storage Tank) to the end. The boil water advisory in these areas may be lifted after laboratory analyses are concluded. HOSPITALS Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center has resumed normal operations. Terrebonne General is fully operational. ELECTRICITY Electric distribution is fully available with the exception of those homes too damaged by the storms to receive power service. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Baptist Church in Ashland South; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Upper Dularge Fire Station; 5. We will also be providing supplies to the Mechanicville Gym as requested. INFRASTRUCTURE The dewatering plan is in the final stages with the parish operating its portable pumping capacity and 72 of the 73 permanent pump stations back online. The permanent pump station at Clinton Street has been replaced with a large number of portable pumps in Ward 7. ** Parish Officials continue to request your assistance in removing debris from storm drains and ditches and catch basins. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will continue at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Courtney Alcock Parish President/ Public Information Officer (985) 873-6401/ (985) 655-6105 ------------------------------------------ 9/19/2008 2:57:19 PM Subject: Specific Information regarding Evacuation Declarations and Return to Parish Many residents are being questions by their insurance carriers about dates of evacuation and return into the Parish. Please report the following information to assist them. Thank you for all you do. GUSTAV: Mandatory Evacuation: Saturday, August 30 @ 4:00 p.m. Return : Look and Leave only: Friday, Sept 5 @ 6:00 a.m. RETURN: Lift of Look and Leave: Sunday, Sept 7 @ 11:00 a.m. IKE: Voluntary Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 10:00 a.m. Mandatory Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 5:30 p.m. This was revised to include all of the Bayou Dularge from Cenac Towing south, all of Highway 56 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Chauvin area), All of Highway 57 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Ashland, Dulac areas), all of Highway 55 South from intersection of Klondyke/Bourg Larose Highway (Montegut area), and all of Pointe Aux Chenes along Highway 665 up to its intersection with Highway 55. Michel H. Claudet, President Terrebonne Parish Government Phone: 985-873-6401 email: mhclaudet@tpcg.org ============================================================================= SEPTEMBER 19, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/19/2008 2:54:50 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ** POST-HURRICANE IKE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT On Friday, September 19, the United States Air force will use C-130 planes to spray for mosquitoes in Terrebonne Parish. This additional spraying is part of a limited application program that is only available to those parishes affected by Hurricane Ike’s storm surge and is at the request of Terrebonne Parish to protect residents from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. All spraying will follow EPA guidelines and is being managed by state health officials. While the spray is nontoxic to humans, plants and animals, it is recommended to those individuals with respiratory difficulty to remain indoors during the spraying. The spraying will occur during the last 2 hours of daylight. Residents can expect to see the large C-130 military aircraft flying at or above an altitude of 150 feet during the actual spraying application. WATER ** Revised Boil Water Advisory: The boil water advisory has been modified to include only two areas and continues for customers who live along or adjacent to: Island Road – Isle de Jean Charles Community in Pointe-aux-Chenes; From 6687 Hwy. 56 (Robinson Canal Elevated Water Storage Tank) to the end. The boil water advisory in these areas may be lifted after laboratory analyses are concluded. HOSPITALS Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center resumed normal operations effective 2PM on Thursday, September 18, 2008. The following services are available: The Emergency Room will be open with Surgical Divert status – no cases requiring surgery should be transported for care. Internal Medicine Units and Intensive Care beds will be open for inpatients. Due to the opening of Chabert, the DMAT is terminating operations. Terrebonne General is fully operational. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing with approximately 52 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. Yesterday approximately 8990 yards of debris were picked up throughout the parish. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has added the Airbase Park, Valhi Lagoon Blvd. Park and Gibson Fire Stations as residential drop sites. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas Auditorium, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate transitional housing. ** Housing Authority Director Wayne Thibodaux is requesting that tenants in Senator Circle return to their units to begin cleanup and units which received water below the electrical outlets power was turned on yesterday afternoon. Residents of Bayou Towers are being allowed in on a daily basis between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to visit their units and pick up any needed items. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Catholic Church in Dulac; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station concluded yesterday. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity and 72 of the 73 permanent pump stations back online. The permanent pump station at Clinton Street has been replaced with a large number of portable pumps in Ward 7. ** In anticipation of today’s rainfall, parish officials again request your assistance in removing debris from storm drains and ditches and catch basins. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. For information on the program please call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) and press option 3 for more information or visit their website at www.dss.louisiana.gov FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. PRESS BRIEFINGS There will be no press briefing held on Saturday, September 20th or Sunday, September 21st. Press briefings will resume on Monday, September 22nd at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401/ (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457/ (985) 876-2427 ========================================================================== ANIMAL SHELTER 9/19/2008 11:46:12 AM The Animal Shelter is up and running; but they have no phone service at this time. Any calls should be sent to 985-873-6759 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 18, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/18/2008 11:12:18 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center with 89 evacuees, Dumas with 82 evacuees, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is running with approximately 50 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has 3 additional drop off sites will be added today please check www.tpcg.org for locations. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Knights of Columbus Hall on Shrimper’s Row; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station continues. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. ** Results of water quality sampling in areas currently under a boil water advisory will be revised at 4:00 p.m. today at which time Waterworks may be able to reduce the remaining areas within the advisory. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CABLE Comcast’s representative has indicated that the company is targeting having service fully restored throughout the parish by week’s end. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 17, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/17/2008 10:59:36 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%, and service has been restored to the juvenile detention center. SLECA has restored power to the majority of Grand Caillou and Dularge. Entergy - approximately 2200 customers remain out of power of which 2000 are in the Cocodrie and Pointe-aux-Chenes areas. Entergy is targeting restoring power today in the Cocodrie area. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 229 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Dumas Gym is sheltering approximately 35 Bayou Towers residents. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations for those residents. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with approximately 50 trucks registered with our contractor for debris removal in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. It is anticipated that there will be 60 debris removal trucks by the end of the day. Residents may drop off debris themselves at Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville sites. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s, tarps and cleaning supplies as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Bobtown; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is expected to conclude today. The dewatering plan and the north wind are facilitating water moving out of flooded areas, any ponding is being handled by pumps. If present conditions persist with no rain and pumps fully operational, it is expected that dewatering in the lower Dularge area is expected to have water out of houses in 3-4 days; dewatering in the Chauvin area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10 days to have the water return to normal levels in the Chauvin area; dewatering in the Montegut area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10days to have the water return to normal levels in the Montegut area. An estimate for dewatering in the Pointe-aux-Chenes area will be provided at tomorrows briefing. TPCG and officials are continuing to add pumping capacity in flooded areas; once flooding areas have equalized the Levee Board will immediately close any breaches/cuts. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The only remaining roadblock is located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. Economic Development The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311 CABLE Comcast will have a representative present at tonight’s Council meeting to provide a report on the status of service in Terrebonne Parish. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================================== SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING 9/16/2008 11:14:46 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish has transitioned from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%. SLECA was fully operational but now has a service outage in Grand Caillou and Dularge due to problems within the system in the Ashland area. SLECA is working to resolve that outage today. Entergy - approximately 2900 customers remain out primarily in the southern areas of the parish. Entergy is addressing those outages as receding flood waters allow. SHELTERS Approximately 285 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Staging for new evacuees is being handled at Dumas Auditorium. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with additional trucks coming into the area and collection is returning to pre-Ike levels. The contractor has an additional burn site on Coteau Road near Bayou Gardens which is now operating. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center- today is the last day for this location as the distribution is moving it’s focus to the southern reaches of the parish. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Air lifting of sand to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is underway. The unwatering project is in effect with 12 parish pumps deployed throughout the parish to alleviate areas of flooding. TPCG is working with the Levee District to deploy additional pumps the District has acquired with the only hindrance being access problems due to remaining high water. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway and awaits Federal authorization to proceed. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The remaining roadblocks are located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes and at Hwy. 315 at the Dularge overpass which is in place solely to slow traffic due to standing water on the roadway. Woodlawn Ranch Road is now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock Bill Dodd Public Information Officer Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================= ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne

notes: 9/23/2008 2:16:28 PM TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ** To assist FEMA with its assessment of housing damage in Terrebonne Parish, residents whose homes are uninhabitable are requested to contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 985-873-6357. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. It is anticipated that the Bayou Black Recreation Center will be closing at the end of day today with all operations consolidated to the Kirshman’s site tomorrow – more information will be provided as it comes available. For information on the program please call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) and press option 3 for more information or visit their website at www.dss.louisiana.gov DEBRIS REMOVAL Monday, September 22, 2008, approximately 9,314 yards of debris were picked up throughout the parish. Debris removal is ongoing with 71 trucks now operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has added the Airbase Park, Valhi Lagoon Blvd. Park and Gibson Fire Stations as residential drop sites. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. ** Residents should be aware that debris needs to be separated into three different stacks for collection purposes: 1. Normal garbage collection; 2. Vegetative /woody debris, if possible this material should be cut into 8’ to 12’ lengths and stacked into piles along the right of way or within 5 feet of the curb. Plastic bags filled with vegetative waste, and wooden fencing will not be picked up by contractors collecting vegetative debris because the plastic bags and treated wood are not burnable. These materials need to be placed with construction and demolition piles. 3. Construction and demolition waste will be picked up separate from the woody debris waste because it is not burnable. Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electric devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of your contractors. SHELTERS ** To assist FEMA with its assessment of housing damage in Terrebonne Parish, residents whose homes are uninhabitable are requested to contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 985-873-6357. Approximately 180 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas Auditorium, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate transitional housing. WATER Revised Boil Water Advisory: The boil water advisory remains in effect for customers who live along or adjacent to: Island Road – Isle de Jean Charles Community in Pointe-aux-Chenes; From 6687 Hwy. 56 (Robinson Canal Elevated Water Storage Tank) to the end. The boil water advisory in these areas may be lifted after laboratory analyses are concluded. HOSPITALS Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center has resumed normal operations. Terrebonne General is fully operational. ELECTRICITY Electric distribution is fully available with the exception of those homes too damaged by the storms to receive power service. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Baptist Church in Ashland South; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Upper Dularge Fire Station; 5. We will also be providing supplies to the Mechanicville Gym as requested. INFRASTRUCTURE The dewatering plan is in the final stages with the parish operating its portable pumping capacity and 72 of the 73 permanent pump stations back online. The permanent pump station at Clinton Street has been replaced with a large number of portable pumps in Ward 7. ** Parish Officials continue to request your assistance in removing debris from storm drains and ditches and catch basins. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will continue at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Courtney Alcock Parish President/ Public Information Officer (985) 873-6401/ (985) 655-6105 ------------------------------------------ 9/19/2008 2:57:19 PM Subject: Specific Information regarding Evacuation Declarations and Return to Parish Many residents are being questions by their insurance carriers about dates of evacuation and return into the Parish. Please report the following information to assist them. Thank you for all you do. GUSTAV: Mandatory Evacuation: Saturday, August 30 @ 4:00 p.m. Return : Look and Leave only: Friday, Sept 5 @ 6:00 a.m. RETURN: Lift of Look and Leave: Sunday, Sept 7 @ 11:00 a.m. IKE: Voluntary Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 10:00 a.m. Mandatory Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 5:30 p.m. This was revised to include all of the Bayou Dularge from Cenac Towing south, all of Highway 56 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Chauvin area), All of Highway 57 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Ashland, Dulac areas), all of Highway 55 South from intersection of Klondyke/Bourg Larose Highway (Montegut area), and all of Pointe Aux Chenes along Highway 665 up to its intersection with Highway 55. Michel H. Claudet, President Terrebonne Parish Government Phone: 985-873-6401 email: mhclaudet@tpcg.org ============================================================================= SEPTEMBER 19, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/19/2008 2:54:50 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ** POST-HURRICANE IKE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT On Friday, September 19, the United States Air force will use C-130 planes to spray for mosquitoes in Terrebonne Parish. This additional spraying is part of a limited application program that is only available to those parishes affected by Hurricane Ike’s storm surge and is at the request of Terrebonne Parish to protect residents from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. All spraying will follow EPA guidelines and is being managed by state health officials. While the spray is nontoxic to humans, plants and animals, it is recommended to those individuals with respiratory difficulty to remain indoors during the spraying. The spraying will occur during the last 2 hours of daylight. Residents can expect to see the large C-130 military aircraft flying at or above an altitude of 150 feet during the actual spraying application. WATER ** Revised Boil Water Advisory: The boil water advisory has been modified to include only two areas and continues for customers who live along or adjacent to: Island Road – Isle de Jean Charles Community in Pointe-aux-Chenes; From 6687 Hwy. 56 (Robinson Canal Elevated Water Storage Tank) to the end. The boil water advisory in these areas may be lifted after laboratory analyses are concluded. HOSPITALS Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center resumed normal operations effective 2PM on Thursday, September 18, 2008. The following services are available: The Emergency Room will be open with Surgical Divert status – no cases requiring surgery should be transported for care. Internal Medicine Units and Intensive Care beds will be open for inpatients. Due to the opening of Chabert, the DMAT is terminating operations. Terrebonne General is fully operational. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing with approximately 52 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. Yesterday approximately 8990 yards of debris were picked up throughout the parish. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has added the Airbase Park, Valhi Lagoon Blvd. Park and Gibson Fire Stations as residential drop sites. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas Auditorium, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate transitional housing. ** Housing Authority Director Wayne Thibodaux is requesting that tenants in Senator Circle return to their units to begin cleanup and units which received water below the electrical outlets power was turned on yesterday afternoon. Residents of Bayou Towers are being allowed in on a daily basis between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to visit their units and pick up any needed items. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Catholic Church in Dulac; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station concluded yesterday. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity and 72 of the 73 permanent pump stations back online. The permanent pump station at Clinton Street has been replaced with a large number of portable pumps in Ward 7. ** In anticipation of today’s rainfall, parish officials again request your assistance in removing debris from storm drains and ditches and catch basins. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. For information on the program please call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) and press option 3 for more information or visit their website at www.dss.louisiana.gov FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. PRESS BRIEFINGS There will be no press briefing held on Saturday, September 20th or Sunday, September 21st. Press briefings will resume on Monday, September 22nd at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401/ (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457/ (985) 876-2427 ========================================================================== ANIMAL SHELTER 9/19/2008 11:46:12 AM The Animal Shelter is up and running; but they have no phone service at this time. Any calls should be sent to 985-873-6759 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 18, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/18/2008 11:12:18 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center with 89 evacuees, Dumas with 82 evacuees, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is running with approximately 50 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has 3 additional drop off sites will be added today please check www.tpcg.org for locations. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Knights of Columbus Hall on Shrimper’s Row; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station continues. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. ** Results of water quality sampling in areas currently under a boil water advisory will be revised at 4:00 p.m. today at which time Waterworks may be able to reduce the remaining areas within the advisory. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CABLE Comcast’s representative has indicated that the company is targeting having service fully restored throughout the parish by week’s end. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 17, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/17/2008 10:59:36 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%, and service has been restored to the juvenile detention center. SLECA has restored power to the majority of Grand Caillou and Dularge. Entergy - approximately 2200 customers remain out of power of which 2000 are in the Cocodrie and Pointe-aux-Chenes areas. Entergy is targeting restoring power today in the Cocodrie area. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 229 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Dumas Gym is sheltering approximately 35 Bayou Towers residents. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations for those residents. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with approximately 50 trucks registered with our contractor for debris removal in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. It is anticipated that there will be 60 debris removal trucks by the end of the day. Residents may drop off debris themselves at Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville sites. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s, tarps and cleaning supplies as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Bobtown; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is expected to conclude today. The dewatering plan and the north wind are facilitating water moving out of flooded areas, any ponding is being handled by pumps. If present conditions persist with no rain and pumps fully operational, it is expected that dewatering in the lower Dularge area is expected to have water out of houses in 3-4 days; dewatering in the Chauvin area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10 days to have the water return to normal levels in the Chauvin area; dewatering in the Montegut area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10days to have the water return to normal levels in the Montegut area. An estimate for dewatering in the Pointe-aux-Chenes area will be provided at tomorrows briefing. TPCG and officials are continuing to add pumping capacity in flooded areas; once flooding areas have equalized the Levee Board will immediately close any breaches/cuts. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The only remaining roadblock is located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. Economic Development The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311 CABLE Comcast will have a representative present at tonight’s Council meeting to provide a report on the status of service in Terrebonne Parish. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================================== SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING 9/16/2008 11:14:46 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish has transitioned from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%. SLECA was fully operational but now has a service outage in Grand Caillou and Dularge due to problems within the system in the Ashland area. SLECA is working to resolve that outage today. Entergy - approximately 2900 customers remain out primarily in the southern areas of the parish. Entergy is addressing those outages as receding flood waters allow. SHELTERS Approximately 285 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Staging for new evacuees is being handled at Dumas Auditorium. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with additional trucks coming into the area and collection is returning to pre-Ike levels. The contractor has an additional burn site on Coteau Road near Bayou Gardens which is now operating. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center- today is the last day for this location as the distribution is moving it’s focus to the southern reaches of the parish. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Air lifting of sand to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is underway. The unwatering project is in effect with 12 parish pumps deployed throughout the parish to alleviate areas of flooding. TPCG is working with the Levee District to deploy additional pumps the District has acquired with the only hindrance being access problems due to remaining high water. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway and awaits Federal authorization to proceed. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The remaining roadblocks are located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes and at Hwy. 315 at the Dularge overpass which is in place solely to slow traffic due to standing water on the roadway. Woodlawn Ranch Road is now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock Bill Dodd Public Information Officer Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================= ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne -> 10/10/2008 10:18:55 AM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: DATE: October 10, 2008 TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Opelousas, Chauvin and Harrisonburg to Assist Residents BATON ROUGE, La. –Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) will open Monday in Opelousas, Chauvin and Harrisonburg to assist residents who had damage or losses from hurricanes Gustav and Ike, according to Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials. Disaster Recovery Center location and hours of operation: St. Landry Parish Terrebonne Parish Old Courvelle Toyota Ward 7 Citizens Club 706 N. Main St. 5006 Hwy. 56 Opelousas, LA 70570 Chauvin, LA 70344 Monday, Oct. 13- Friday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Catahoula Parish Harrisonburg Courthouse 301 Bushley St. Harrisonburg, LA 71340 Monday, Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and then Tuesday, Oct. 14- Friday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Additional Disaster Recovery Center locations will be announced in the coming days. Disaster Recovery Center staff can answer questions about registration for disaster assistance and hazard mitigation, help with disaster loan applications and provide information and contacts for other programs. Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike are encouraged to register for assistance by calling the toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 1-800-462-7585) which is open 24 hours a day seven days a week. Applicants also may register on-line at www.fema.gov. Residents are encouraged to register prior to visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. Officials remind affected residents who have already filled out damage report forms with the state, parish emergency managers or voluntary agencies that they must register with FEMA at the above numbers or Web site to be considered for federal assistance. All residents also are encouraged to get involved with the recovery process by helping spread the word about available assistance and the registration numbers. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives at the Disaster Recovery Centers will meet individually with each applicant to provide assistance in completing his or her disaster loan application and to accept completed disaster loan applications. Returning the applications is an essential part of the disaster recovery process even for individuals who do not want a loan. The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for losses not fully covered by insurance. The SBA may loan up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Up to $2 million is available for uncompensated business disaster losses. Residents and business owners can receive information about SBA disaster loans and help with the application process by calling the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visiting the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov. FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO LA HURRICANE VICTIMS 10/10/2008 3:08:12 AM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: DATE: October 10, 2008 TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO LOUISIANA HURRICANE VICTIMS NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana residents affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike can now request free legal assistance through a toll-free number operated by the Louisiana Civil Justice Center, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) . Residents who have legal issues arising from one or both of the storms, but lack the resources to secure adequate legal services, may request help Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. by calling 1-800-310-7029. Free Spanish translation is available for callers who do not speak English. This assistance is available whether the inability to afford legal services existed prior to the disaster or is a result of the disaster. When calling for legal assistance, residents should indicate that they need help with a hurricane-related issue. Those qualifying for assistance will be matched with a volunteer Louisiana lawyer who will provide free legal help. The type of legal help typically available includes: · Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims · Assistance with home repair contracts and contractors · Assistance with consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures · Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in a major disaster · Drafting powers of attorney · Estate administration (insolvent estates) · Preparation of guardianships and conservatorships · Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems · Counseling on landlord/tenant problems · Referring individuals to local and state agencies that may be of further assistance (e.g.,consumer affairs) Residents should be aware that there are certain limitations to this service. For example, this program is not available to assist with cases that will produce a fee or result in a financial settlement. For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov. · FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. --------------------------------------------- 9/23/2008 2:16:28 PM TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ** To assist FEMA with its assessment of housing damage in Terrebonne Parish, residents whose homes are uninhabitable are requested to contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 985-873-6357. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. It is anticipated that the Bayou Black Recreation Center will be closing at the end of day today with all operations consolidated to the Kirshman’s site tomorrow – more information will be provided as it comes available. For information on the program please call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) and press option 3 for more information or visit their website at www.dss.louisiana.gov DEBRIS REMOVAL Monday, September 22, 2008, approximately 9,314 yards of debris were picked up throughout the parish. Debris removal is ongoing with 71 trucks now operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has added the Airbase Park, Valhi Lagoon Blvd. Park and Gibson Fire Stations as residential drop sites. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. ** Residents should be aware that debris needs to be separated into three different stacks for collection purposes: 1. Normal garbage collection; 2. Vegetative /woody debris, if possible this material should be cut into 8’ to 12’ lengths and stacked into piles along the right of way or within 5 feet of the curb. Plastic bags filled with vegetative waste, and wooden fencing will not be picked up by contractors collecting vegetative debris because the plastic bags and treated wood are not burnable. These materials need to be placed with construction and demolition piles. 3. Construction and demolition waste will be picked up separate from the woody debris waste because it is not burnable. Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electric devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of your contractors. SHELTERS ** To assist FEMA with its assessment of housing damage in Terrebonne Parish, residents whose homes are uninhabitable are requested to contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 985-873-6357. Approximately 180 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas Auditorium, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate transitional housing. WATER Revised Boil Water Advisory: The boil water advisory remains in effect for customers who live along or adjacent to: Island Road – Isle de Jean Charles Community in Pointe-aux-Chenes; From 6687 Hwy. 56 (Robinson Canal Elevated Water Storage Tank) to the end. The boil water advisory in these areas may be lifted after laboratory analyses are concluded. HOSPITALS Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center has resumed normal operations. Terrebonne General is fully operational. ELECTRICITY Electric distribution is fully available with the exception of those homes too damaged by the storms to receive power service. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Baptist Church in Ashland South; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Upper Dularge Fire Station; 5. We will also be providing supplies to the Mechanicville Gym as requested. INFRASTRUCTURE The dewatering plan is in the final stages with the parish operating its portable pumping capacity and 72 of the 73 permanent pump stations back online. The permanent pump station at Clinton Street has been replaced with a large number of portable pumps in Ward 7. ** Parish Officials continue to request your assistance in removing debris from storm drains and ditches and catch basins. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will continue at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Courtney Alcock Parish President/ Public Information Officer (985) 873-6401/ (985) 655-6105 ------------------------------------------ 9/19/2008 2:57:19 PM Subject: Specific Information regarding Evacuation Declarations and Return to Parish Many residents are being questions by their insurance carriers about dates of evacuation and return into the Parish. Please report the following information to assist them. Thank you for all you do. GUSTAV: Mandatory Evacuation: Saturday, August 30 @ 4:00 p.m. Return : Look and Leave only: Friday, Sept 5 @ 6:00 a.m. RETURN: Lift of Look and Leave: Sunday, Sept 7 @ 11:00 a.m. IKE: Voluntary Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 10:00 a.m. Mandatory Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 5:30 p.m. This was revised to include all of the Bayou Dularge from Cenac Towing south, all of Highway 56 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Chauvin area), All of Highway 57 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Ashland, Dulac areas), all of Highway 55 South from intersection of Klondyke/Bourg Larose Highway (Montegut area), and all of Pointe Aux Chenes along Highway 665 up to its intersection with Highway 55. Michel H. Claudet, President Terrebonne Parish Government Phone: 985-873-6401 email: mhclaudet@tpcg.org ============================================================================= SEPTEMBER 19, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/19/2008 2:54:50 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ** POST-HURRICANE IKE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT On Friday, September 19, the United States Air force will use C-130 planes to spray for mosquitoes in Terrebonne Parish. This additional spraying is part of a limited application program that is only available to those parishes affected by Hurricane Ike’s storm surge and is at the request of Terrebonne Parish to protect residents from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. All spraying will follow EPA guidelines and is being managed by state health officials. While the spray is nontoxic to humans, plants and animals, it is recommended to those individuals with respiratory difficulty to remain indoors during the spraying. The spraying will occur during the last 2 hours of daylight. Residents can expect to see the large C-130 military aircraft flying at or above an altitude of 150 feet during the actual spraying application. WATER ** Revised Boil Water Advisory: The boil water advisory has been modified to include only two areas and continues for customers who live along or adjacent to: Island Road – Isle de Jean Charles Community in Pointe-aux-Chenes; From 6687 Hwy. 56 (Robinson Canal Elevated Water Storage Tank) to the end. The boil water advisory in these areas may be lifted after laboratory analyses are concluded. HOSPITALS Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center resumed normal operations effective 2PM on Thursday, September 18, 2008. The following services are available: The Emergency Room will be open with Surgical Divert status – no cases requiring surgery should be transported for care. Internal Medicine Units and Intensive Care beds will be open for inpatients. Due to the opening of Chabert, the DMAT is terminating operations. Terrebonne General is fully operational. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing with approximately 52 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. Yesterday approximately 8990 yards of debris were picked up throughout the parish. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has added the Airbase Park, Valhi Lagoon Blvd. Park and Gibson Fire Stations as residential drop sites. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas Auditorium, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate transitional housing. ** Housing Authority Director Wayne Thibodaux is requesting that tenants in Senator Circle return to their units to begin cleanup and units which received water below the electrical outlets power was turned on yesterday afternoon. Residents of Bayou Towers are being allowed in on a daily basis between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to visit their units and pick up any needed items. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Catholic Church in Dulac; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station concluded yesterday. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity and 72 of the 73 permanent pump stations back online. The permanent pump station at Clinton Street has been replaced with a large number of portable pumps in Ward 7. ** In anticipation of today’s rainfall, parish officials again request your assistance in removing debris from storm drains and ditches and catch basins. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. For information on the program please call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) and press option 3 for more information or visit their website at www.dss.louisiana.gov FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. PRESS BRIEFINGS There will be no press briefing held on Saturday, September 20th or Sunday, September 21st. Press briefings will resume on Monday, September 22nd at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401/ (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457/ (985) 876-2427 ========================================================================== ANIMAL SHELTER 9/19/2008 11:46:12 AM The Animal Shelter is up and running; but they have no phone service at this time. Any calls should be sent to 985-873-6759 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 18, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/18/2008 11:12:18 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center with 89 evacuees, Dumas with 82 evacuees, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is running with approximately 50 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has 3 additional drop off sites will be added today please check www.tpcg.org for locations. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Knights of Columbus Hall on Shrimper’s Row; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station continues. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. ** Results of water quality sampling in areas currently under a boil water advisory will be revised at 4:00 p.m. today at which time Waterworks may be able to reduce the remaining areas within the advisory. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CABLE Comcast’s representative has indicated that the company is targeting having service fully restored throughout the parish by week’s end. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 17, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/17/2008 10:59:36 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%, and service has been restored to the juvenile detention center. SLECA has restored power to the majority of Grand Caillou and Dularge. Entergy - approximately 2200 customers remain out of power of which 2000 are in the Cocodrie and Pointe-aux-Chenes areas. Entergy is targeting restoring power today in the Cocodrie area. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 229 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Dumas Gym is sheltering approximately 35 Bayou Towers residents. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations for those residents. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with approximately 50 trucks registered with our contractor for debris removal in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. It is anticipated that there will be 60 debris removal trucks by the end of the day. Residents may drop off debris themselves at Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville sites. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s, tarps and cleaning supplies as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Bobtown; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is expected to conclude today. The dewatering plan and the north wind are facilitating water moving out of flooded areas, any ponding is being handled by pumps. If present conditions persist with no rain and pumps fully operational, it is expected that dewatering in the lower Dularge area is expected to have water out of houses in 3-4 days; dewatering in the Chauvin area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10 days to have the water return to normal levels in the Chauvin area; dewatering in the Montegut area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10days to have the water return to normal levels in the Montegut area. An estimate for dewatering in the Pointe-aux-Chenes area will be provided at tomorrows briefing. TPCG and officials are continuing to add pumping capacity in flooded areas; once flooding areas have equalized the Levee Board will immediately close any breaches/cuts. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The only remaining roadblock is located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. Economic Development The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311 CABLE Comcast will have a representative present at tonight’s Council meeting to provide a report on the status of service in Terrebonne Parish. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================================== SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING 9/16/2008 11:14:46 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish has transitioned from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%. SLECA was fully operational but now has a service outage in Grand Caillou and Dularge due to problems within the system in the Ashland area. SLECA is working to resolve that outage today. Entergy - approximately 2900 customers remain out primarily in the southern areas of the parish. Entergy is addressing those outages as receding flood waters allow. SHELTERS Approximately 285 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Staging for new evacuees is being handled at Dumas Auditorium. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with additional trucks coming into the area and collection is returning to pre-Ike levels. The contractor has an additional burn site on Coteau Road near Bayou Gardens which is now operating. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center- today is the last day for this location as the distribution is moving it’s focus to the southern reaches of the parish. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Air lifting of sand to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is underway. The unwatering project is in effect with 12 parish pumps deployed throughout the parish to alleviate areas of flooding. TPCG is working with the Levee District to deploy additional pumps the District has acquired with the only hindrance being access problems due to remaining high water. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway and awaits Federal authorization to proceed. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The remaining roadblocks are located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes and at Hwy. 315 at the Dularge overpass which is in place solely to slow traffic due to standing water on the roadway. Woodlawn Ranch Road is now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock Bill Dodd Public Information Officer Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================= ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne

notes: 9/19/2008 2:57:19 PM Subject: Specific Information regarding Evacuation Declarations and Return to Parish Many residents are being questions by their insurance carriers about dates of evacuation and return into the Parish. Please report the following information to assist them. Thank you for all you do. GUSTAV: Mandatory Evacuation: Saturday, August 30 @ 4:00 p.m. Return : Look and Leave only: Friday, Sept 5 @ 6:00 a.m. RETURN: Lift of Look and Leave: Sunday, Sept 7 @ 11:00 a.m. IKE: Voluntary Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 10:00 a.m. Mandatory Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 5:30 p.m. This was revised to include all of the Bayou Dularge from Cenac Towing south, all of Highway 56 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Chauvin area), All of Highway 57 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Ashland, Dulac areas), all of Highway 55 South from intersection of Klondyke/Bourg Larose Highway (Montegut area), and all of Pointe Aux Chenes along Highway 665 up to its intersection with Highway 55. Michel H. Claudet, President Terrebonne Parish Government Phone: 985-873-6401 email: mhclaudet@tpcg.org ============================================================================= SEPTEMBER 19, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/19/2008 2:54:50 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ** POST-HURRICANE IKE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT On Friday, September 19, the United States Air force will use C-130 planes to spray for mosquitoes in Terrebonne Parish. This additional spraying is part of a limited application program that is only available to those parishes affected by Hurricane Ike’s storm surge and is at the request of Terrebonne Parish to protect residents from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. All spraying will follow EPA guidelines and is being managed by state health officials. While the spray is nontoxic to humans, plants and animals, it is recommended to those individuals with respiratory difficulty to remain indoors during the spraying. The spraying will occur during the last 2 hours of daylight. Residents can expect to see the large C-130 military aircraft flying at or above an altitude of 150 feet during the actual spraying application. WATER ** Revised Boil Water Advisory: The boil water advisory has been modified to include only two areas and continues for customers who live along or adjacent to: Island Road – Isle de Jean Charles Community in Pointe-aux-Chenes; From 6687 Hwy. 56 (Robinson Canal Elevated Water Storage Tank) to the end. The boil water advisory in these areas may be lifted after laboratory analyses are concluded. HOSPITALS Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center resumed normal operations effective 2PM on Thursday, September 18, 2008. The following services are available: The Emergency Room will be open with Surgical Divert status – no cases requiring surgery should be transported for care. Internal Medicine Units and Intensive Care beds will be open for inpatients. Due to the opening of Chabert, the DMAT is terminating operations. Terrebonne General is fully operational. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing with approximately 52 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. Yesterday approximately 8990 yards of debris were picked up throughout the parish. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has added the Airbase Park, Valhi Lagoon Blvd. Park and Gibson Fire Stations as residential drop sites. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas Auditorium, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate transitional housing. ** Housing Authority Director Wayne Thibodaux is requesting that tenants in Senator Circle return to their units to begin cleanup and units which received water below the electrical outlets power was turned on yesterday afternoon. Residents of Bayou Towers are being allowed in on a daily basis between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to visit their units and pick up any needed items. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Catholic Church in Dulac; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station concluded yesterday. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity and 72 of the 73 permanent pump stations back online. The permanent pump station at Clinton Street has been replaced with a large number of portable pumps in Ward 7. ** In anticipation of today’s rainfall, parish officials again request your assistance in removing debris from storm drains and ditches and catch basins. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. For information on the program please call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) and press option 3 for more information or visit their website at www.dss.louisiana.gov FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. PRESS BRIEFINGS There will be no press briefing held on Saturday, September 20th or Sunday, September 21st. Press briefings will resume on Monday, September 22nd at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401/ (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457/ (985) 876-2427 ========================================================================== ANIMAL SHELTER 9/19/2008 11:46:12 AM The Animal Shelter is up and running; but they have no phone service at this time. Any calls should be sent to 985-873-6759 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 18, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/18/2008 11:12:18 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center with 89 evacuees, Dumas with 82 evacuees, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is running with approximately 50 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has 3 additional drop off sites will be added today please check www.tpcg.org for locations. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Knights of Columbus Hall on Shrimper’s Row; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station continues. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. ** Results of water quality sampling in areas currently under a boil water advisory will be revised at 4:00 p.m. today at which time Waterworks may be able to reduce the remaining areas within the advisory. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CABLE Comcast’s representative has indicated that the company is targeting having service fully restored throughout the parish by week’s end. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 17, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/17/2008 10:59:36 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%, and service has been restored to the juvenile detention center. SLECA has restored power to the majority of Grand Caillou and Dularge. Entergy - approximately 2200 customers remain out of power of which 2000 are in the Cocodrie and Pointe-aux-Chenes areas. Entergy is targeting restoring power today in the Cocodrie area. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 229 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Dumas Gym is sheltering approximately 35 Bayou Towers residents. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations for those residents. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with approximately 50 trucks registered with our contractor for debris removal in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. It is anticipated that there will be 60 debris removal trucks by the end of the day. Residents may drop off debris themselves at Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville sites. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s, tarps and cleaning supplies as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Bobtown; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is expected to conclude today. The dewatering plan and the north wind are facilitating water moving out of flooded areas, any ponding is being handled by pumps. If present conditions persist with no rain and pumps fully operational, it is expected that dewatering in the lower Dularge area is expected to have water out of houses in 3-4 days; dewatering in the Chauvin area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10 days to have the water return to normal levels in the Chauvin area; dewatering in the Montegut area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10days to have the water return to normal levels in the Montegut area. An estimate for dewatering in the Pointe-aux-Chenes area will be provided at tomorrows briefing. TPCG and officials are continuing to add pumping capacity in flooded areas; once flooding areas have equalized the Levee Board will immediately close any breaches/cuts. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The only remaining roadblock is located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. Economic Development The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311 CABLE Comcast will have a representative present at tonight’s Council meeting to provide a report on the status of service in Terrebonne Parish. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================================== SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING 9/16/2008 11:14:46 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish has transitioned from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%. SLECA was fully operational but now has a service outage in Grand Caillou and Dularge due to problems within the system in the Ashland area. SLECA is working to resolve that outage today. Entergy - approximately 2900 customers remain out primarily in the southern areas of the parish. Entergy is addressing those outages as receding flood waters allow. SHELTERS Approximately 285 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Staging for new evacuees is being handled at Dumas Auditorium. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with additional trucks coming into the area and collection is returning to pre-Ike levels. The contractor has an additional burn site on Coteau Road near Bayou Gardens which is now operating. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center- today is the last day for this location as the distribution is moving it’s focus to the southern reaches of the parish. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Air lifting of sand to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is underway. The unwatering project is in effect with 12 parish pumps deployed throughout the parish to alleviate areas of flooding. TPCG is working with the Levee District to deploy additional pumps the District has acquired with the only hindrance being access problems due to remaining high water. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway and awaits Federal authorization to proceed. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The remaining roadblocks are located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes and at Hwy. 315 at the Dularge overpass which is in place solely to slow traffic due to standing water on the roadway. Woodlawn Ranch Road is now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock Bill Dodd Public Information Officer Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================= ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne -> 9/23/2008 2:16:28 PM TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ** To assist FEMA with its assessment of housing damage in Terrebonne Parish, residents whose homes are uninhabitable are requested to contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 985-873-6357. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. It is anticipated that the Bayou Black Recreation Center will be closing at the end of day today with all operations consolidated to the Kirshman’s site tomorrow – more information will be provided as it comes available. For information on the program please call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) and press option 3 for more information or visit their website at www.dss.louisiana.gov DEBRIS REMOVAL Monday, September 22, 2008, approximately 9,314 yards of debris were picked up throughout the parish. Debris removal is ongoing with 71 trucks now operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has added the Airbase Park, Valhi Lagoon Blvd. Park and Gibson Fire Stations as residential drop sites. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. ** Residents should be aware that debris needs to be separated into three different stacks for collection purposes: 1. Normal garbage collection; 2. Vegetative /woody debris, if possible this material should be cut into 8’ to 12’ lengths and stacked into piles along the right of way or within 5 feet of the curb. Plastic bags filled with vegetative waste, and wooden fencing will not be picked up by contractors collecting vegetative debris because the plastic bags and treated wood are not burnable. These materials need to be placed with construction and demolition piles. 3. Construction and demolition waste will be picked up separate from the woody debris waste because it is not burnable. Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electric devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of your contractors. SHELTERS ** To assist FEMA with its assessment of housing damage in Terrebonne Parish, residents whose homes are uninhabitable are requested to contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 985-873-6357. Approximately 180 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas Auditorium, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate transitional housing. WATER Revised Boil Water Advisory: The boil water advisory remains in effect for customers who live along or adjacent to: Island Road – Isle de Jean Charles Community in Pointe-aux-Chenes; From 6687 Hwy. 56 (Robinson Canal Elevated Water Storage Tank) to the end. The boil water advisory in these areas may be lifted after laboratory analyses are concluded. HOSPITALS Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center has resumed normal operations. Terrebonne General is fully operational. ELECTRICITY Electric distribution is fully available with the exception of those homes too damaged by the storms to receive power service. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Baptist Church in Ashland South; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Upper Dularge Fire Station; 5. We will also be providing supplies to the Mechanicville Gym as requested. INFRASTRUCTURE The dewatering plan is in the final stages with the parish operating its portable pumping capacity and 72 of the 73 permanent pump stations back online. The permanent pump station at Clinton Street has been replaced with a large number of portable pumps in Ward 7. ** Parish Officials continue to request your assistance in removing debris from storm drains and ditches and catch basins. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will continue at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Courtney Alcock Parish President/ Public Information Officer (985) 873-6401/ (985) 655-6105 ------------------------------------------ 9/19/2008 2:57:19 PM Subject: Specific Information regarding Evacuation Declarations and Return to Parish Many residents are being questions by their insurance carriers about dates of evacuation and return into the Parish. Please report the following information to assist them. Thank you for all you do. GUSTAV: Mandatory Evacuation: Saturday, August 30 @ 4:00 p.m. Return : Look and Leave only: Friday, Sept 5 @ 6:00 a.m. RETURN: Lift of Look and Leave: Sunday, Sept 7 @ 11:00 a.m. IKE: Voluntary Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 10:00 a.m. Mandatory Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 5:30 p.m. This was revised to include all of the Bayou Dularge from Cenac Towing south, all of Highway 56 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Chauvin area), All of Highway 57 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Ashland, Dulac areas), all of Highway 55 South from intersection of Klondyke/Bourg Larose Highway (Montegut area), and all of Pointe Aux Chenes along Highway 665 up to its intersection with Highway 55. Michel H. Claudet, President Terrebonne Parish Government Phone: 985-873-6401 email: mhclaudet@tpcg.org ============================================================================= SEPTEMBER 19, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/19/2008 2:54:50 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ** POST-HURRICANE IKE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT On Friday, September 19, the United States Air force will use C-130 planes to spray for mosquitoes in Terrebonne Parish. This additional spraying is part of a limited application program that is only available to those parishes affected by Hurricane Ike’s storm surge and is at the request of Terrebonne Parish to protect residents from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. All spraying will follow EPA guidelines and is being managed by state health officials. While the spray is nontoxic to humans, plants and animals, it is recommended to those individuals with respiratory difficulty to remain indoors during the spraying. The spraying will occur during the last 2 hours of daylight. Residents can expect to see the large C-130 military aircraft flying at or above an altitude of 150 feet during the actual spraying application. WATER ** Revised Boil Water Advisory: The boil water advisory has been modified to include only two areas and continues for customers who live along or adjacent to: Island Road – Isle de Jean Charles Community in Pointe-aux-Chenes; From 6687 Hwy. 56 (Robinson Canal Elevated Water Storage Tank) to the end. The boil water advisory in these areas may be lifted after laboratory analyses are concluded. HOSPITALS Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center resumed normal operations effective 2PM on Thursday, September 18, 2008. The following services are available: The Emergency Room will be open with Surgical Divert status – no cases requiring surgery should be transported for care. Internal Medicine Units and Intensive Care beds will be open for inpatients. Due to the opening of Chabert, the DMAT is terminating operations. Terrebonne General is fully operational. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing with approximately 52 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. Yesterday approximately 8990 yards of debris were picked up throughout the parish. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has added the Airbase Park, Valhi Lagoon Blvd. Park and Gibson Fire Stations as residential drop sites. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas Auditorium, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate transitional housing. ** Housing Authority Director Wayne Thibodaux is requesting that tenants in Senator Circle return to their units to begin cleanup and units which received water below the electrical outlets power was turned on yesterday afternoon. Residents of Bayou Towers are being allowed in on a daily basis between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to visit their units and pick up any needed items. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Catholic Church in Dulac; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station concluded yesterday. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity and 72 of the 73 permanent pump stations back online. The permanent pump station at Clinton Street has been replaced with a large number of portable pumps in Ward 7. ** In anticipation of today’s rainfall, parish officials again request your assistance in removing debris from storm drains and ditches and catch basins. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. For information on the program please call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) and press option 3 for more information or visit their website at www.dss.louisiana.gov FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. PRESS BRIEFINGS There will be no press briefing held on Saturday, September 20th or Sunday, September 21st. Press briefings will resume on Monday, September 22nd at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401/ (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457/ (985) 876-2427 ========================================================================== ANIMAL SHELTER 9/19/2008 11:46:12 AM The Animal Shelter is up and running; but they have no phone service at this time. Any calls should be sent to 985-873-6759 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 18, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/18/2008 11:12:18 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center with 89 evacuees, Dumas with 82 evacuees, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is running with approximately 50 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has 3 additional drop off sites will be added today please check www.tpcg.org for locations. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Knights of Columbus Hall on Shrimper’s Row; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station continues. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. ** Results of water quality sampling in areas currently under a boil water advisory will be revised at 4:00 p.m. today at which time Waterworks may be able to reduce the remaining areas within the advisory. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CABLE Comcast’s representative has indicated that the company is targeting having service fully restored throughout the parish by week’s end. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 17, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/17/2008 10:59:36 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%, and service has been restored to the juvenile detention center. SLECA has restored power to the majority of Grand Caillou and Dularge. Entergy - approximately 2200 customers remain out of power of which 2000 are in the Cocodrie and Pointe-aux-Chenes areas. Entergy is targeting restoring power today in the Cocodrie area. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 229 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Dumas Gym is sheltering approximately 35 Bayou Towers residents. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations for those residents. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with approximately 50 trucks registered with our contractor for debris removal in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. It is anticipated that there will be 60 debris removal trucks by the end of the day. Residents may drop off debris themselves at Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville sites. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s, tarps and cleaning supplies as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Bobtown; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is expected to conclude today. The dewatering plan and the north wind are facilitating water moving out of flooded areas, any ponding is being handled by pumps. If present conditions persist with no rain and pumps fully operational, it is expected that dewatering in the lower Dularge area is expected to have water out of houses in 3-4 days; dewatering in the Chauvin area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10 days to have the water return to normal levels in the Chauvin area; dewatering in the Montegut area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10days to have the water return to normal levels in the Montegut area. An estimate for dewatering in the Pointe-aux-Chenes area will be provided at tomorrows briefing. TPCG and officials are continuing to add pumping capacity in flooded areas; once flooding areas have equalized the Levee Board will immediately close any breaches/cuts. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The only remaining roadblock is located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. Economic Development The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311 CABLE Comcast will have a representative present at tonight’s Council meeting to provide a report on the status of service in Terrebonne Parish. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================================== SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING 9/16/2008 11:14:46 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish has transitioned from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%. SLECA was fully operational but now has a service outage in Grand Caillou and Dularge due to problems within the system in the Ashland area. SLECA is working to resolve that outage today. Entergy - approximately 2900 customers remain out primarily in the southern areas of the parish. Entergy is addressing those outages as receding flood waters allow. SHELTERS Approximately 285 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Staging for new evacuees is being handled at Dumas Auditorium. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with additional trucks coming into the area and collection is returning to pre-Ike levels. The contractor has an additional burn site on Coteau Road near Bayou Gardens which is now operating. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center- today is the last day for this location as the distribution is moving it’s focus to the southern reaches of the parish. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Air lifting of sand to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is underway. The unwatering project is in effect with 12 parish pumps deployed throughout the parish to alleviate areas of flooding. TPCG is working with the Levee District to deploy additional pumps the District has acquired with the only hindrance being access problems due to remaining high water. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway and awaits Federal authorization to proceed. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The remaining roadblocks are located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes and at Hwy. 315 at the Dularge overpass which is in place solely to slow traffic due to standing water on the roadway. Woodlawn Ranch Road is now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock Bill Dodd Public Information Officer Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================= ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne

name: Terrebonne Parish Cnsolidated Government - Unified Command (Parish Updates) -> Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government - Unified Command (Parish Updates)

name: Terrebonne Parish EOP / Consolidated Government (Parish Updates - Unified Command) -> Terrebonne Parish Cnsolidated Government - Unified Command (Parish Updates)

notes: ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne -> 9/19/2008 2:57:19 PM Subject: Specific Information regarding Evacuation Declarations and Return to Parish Many residents are being questions by their insurance carriers about dates of evacuation and return into the Parish. Please report the following information to assist them. Thank you for all you do. GUSTAV: Mandatory Evacuation: Saturday, August 30 @ 4:00 p.m. Return : Look and Leave only: Friday, Sept 5 @ 6:00 a.m. RETURN: Lift of Look and Leave: Sunday, Sept 7 @ 11:00 a.m. IKE: Voluntary Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 10:00 a.m. Mandatory Evacuation: Low Lying areas only: Thursday, September 11 @ 5:30 p.m. This was revised to include all of the Bayou Dularge from Cenac Towing south, all of Highway 56 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Chauvin area), All of Highway 57 South from Woodlawn Ranch Road (Ashland, Dulac areas), all of Highway 55 South from intersection of Klondyke/Bourg Larose Highway (Montegut area), and all of Pointe Aux Chenes along Highway 665 up to its intersection with Highway 55. Michel H. Claudet, President Terrebonne Parish Government Phone: 985-873-6401 email: mhclaudet@tpcg.org ============================================================================= SEPTEMBER 19, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/19/2008 2:54:50 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ** POST-HURRICANE IKE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT On Friday, September 19, the United States Air force will use C-130 planes to spray for mosquitoes in Terrebonne Parish. This additional spraying is part of a limited application program that is only available to those parishes affected by Hurricane Ike’s storm surge and is at the request of Terrebonne Parish to protect residents from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. All spraying will follow EPA guidelines and is being managed by state health officials. While the spray is nontoxic to humans, plants and animals, it is recommended to those individuals with respiratory difficulty to remain indoors during the spraying. The spraying will occur during the last 2 hours of daylight. Residents can expect to see the large C-130 military aircraft flying at or above an altitude of 150 feet during the actual spraying application. WATER ** Revised Boil Water Advisory: The boil water advisory has been modified to include only two areas and continues for customers who live along or adjacent to: Island Road – Isle de Jean Charles Community in Pointe-aux-Chenes; From 6687 Hwy. 56 (Robinson Canal Elevated Water Storage Tank) to the end. The boil water advisory in these areas may be lifted after laboratory analyses are concluded. HOSPITALS Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center resumed normal operations effective 2PM on Thursday, September 18, 2008. The following services are available: The Emergency Room will be open with Surgical Divert status – no cases requiring surgery should be transported for care. Internal Medicine Units and Intensive Care beds will be open for inpatients. Due to the opening of Chabert, the DMAT is terminating operations. Terrebonne General is fully operational. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing with approximately 52 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. Yesterday approximately 8990 yards of debris were picked up throughout the parish. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has added the Airbase Park, Valhi Lagoon Blvd. Park and Gibson Fire Stations as residential drop sites. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas Auditorium, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate transitional housing. ** Housing Authority Director Wayne Thibodaux is requesting that tenants in Senator Circle return to their units to begin cleanup and units which received water below the electrical outlets power was turned on yesterday afternoon. Residents of Bayou Towers are being allowed in on a daily basis between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to visit their units and pick up any needed items. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Catholic Church in Dulac; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station concluded yesterday. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity and 72 of the 73 permanent pump stations back online. The permanent pump station at Clinton Street has been replaced with a large number of portable pumps in Ward 7. ** In anticipation of today’s rainfall, parish officials again request your assistance in removing debris from storm drains and ditches and catch basins. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. For information on the program please call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) and press option 3 for more information or visit their website at www.dss.louisiana.gov FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. PRESS BRIEFINGS There will be no press briefing held on Saturday, September 20th or Sunday, September 21st. Press briefings will resume on Monday, September 22nd at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401/ (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457/ (985) 876-2427 ========================================================================== ANIMAL SHELTER 9/19/2008 11:46:12 AM The Animal Shelter is up and running; but they have no phone service at this time. Any calls should be sent to 985-873-6759 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 18, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/18/2008 11:12:18 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (O.E.P.) is located at 500 Honduras Street contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. CONTRACTOR FRAUD District Attorney Joe Waitz’s office is distributing leaflets throughout the parish with information regarding contractor fraud which includes contact numbers for the Attorney General’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, at this time Assistant District Attorneys are visiting work sites to spot check contractors for valid occupational licenses. ELECTRICITY Electric service is generally available in all areas of the parish with the exception of approximately 1000 Entergy customers primarily in flood impacted areas. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 190 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The Gibson Gym site has closed. The remaining shelter sites are Schriever Recreation Center with 89 evacuees, Dumas with 82 evacuees, and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. The remaining evacuees are primarily those individuals whose homes were severely damaged by the storms and will need to seek more long term housing. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is running with approximately 50 trucks operating in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. In addition to the Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville residential drop off sites, the Parish has 3 additional drop off sites will be added today please check www.tpcg.org for locations. At the Ashland landfill site, commercial scales are in operation and the site is now accepting commercial waste. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, tarps and cleanup kits as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Knights of Columbus Hall on Shrimper’s Row; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station; 5. Upper Dularge Fire Station. ** The Shell Corporation is now providing clean up kits at the Knights of Columbus in Pointe-aux-Chenes. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station continues. The dewatering plan is ongoing with the parish operating at 100% of its portable pumping capacity. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. ** Results of water quality sampling in areas currently under a boil water advisory will be revised at 4:00 p.m. today at which time Waterworks may be able to reduce the remaining areas within the advisory. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 28, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311. CABLE Comcast’s representative has indicated that the company is targeting having service fully restored throughout the parish by week’s end. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ============================================================================ SEPTEMBER 17, 2008--PRESS BRIEFING 9/17/2008 10:59:36 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%, and service has been restored to the juvenile detention center. SLECA has restored power to the majority of Grand Caillou and Dularge. Entergy - approximately 2200 customers remain out of power of which 2000 are in the Cocodrie and Pointe-aux-Chenes areas. Entergy is targeting restoring power today in the Cocodrie area. SHELTERS The count of evacuees in Terrebonne Parish continues to drop. Approximately 229 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Dumas Gym is sheltering approximately 35 Bayou Towers residents. Officials are working with FEMA to locate other accommodations for those residents. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with approximately 50 trucks registered with our contractor for debris removal in Terrebonne Parish each with a 40 yard capacity. It is anticipated that there will be 60 debris removal trucks by the end of the day. Residents may drop off debris themselves at Ashland, Schriever and Crochetville sites. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s, tarps and cleaning supplies as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Bobtown; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE The sandbag air lifting project to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is expected to conclude today. The dewatering plan and the north wind are facilitating water moving out of flooded areas, any ponding is being handled by pumps. If present conditions persist with no rain and pumps fully operational, it is expected that dewatering in the lower Dularge area is expected to have water out of houses in 3-4 days; dewatering in the Chauvin area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10 days to have the water return to normal levels in the Chauvin area; dewatering in the Montegut area is expected to have water out of homes in 6-7 days and 10days to have the water return to normal levels in the Montegut area. An estimate for dewatering in the Pointe-aux-Chenes area will be provided at tomorrows briefing. TPCG and officials are continuing to add pumping capacity in flooded areas; once flooding areas have equalized the Levee Board will immediately close any breaches/cuts. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The only remaining roadblock is located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. Economic Development The LSU mobile classroom is an SBA site where businesses can talk with a representative to determine eligibility and file a loan application online. It is parked at the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 311 CABLE Comcast will have a representative present at tonight’s Council meeting to provide a report on the status of service in Terrebonne Parish. Parish officials are attempting to establish contact with Charter for a report on their service in Terrebonne. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet/ Vernon Bourgeois Parish President/ Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock/ Bill Dodd Public Information Officer/ Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================================== SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING 9/16/2008 11:14:46 AM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish has transitioned from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP has relocated back to 500 Honduras Street. The contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. ELECTRICITY The City of Houma is operating at 100%. SLECA was fully operational but now has a service outage in Grand Caillou and Dularge due to problems within the system in the Ashland area. SLECA is working to resolve that outage today. Entergy - approximately 2900 customers remain out primarily in the southern areas of the parish. Entergy is addressing those outages as receding flood waters allow. SHELTERS Approximately 285 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal Church for special needs individuals. Staging for new evacuees is being handled at Dumas Auditorium. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is up and running with additional trucks coming into the area and collection is returning to pre-Ike levels. The contractor has an additional burn site on Coteau Road near Bayou Gardens which is now operating. For information on the progress of debris removal, daily debris reports will be posted online at www.tpcg.org. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center- today is the last day for this location as the distribution is moving it’s focus to the southern reaches of the parish. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Air lifting of sand to Ward 7 at the Clinton Street pump station is underway. The unwatering project is in effect with 12 parish pumps deployed throughout the parish to alleviate areas of flooding. TPCG is working with the Levee District to deploy additional pumps the District has acquired with the only hindrance being access problems due to remaining high water. WATER Waterworks has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Black waterway to assist with the black water issues. Please be reminded that the boil water advisory remains in effect for the flowing areas: Shrimper’s Row; LA Hwy 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 55 to the end; From the beginning of LA Hwy. 56 to the end; All of Bayouside Drive; All of the Pointe-aux-Chenes community; Bourg-Larose Hwy.; Old Spanish Trail. TPCG has contracted for debris removal in the Bayou Terrebonne waterway and awaits Federal authorization to proceed. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT, which provides emergency room type services, is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Chabert Medical Center’s Clinics are now open. ROADBLOCKS The remaining roadblocks are located at the 2100 Block of Hwy. 665 in Pointe-aux-Chenes and at Hwy. 315 at the Dularge overpass which is in place solely to slow traffic due to standing water on the roadway. Woodlawn Ranch Road is now open. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross information, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne (985) 873-6401 (985) 876-2500 Courtney Alcock Bill Dodd Public Information Officer Public Information Officer (985) 223-4457 (985) 876-2427 ========================================= ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne

name: Terrebonne Parish EOP / Consolidated Government (Parish Updates) -> Terrebonne Parish EOP / Consolidated Government (Parish Updates - Unified Command)
notes: ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne -> ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne

main_phone: 985-873-6357 -> Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 / Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office: (985) 876-2500
notes: ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne -> ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne

name: Terrebonne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness & Consolidated Government (Parish Updates) -> Terrebonne Parish EOP / Consolidated Government (Parish Updates)

notes: 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne -> ROAD CLOSURES 9/15/2008 5:07:12 PM Until Further Notice: Temporary Road Closure of Woodlawn Ranch Road between the intersections of LA Hwy 57 and LA Hwy 56 due to standing water on the roadway. Temporary Road Closure of Prospect Street near Bayou Chauvin due to standing water on the roadway. SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, PRESS BRIEFING 9/15/2008 3:59:01 PM TERREBONNE PARISH UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 – 10:30 A.M. UNIFIED COMMAND Terrebonne Parish is transitioning from a Response Unified Command to a Recovery Unified Command. The OEP is relocating from it’s Gray location back to 500 Honduras Street the contact number remains the same 985-873-6357. SEARCH AND RESCUE Search and rescue is ongoing and is expected to conclude today. ELECTRICITY As rain came in yesterday afternoon there was a temporary loss of transmission from Entergy’s Grid; however, power was restored. Officials are meeting with Entergy to determine if any issues are remaining. For the most part the City of Houma and SLECA are fully recovered with only the usual outages and outages associated with emergency repairs. Entergy continues to work on its remaining outages approximately 4,000 of which are in areas affected by flood waters. SHELTERS 331 residents are currently sheltered in Terrebonne Parish. The remaining shelter sites are Gibson Gym, Schriever Recreation Center, Dumas and The First United Pentecostal for special needs individuals. Staging will continue at Houma Jr. High until 5:00 p.m. today at which time that site will close. DEBRIS REMOVAL Debris removal is ongoing. The contractor is currently seeking permits for an additional burn site on Coteau Road which should be operational shortly. For information on the progress of debris removal, our contractor, Pinnacle, will provide a link on the tpcg.org website for progress reports and a street by street listing of debris removal progress. DISTRIBUTION SITES Distribution sites for water, ice, MRE’s and tarps as they are available are at the following locations: 1. Grand Caillou Fire Department at Ashland; 2. Ward 7- Little Caillou Fire Department; 3. American Legion Hall in Montegut after 1:00 p.m.; 4. Gibson East Fire Station at North Bayou Black Drive; 5. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. · Residents in areas affected by flood waters should be aware that MRE’s which they may have already acquired are waterproof and are safe for consumption. INFRASTRUCTURE Waters continue to recede and the Terrebonne Parish unwatering program is actively underway with 40 pumps staged at South Terrebonne High School being deployed throughout the affected areas. HOSPITALS Terrebonne General is fully operational. DMAT which provides emergency room type services is once again available at 1815 Prospect Blvd. (Old Winn Dixie parking lot on the east side of Houma) hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily ROADBLOCKS Roadblocks continue to move south as flood waters subside. FOOD STAMPS Emergency Food Stamp locations are currently are at Kirshman’s and the Bayou Black Recreation Center during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September 23, 2008. FEMA FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center at Town Hall on Barrow Street at 1:00 p.m. today where impacted residents can register for assistance. SBA, Red Cross, and representatives from the Blue Roof Program will be available on site as well. BANS AND CURFEW The parish wide alcohol ban has been lifted; however, the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in affected in the areas below roadblocks. PRESS BRIEFINGS Press briefings will now be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th floor of the Government Tower Building. Michel H. Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne

eligibility: Impacted by Hurricane Gustav -> Impacted by Hurricane Gustav & Ike

name: Terrebonne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness -> Terrebonne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness & Consolidated Government (Parish Updates)
notes: Friday, September 12, 2008 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. -> 9/14/2008 1:01:52 PM PARISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government offices will be open Monday, September 15, 2008. All Parish employees are to report to work Monday, September 15, 2008. Employees are reminded to contact their immediate supervisor should circumstances prevent them from reporting to work. Due to severe damages at the Boundary Road Gym, the Parishwide Recreation Department has been temporarily relocated to the Government Towers, Suite 300. SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/14/2008 11:33:10 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 10:00 AM UPDATE ON HURRICANE IKE SEARCH AND RESCUE The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Dept., National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and the La. State Police rescued in excess of 100 people yesterday from the flood waters. Their search and rescue missions continue today as they have throughout the night. It is hoped that water will continue to drop today as reported to the Unified Command by first responders in the flooded areas and based upon information received from the National Weather Service. Efforts by the Unified Command to prevent flooding in the areas of 1-1B by Motivatit Seafood, Industrial Blvd. and Concord Road were successful. Last night, in the areas of upper Dularge near Vega Court and Jimmy’s Trailer Court, residents were evacuated due to the increase of the water level. Also, in the area of Tina Street and Henry Clay, residents were requested to evacuate and received help if they needed same to evacuate due to rising water. Water early this morning began to flow from the Intracoastal across Highway 182 (Bayou Black) into Bayou Black. Information at this time indicates that that water is starting to recede in the area of Gibson near Gator Lane. In the flooded areas, there are approximately 15,000 structures (homes, businesses, etc.). As reported yesterday, parish officials believe several thousand structures received water damage. Updates to that number are not available at this time. PUBLIC SAFETY As water recedes, those roadblocks which were previously announced will be moved to allow residents to come back into the previously flooded areas. However, as long as water remains in residential areas, the roadblocks will remain in place until the safety of the returning residents can be assured. That includes assessments by parish officials in connection with sewerage and electrical problems, as well as potential environmental problems. INFRASTRUCTURE The initial assessment by the Parish Public Works Dept. indicates that while there was widespread overtopping of the parish drainage levees throughout the parish, those levees for the most part are still intact. Parish officials are in the process of making assessments to those levees to determine their stability and whether they pose any threats. Despite reports of multiple breaches, the parish assessment indicates breaching only in the Pointe Aux Chenes area near Point Farm Road and in the Ward 7/Chauvin area near the Lashbrook pump station and the lower Dularge levee. Today, with the assistance of the National Guard, the parish has initiated sandbagging via Chinook helicopter to address the breaches. The parish unwatering plan is unfolding with over 40 pumps on standby to be deployed throughout the parish to assist in moving water out of those areas which are flooded. CURFEW The curfew of 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. remains in effect as does the parish wide ban on the sale of alcohol. TERREBONNE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 12 month employees are to report on Monday, September 15, 2008 to their assigned schools. Students and other school employees are to report for school on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. L.E. Fletcher remains closed until further notice. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM The State of La. has announced that the Kirshman’s location for benefits will be opened tomorrow between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm through the 23rd day of September, 2008. The Bayou Black site remains closed until further notice. SHELTERS Currently, approximately 600 people are now in shelters in Terrebonne Parish. Those shelters are: (1) Dumas Auditorium, (2) Houma Jr. High, (3) Evergreen, (4) Schriever Recreational Center, (5) First United Pentacostal Church for special needs. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center remains the main distribution point for food, water, ice and tarps. At the present time, Lynn Park Shopping Center and South Terrebonne High School, are also distribution points. If any changes occur, this will be updated. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, PRESS RELEASE, 10:00 AM 9/13/2008 12:14:29 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS Last night, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Houma Police Dept, La. National Guard, and the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, began search and rescue efforts which are continuing and will continue until all residents in need due to the flooding/high water have been removed from their homes and/or other locations. The Sheriff’s Office is receiving numerous calls for help. The National Guard has directed three (3) helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Wildlife and Fisheries has indicated that they have six (6) boats in the parish with an additional seven (7) being brought in today. If you have information about individuals who are in need of help and/or may be missing in the flooded areas of the parish, please call the Unified Command Center (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. REPORT ON DAMAGES/FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE IKE AND ON PARISH LEVEES (AL LEVRON WILL GIVE REPORT) The following areas are not passable due to high water: - Highway 57 (Grand Caillou Road below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Highway 56 (Little Caillou below Woodlawn Ranch Road) - Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 55 below Highway 665 (Montegut and at its intersection with Pointe Aux Chenes) - Dularge – Highway 315 (Below Cenac Towing) - Industrial Blvd. (Closed) Roadblocks remain at: - Upper Dularge, at the Dularge Highrise Bridge - Highway 57 at Woodlawn Ranch Road - Highway 56 at Duplantis Bridge - Highway 55 at Klondyke Bridge *While portions of these roadways are passable, people are reminded that by traveling in high water with their vehicles, they can cause flooding by wave wash into their neighbor’s homes and/or businesses. SHELTERS As of 8:00 a.m. today, there are approximately 480 people being sheltered in the parish. Dumas Auditorium, Houma Jr. High are full. Houma Jr. High will be used as a staging area for people who want to be sheltered and they will be transported to shelters that have available space. Schriever Recreation Center, at this time, has 30 available spaces and Evergreen Jr. High is being made ready for evacuees and will be open today. Special needs evacuees continue to be housed at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 Hollywood Road, Houma. Parish Officials have two (2) additional sites for shelters if needed. DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center Two (2) additional locations will open today at 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Lynn Park Shopping Center - South Terrebonne High School The current location for those individuals wanting sandbags is the Terrebonne Parish Adult Softball Complex by the airport. UTILITIES The City of Houma utilities dept. is stabilized, but those in city service can expect occasional outages. The City of Houma has cut power to all areas that are currently underwater as has SLECA. The Entergy substations serving in the Chauvin area and Montegut area remain out of service. CURFEW Curfew remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish between the hours of 10:00 pm – 6:00 am. Those individuals who have plans to go to the LSU football game and will return to the parish after 10:00 pm should show their tickets if stopped. ALCOHOL The alcohol ban remains in effect for Terrebonne Parish. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008, 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/12/2008 2:27:17 PM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE 9/12/2008 2:54:06 AM NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: TERREBONNE PARISH CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT NAME: Linda C. Henderson PHONE: 985-873-6816 EMAIL: lhenderson@tpcg.org HURRICANE IKE UPDATE PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THOSE CITIZENS IN THE FOLOWING AREAS: LOWER POINTE AUX CHENES LOWER CHAUVIN/SOUTH OF BOUDREAUX CANAL LOWER GRAND CAILLOU FOR AREAS OF DULAC AND OSUTH OF THE BOBTOWN BRIDGE ALL F BAYOU DULARGETHE FOLLOWING SHELTERS ARE OPENED FOR EVACUEES: HOUMA JR. HIGH FIRST UNITED PENTACOSTAL CHURCH FOR SPECIAL NEED EVACUEES RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT A 5-7 FOOT TIDAL SURGE IN THESE AREAS WHICH WILL CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL FLOODING. RESIDENTS WHO ARE GOING TO EVACUATE AND DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION ARE REQUESTED TO SEEK HELP FIRST FROM THEIR RELATIVES OR NEIGHBORS. It is also requested that if possible those evacuees stay with family and/or friends outside of the evacuation area. However, if evacuees cannot obtain transportation, they can call the unified command center at 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 for assistance. A curfew of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 a.m. is in place immediately. Also, all alcohol sales in the Parish are suspended until further notice FOOD STAMPS: Due to hurricane Ike the State of Louisiana suspended their food stamp operations at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. Continue to monitor your media for updates on hurricane IKE and programs such as the Food Stamp Benefit Service. Michel Claudet Parish President Vernon Bourgeois Terrebonne Parish OEP Director/Sheriff SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM PRESS BRIEFING 9/11/2008 5:19:24 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:00 AM 1. HURRICANE IKE: The parish is calling for a voluntary evacuation of those citizens in Terrebonne in the low lying areas of the parish, more particularly: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin / South of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Houma Jr. High will serve as a shelter for any residents who evacuate and need housing. If those residents have pets, the pets will be sheltered at TPCG Animal Control building on Plant Road. 2. Parish officials have received information at this time that Terrebonne Parish is expected to receive a minimal tide surge of 3 – 5 feet and as much as 5 – 7 feet, depending upon the tropical force winds we expect to receive. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that as of 9:40 am today, the following roads are experiencing water problems: - Pointe Aux Chenes: Island Road under water - Montegut: water on roadway south from Madison Canal - Chauvin: beginning at the 7700 block of La. Highway 56 south - Dulac: half way down 4-point road, water on highway; also, 9200 block of La. Highway 57 south is under water - Bayou Dularge: Only the shell section of La. Highway 315 is under water 3. For evacuees with special needs, a shelter at the First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road will be open. Their number is 985-851-2222. 4. Distribution points for supplies have been cut back and there will now be three (3) main distribution points for citizens in the parish: - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center - K.C. Hall at Pointe Aux Chenes next to St. Charles Church - Montegut Fire Station 5. The temporary clinic/DMAT located at the Winn Dixie parking lot on Prospect is in the process of closing and will likely be closed by Friday. 6. Food stamp operations are on-going from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: - Bayou Black Recreation Center on Southdown Mandalay Road - Kirshman’s Building next to Sear’s at Southland Mall 7. The FEMA mobile location at the Civic Center continues to serve people for the Blue Roof Program as does the TRAC4 Louisiana Organization whose websites and numbers have previously been given out. 8. Terrebonne Parish Schools are still planning on opening on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the exception of Houma Jr. High, depending upon how long that facility is needed for a shelter. L.E. Fletcher classes are cancelled until further notice and teachers and students should check the L.E. Fletcher website. 9. The La. National Guard continues to have a strong presence in the parish, despite rumors that they are leaving. The Guard has had to move some of their assets from Terrebonne Parish further north, due to the impending threat of Ike, but those assets still continue to serve the people of Terrebonne. At the present time, there are approximately 1,043 National Guardsmen in the Terrebonne/Lafourche/Assumption region. 10. Parish Infrastructure/Utilities: - Tom Bourg reports that SLECA and the City of Houma are operating at 100%. However, residents should be cautioned that a lot of repairs that were made over the last week were temporary and depending upon the strength of Hurricane Ike and weather conditions, some residents may experience some interruption in power service. - Utility officials advises that Entergy has experienced set backs in the area south of Bourg and are presently only supplying 29% of their customers in Terrebonne Parish. - The boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following locations: 1. Shrimper’s Row 2. LA Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end 3. From the beginning of LA Highway 55 to the end 4. From the beginning of LA Highway 56 to the end 5. All of Bayou Side Drive 6. All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community 7. Bourg-Larose Highway 9. Old Spanish Trail * Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor and discoloration of their water due to the quality of the raw water in Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Black and the Intracoastal Waterway. These characteristics are aesthetic issues and do not represent a health concern. The Waterworks District is requesting that customers conserve water during this occurrence. 11. Parish bus service continues and there is no charge to the customers/citizens using that service. 12. All remaining buses used in the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav have now been accounted for and all residents that were evacuated have been returned to the parish and disbursed to the homes. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne OPERATION BLUE ROOF - TEMPORARY ROOFING 9/10/2008 4:30:05 PM OPERATION BLUE ROOF TEMPORARY ROOFING 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) The following parishes are covered under the Blue Roof program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge. ------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Homeowners can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a Right of Entry Collection Center Location. Please be advised of the following: 1. Have a photo ID, such as a driver's license, or proof of residency at the location. 2. Know the kind of roof you have. Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs consisting of clay, slate or asbestos (transite) do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 3. The roof must have less than 50% structural damage to be eligible for the program. 4. The structure must be assessed as habitable once the blue roof is installed. 5. All debris must be removed before the roof can qualify. -------------------------------------------------- You will be required to sign a right of entry form to allow them to come onto your property to assess your structure and then assign your job to a contract roofing team. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BAYOU LAFOURCHE 9/10/2008 8:13:52 AM Alan Levine Secretary BAYOU LAFOURCHE SWAMPY WATER ALERT Baton Rouge – The following drinking water systems take their water from Bayou Lafourche: Peoples (Donaldsonville LA1005045) - 16,224 Assumption WW Dist #1 (LA1007001) - 22,862 Thibodaux WW (LA1057003) - 15,810 Terrebonne WWD #1 (Schriever LA1109002) - 65,000 Lafourche WD#1 (LA1057001) - 78,760 Indirectly affected system and population Terrebonne WWD #1 (Houma LA1109001) - 33,578 TOTAL approx. 233,000 Bayou Lafourche’s water quality has been affected by low oxygen levels resulting from the hurricane. The low oxygen is causing fish kills and is turning the water a dark color. Additionally, debris and downed trees are clogging the Bayou and preventing the flow of fresh water from the Mississippi River pump station at Donaldsonville. To prevent flooding in the upper reaches of the bayou, the pumping was suspended for a period of time after the hurricane hit. The Governor has ordered the immediate removal of debris and trees from the Bayou. Residents should be aware that they may experience taste, odor, and color in their water due to the current poor source water quality in Bayou Lafourche. These characteristics may be unpleasant, but they do not represent a health concern. To treat what’s commonly referred to as “Swamp Water”, the Bayou Lafourche water systems are using a variety of methods, including chemicals and carbon adsorption - to remove the taste, odor and color, but theses things are difficult to treat. People can taste and smell odors at extremely low levels, so a tiny amount is perceptible to many individuals. The flushing of the Bayou with Mississippi River water and any rainwater in the water shed will take some time, but the water conditions should return to normal within two weeks. Again, the taste and odor problems being experienced may be very unpleasant, but do not represent a health concern. However, the water may improve with boiling and you may want to boil water for drinking and cooking. The water should be safe for washing and bathing. This message is from Dr. Jimmy Guidry, MD, State Health Officer -end- DEBRIS REMOVAL NOTICE 9/10/2008 1:05:30 AM For Immediate Release Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8-12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, Residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the Parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the Parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along the right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries electronic devises or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility. EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:15 AM EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS The Emergency Food Stamps will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 7am to 7pm at the Bayou Black Gym, 3688 Southdown Mandalay Road. MEDICAL NEWS UPDATE-SEPT. 9, 2008 9/9/2008 11:57:08 AM Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) Primary Care Clinics on site, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days/week for walk-in patients. The Patient Hotline is 985-873-5130. For more information, contact 985-873-1285. ********************************************** The Medical Team, A Home Health Agency is operating at full service for all your special care needs, and is seeing patients in both their Houma and Metairie locations. Patients are encouraged to call the agency upon their return. The numbers are Houma (985) 872-6666 and Metairie (985) 834-4447. Contact: Tara Stringer or Lauralee Adams SEPT. 9, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING OF UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:56 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 10:00 AM 1. Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois has lifted the curfew ban in Terrebonne Parish. Based upon the number of health care facilities now operating, the number of parish and state offices that have opened, along with a large number of local businesses that have opened and the overall improvement to the infrastructure of the parish, he feels the curfew can be lifted. 2. Leonard Chabert Medical Center has opened three (3) outpatient clinics. They are located at their primary care facility for walk-ins and appointments. Their OB-GYN clinic and their chemotherapy clinic, their patient help line is (985) 873-5130. They continue to operate their medical assistance clinic on Prospect Street in the Winn Dixie parking lot which is serving as an emergency room. Chabert also advises that those individuals who are in need of mental health care should call their patient help line (985-873-5130) for help. 3. Utility officials report that those individuals served by the City of Houma should now be at 95%. SLECA and Entergy continue to place people back on line. 4. SLECA is now at 95% and Entergy is at 30%, 50% expected by Friday and 80% expected by sometime next week. 5. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse and all offices contained in same are scheduled to open for business on Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Emergency food stamps will be made available through the State of Louisiana beginning on Thursday, September 11, 2008, through September 17, 2008, at the Bayou Black Recreation Center at 3688 Southdown Mandalay and will be available 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The State is working to secure a second site. If you are currently receiving food stamps, you are not required to visit these sites as additional funds will be made to your food stamp debit card. 7. Boil water order remains in effect with a target date to lift the order for Thursday, September 11, 2008. However, residents may experience a strong odor and/or different taste to their water due to increased organic matter in the water which is being treated. Water service is available throughout the parish with the exception of Isle de Jean Charles and lower Cocodrie beginning at the Robinson Canal tank. 8. Commodities continue to be distributed at all previously announced sites. However, there remains a shortage of blue tarps available. Residents can still register with FEMA for assistance in the placing of blue tarps on their homes. 9. Volunteers are available for assistance installing the blue tarps. Please call 1-877-TRAC4LA or (985) 851-2952. Furthermore, anyone interested in volunteering or donating goods/services, please go to www.TRAC4LA.com. · Terrebonne Parish has commenced with the first of 3 passes to remove Hurricane Gustav generated debris. The Parish has executed a contract with Omni Pinnacle to begin clearing vegetative debris from public Rights-of-Way. Additionally, the Parish has also contracted Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. to monitor and record the debris removal operations. Residents should make every effort to place clean, woody debris along the public right-of-way. This should include storm damaged limbs, branches, and other vegetative material. If possible, this material should be cut in approximately 8 – 12 foot lengths and stacked in piles along the right-of-way or within 5 feet of the curb. · When setting out debris, please make reasonable attempts to not obstruct sidewalks or traffic as these may pose a threat to public health and safety. · Please put as much storm generated organic, burnable debris along your right-of-way being cautious not to obstruct mailboxes, utility access points such as electric and water meters or fire hydrants as these could be damaged by heavy equipment during loading. · During the debris removal process, residents may experience increased traffic, temporary road closures or delays on some streets where these contractors are working. Contractors will have traffic control personnel, and signage displayed to alert you of their operation. Please be cautious when passing and slow speeds in these areas. · The contractors will make multiple passes or sweeps throughout the parish over the next several weeks. This means that residents throughout the parish will have several opportunities to place storm generated debris along their right-of-way in front of their house. The Parish has not set a deadline for collection at this time; however, additional information regarding the last day for right-of-way collection will be forthcoming. · Please do not mix household garbage, treated wood (such as fences), tires, roof shingles, or hazardous material such as paint cans, aerosol sprays, batteries, electronic devices or appliances with the vegetative debris. All reconstruction debris is the responsibility of the contractor. 10. Animal owners should go to the Pet Smart parking lot on Martin Luther King as dog food and other supplies are being passed out. 11. Citizens are again cautioned to obtain information such as the proper name and address of all contractors who are proposing to do work on their property and ask to see their parish occupational license and permit. 12. Finally, while it appears that Hurricane Ike is taking a westerly course and will avoid Terrebonne parish, residents are reminded to monitor the media for updates regarding this hurricane. Michel Claudet Vernon Bourgeois Parish President Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne SEPT. 8, 2008 PRESS BRIEFING UPDATE BY UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE 9/9/2008 11:56:37 AM TERREBONNE PARISH, UNIFIED COMMAND STRUCTURE PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 10:00 AM 1. All Chabert Medical Center and SLMA Medical Staff should report for a mandatory briefing on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. at the hospital cafeteria. 2. Insofar as electrical services including overhead power lines, which are disconnected from homes are concerned, residents should take the necessary measurers to have their electrical problems corrected by using a qualified electrician and, thereafter, they should contact their electrical service provider. 3. Parish Employees: All Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees are to report to work on Monday, September 8, 2008. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible if you have special circumstances. If you work for the Parish Recreation Department, report to the Government Tower for office assignment due to the damage at the Boundary Road Building. 4. Announcement from the Catholic Schools Office. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announces the following: All Catholic school administration, faculty and staff are expected to notify your school contact person that you are able to report to school. As electrical services become available in each Catholic school facility, all personnel are expected to return for work the next day after power is resumed to prepare the school. All students will report to school on the second day after power is resumed unless advised otherwise. For further announcements about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, please check the Bayou Catholic page in the Courier/Comet, as well as other local media. 5. Terrebonne Parish School District All 240 day employees, school principals and assistant principals shall return to work at their respective sites on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. All nine month and nine and half month employees, including teachers and all part time employees, shall return to work on Thursday, September 11. If an employee is unable to return to work on time they are to contact their immediate supervisor. The target date to open public schools is Monday, September 15, 2008. 6. Update on electricity for parish residents: As of today, approximately 80% of all people served by the City of Houma’s electrical service have been connected. Parish officials hope to have 100% of their customers served by late tonight or early tomorrow. SLECA is presently serving approximately 71% of its customers and hope to have more online over the next several days. ENTERGY is presently serving approximately 30% of its customers. Entergy indicates they will have 50% of their customers served by Friday and 80% sometime next week. 7. Boil water order remains in effect for the entire parish. 8. Approximately 90% of the people in the parish have water. Water service was recently restored to the areas of Grand Caillou, Dulac and the Pointe Aux Chenes communities (except for Island Road). Water service has been temporarily discontinued from the Robinson Canal tank to the end of Highway 56 at Cocodrie. Parish Officials are working on that problem. 9. Emergency food stamps will be available beginning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2008, FROM 7AM TO 7PM AT THE BAYOU BLACK GYM (changed from Civic Center location). 10. In addition to truck spraying for mosquitoes, aerial spraying has begun in the parish. 11. Distribution sites 12. Point of distributions: Bayou Dularge Fire Department Grand Caillou Middle School Ward 7 Citizens Hall South Terrebonne High School H.L. Bourgeois High School Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Bayou Blue Assembly of God Church, 1403 Prospect Street Kirshman’s by mall 13. Hot food centers: Coteau Baptist Church on Coteau Road (provided by Baptist missions) Christ Baptist Church, East Tunnel Blvd. (provided by Baptist missions) Montegut Fire Station, Highway 57 (Terrebonne Restaurant Association) 14. For Occupational Licenses, the Parish Sales & Use Tax Department has opened on Corporate Drive (at the TEDA offices). Residents are reminded to request from contractors who offer their services for repairs to see a copy of their parish occupational license. 15. The District Attorney’s Office, along with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, continues to check vendors who are selling various goods, such as generators, power equipment, etc. for proper permitting. Residents are cautioned about buying from unlicensed vendors. 16. Public transit service will begin today on a limited basis. 17. Again, the medical assistance center at Winn Dixie Building at 1815 Prospect is open from 7am – 7pm for services to the public. 18. A FEMA mobile unit has been established at the Civic Center to assist will small business administration loans and blue roof program information. It is still suggested that you register on line if possible. 19. Please continue to monitor the parish website at www.tpcg.org for updates on medical facilities, businesses, and other information concerning parish infrastructure. 20. The Parish President has issued a declaration of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane IKE and is requesting parish residents at this time to please keep their trash and debris that they have cleaned up off of storm drains and out of drainage ditches. Garbage trucks and trucks picking up debris are attempting to move throughout the parish to pick up trash as quickly as possible. 21. At this time, until further notice, there will only be a 10:00 a.m. press briefing, and as additional updates become available, that information will be faxed and/or emailed out to appropriate news agencies. 22. The alcohol ban for Terrebonne Parish has been lifted and alcohol sales again are allowed. Michel H. Claudet, Parish President L. Vernon Bourgeois, Sheriff/OEP Director, Parish of Terrebonne
organization: EOC -> Parish Government
cat_notes: Removed old note 9/12/08: 9/6/08 "No shelters open" per the site but Dumas Auditorium opened today per media report & a Jr. High School is sheltering special medical needs folks but no one will admit it exists. No sandbags No power for 4 weeks Working on opening pharmacies and grocery stores Sewage is a big issue & the parish cannot handle all residents returning at this point Thursday, September 04, 2008 “LOOK AND LEAVE NOTES” PRESS RELEASE September 4, 2008 4:00 p.m. · This plan is designed to give parish residents the ability to check on their property. · They must possess an ID that has a Terrebonne Parish address or they will not be allowed in. · The times for this program are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. · There is a parish wide curfew in effect from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. · There are no emergency services that will be rendered, so it is recommended that residents refrain from any activity that presents a risk, i.e. use of chainsaws, moving large debris items, etc. · This program is a LOOK AND LEAVE. Our emphasis as a parish is to provide the residents access, we cannot sustain a parish population right now. The infrastructure cannot support it and it may cause further issues to our systems. Joint Press Release: Courtney Alcock, Parish Attorney, and Bill Dodd, Sheriff’s Attorney Thursday, September 04, 2008 Daily Press Briefings Announced for Terrebonne Parish Effective immediately, the Terrebonne Parish Unified Command will hold daily press briefings at 10:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center located at 5058 Hwy. 24, Gray, LA. Representatives of the Sheriff's Office and the Terrebonne Parish Government will provide updates on the progress of Hurricane Gustav recovery operations, and the restoration of essential public service infrastructure. More Information: EOC (985) 873-6357 ============================================================================ Terrebonne Parish Emergency Website. Due to a declared emergency, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government has activated our offsite emergency website. This website is hosted offsite to ensure continued access to emergency information for Terrebonne Parish Residents. Normal website operations will continue after the declared emergency has ended. 9/6/08: Just spoke to Laura Crochet, Terrebone resident (in Montague) and also works for LANO (LA Assoc. of Non Profits). Her "unoffical report" report: Parish President had a "nervous breakdown" and passed off all EOC operations responsibility to their Sheriff. -LA Governor is screaming at the Parish Pres. because he "doesn't want to be embarrassed at the Republican Convention. Laura says everything we see in news reports and on the EOC site is "spun" to look better. -NO FEMA -NO NATIONAL GUARD -NO RED CROSS -NO SALVATION ARMY CANTEENS -NO "Official" shelters yet they have medical needs elderly at a Jr. High with very little to no support of their needs -Ice is gone in 2 hours but no one is setting up a trailer to MAKE ice so they don't have to be dependent on outside deliveries -Firestations do not have LANSET RADIOS and several houses have burned to the ground -The prepared folks are faring well with home generators, the poor and the elderly of this parish are suffering unnecessarily -The sewage system is a bust and if residents keep pouring back into the parish it's gonna be one big stinky mess -They are conservatively estimating no power for 3-4 weeks No one has even discussed when Schools will be opened back up -Both hospitals are closed (but I read today that they won't turn folks away) MOST URGENT NEEDS: Ice Water Non Perishable Foods Mobile Feeding Units - Hot Meals (For lower regions and bayou folks) Kitchen Trailer Units - Hot Meals (Needs to set up at the Civic Ctr.) Blue Tarps Gas My contact Laura worked for 9 mos. creating an LTR for FEMA for Katrina. She has a meeting scheduled in Montague with the Fire Chief and other officials to begin an LTR immediately on Mon. She works in NOLA and has been sleeping there at night because there is no power and it's not a safe place to be. Terra, how would you suggest we go about 'calling in the troops'?? Les ->

notes: 9/6/08 "No shelters open" per the site but Dumas Auditorium opened today per media report & a Jr. High School is sheltering special medical needs folks but no one will admit it exists. No sandbags No power for 4 weeks Working on opening pharmacies and grocery stores Sewage is a big issue & the parish cannot handle all residents returning at this point Thursday, September 04, 2008 “LOOK AND LEAVE NOTES” PRESS RELEASE September 4, 2008 4:00 p.m. · This plan is designed to give parish residents the ability to check on their property. · They must possess an ID that has a Terrebonne Parish address or they will not be allowed in. · The times for this program are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. · There is a parish wide curfew in effect from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. · There are no emergency services that will be rendered, so it is recommended that residents refrain from any activity that presents a risk, i.e. use of chainsaws, moving large debris items, etc. · This program is a LOOK AND LEAVE. Our emphasis as a parish is to provide the residents access, we cannot sustain a parish population right now. The infrastructure cannot support it and it may cause further issues to our systems. Joint Press Release: Courtney Alcock, Parish Attorney, and Bill Dodd, Sheriff’s Attorney Thursday, September 04, 2008 Daily Press Briefings Announced for Terrebonne Parish Effective immediately, the Terrebonne Parish Unified Command will hold daily press briefings at 10:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center located at 5058 Hwy. 24, Gray, LA. Representatives of the Sheriff's Office and the Terrebonne Parish Government will provide updates on the progress of Hurricane Gustav recovery operations, and the restoration of essential public service infrastructure. More Information: EOC (985) 873-6357 ============================================================================ Terrebonne Parish Emergency Website. Due to a declared emergency, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government has activated our offsite emergency website. This website is hosted offsite to ensure continued access to emergency information for Terrebonne Parish Residents. Normal website operations will continue after the declared emergency has ended. -> Friday, September 12, 2008 1. Many of the efforts previously directed to deal with the effects of Hurricane Gustav have been redirected to deal with problems Terrebonne Parish is now experiencing with Hurricane Ike. 2. The mandatory evacuation order for residents in the following areas remain in effect: - Lower Pointe Aux Chenes - Lower Chauvin south of Boudreaux Canal - Lower Grand Caillou/Dulac - Those residents below Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge - Montegut/Those residents below the Bourg Larose Highway at Klondyke 3. Presently, two (2) shelters are open for evacuees from Hurricane Ike; those being Houma Jr. High and First United Pentacostal Church at 215 South Hollywood Road for special need evacuees. Approximately 100 people evacuated to Houma Jr. High last night and the total number of people being sheltered at this time is 224. An unofficial shelter is open at the East Park Recreation Center and Red Cross personnel will go to that location today to assist the East Park personnel. 4. Commodities Distribution: - Because of the high winds, rain and water on the roadways, residents are asked to stay off of the roads and not go to the distribution points for commodities if at all possible. However, if they do go, they will be served. Again, there are only three (3) distribution sites and those are: (1) Houma Civic Center, (2) Montegut Fire Station, and (3) K.C. Hall in Pointe Aux Chenes next to the church. 5. Food stamp benefits: - The state has suspended all operations at both food stamp locations (Bayou Black Recreation Center and Kirshman’s until further notice). Parish officials have asked the State of Louisiana to reopen these facilities as soon as possible and to add additional sites to meet the large request for benefits. 6. Because of the high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike, the hot meal distribution centers provided by the Red Cross and the Baptist Ministries and the Terrebonne Restaurant Association have been suspended until further notice. 7. The only emergency room presently open in the parish is located at Terrebonne General Medical Center. Terrebonne General Medical Center is fully operational. 8. Debris pickup is on-going and continues today, despite the effects of Hurricane Ike. 9. Sewerage is at 98% capacity. 10. Residents are again reminded that they can begin to expect water discoloration and strong odors with their drinking water. The water is safe and the boil water order was lifted in all areas of the parish with the exception of the following: - Shrimper’s Row - La. Highway 57 from 4798 Grand Caillou Road to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 55 to the end - From the beginning of La. Highway 56 to the end - All of Bayouside Drive - All of the Pointe Aux Chenes community - Bourg-Larose Highway - Old Spanish Trail 11. Utilities: - Those residents who are being serviced by the City of Houma Utility Dept. and SLECA, both of whom are operating at 100% at this time, may experience power outages because of the temporary nature of some of the repairs made within the system and the effects of the high winds and water associated with Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, these outages will be corrected as quickly as possible. - Entergy customers who are not receiving electrical service at this time should not expect service until sometime next week based upon present information. 12. The Levee District continues to monitor all levees within the parish and problems such as breaches, seepage, and overlapping are being addressed as they are reported. 13. Public Safety: - Law enforcement officials request that all parish residents stay off of the roadways unless they have an emergency. Residents can expect high winds and rain throughout the day and night which will cause dangerous driving conditions. - The parish curfew of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am remains in effect until further notice as does the sale of all alcohol. 14. Evacuees: - Residents in the low lying areas who did not evacuate and are experiencing problems and need to evacuate, please call the Unified Command Center at (985) 873-6357 or the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 876-2500. 15. Terrebonne Parish schools are still expected to open on Monday, September 15, 2008. 16. Because of problems associated with Hurricane Ike which are compounding the recovery efforts from Hurricane Gustav, a press briefing will take place at 6:00 p.m. today.
cat_notes: 9/6/08: Just spoke to Laura Crochet, Terrebone resident (in Montague) and also works for LANO (LA Assoc. of Non Profits). Her "unoffical report" report: Parish President had a "nervous breakdown" and passed off all EOC operations responsibility to their Sheriff. -LA Governor is screaming at the Parish Pres. because he "doesn't want to be embarrassed at the Republican Convention. Laura says everything we see in news reports and on the EOC site is "spun" to look better. -NO FEMA -NO NATIONAL GUARD -NO RED CROSS -NO SALVATION ARMY CANTEENS -NO "Official" shelters yet they have medical needs elderly at a Jr. High with very little to no support of their needs -Ice is gone in 2 hours but no one is setting up a trailer to MAKE ice so they don't have to be dependent on outside deliveries -Firestations do not have LANSET RADIOS and several houses have burned to the ground -The prepared folks are faring well with home generators, the poor and the elderly of this parish are suffering unnecessarily -The sewage system is a bust and if residents keep pouring back into the parish it's gonna be one big stinky mess -They are conservatively estimating no power for 3-4 weeks No one has even discussed when Schools will be opened back up -Both hospitals are closed (but I read today that they won't turn folks away) MOST URGENT NEEDS: Ice Water Non Perishable Foods Mobile Feeding Units - Hot Meals (For lower regions and bayou folks) Kitchen Trailer Units - Hot Meals (Needs to set up at the Civic Ctr.) Blue Tarps Gas My contact Laura worked for 9 mos. creating an LTR for FEMA for Katrina. She has a meeting scheduled in Montague with the Fire Chief and other officials to begin an LTR immediately on Mon. She works in NOLA and has been sleeping there at night because there is no power and it's not a safe place to be. Terra, how would you suggest we go about 'calling in the troops'?? Les -> Removed old note 9/12/08: 9/6/08 "No shelters open" per the site but Dumas Auditorium opened today per media report & a Jr. High School is sheltering special medical needs folks but no one will admit it exists. No sandbags No power for 4 weeks Working on opening pharmacies and grocery stores Sewage is a big issue & the parish cannot handle all residents returning at this point Thursday, September 04, 2008 “LOOK AND LEAVE NOTES” PRESS RELEASE September 4, 2008 4:00 p.m. · This plan is designed to give parish residents the ability to check on their property. · They must possess an ID that has a Terrebonne Parish address or they will not be allowed in. · The times for this program are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. · There is a parish wide curfew in effect from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. · There are no emergency services that will be rendered, so it is recommended that residents refrain from any activity that presents a risk, i.e. use of chainsaws, moving large debris items, etc. · This program is a LOOK AND LEAVE. Our emphasis as a parish is to provide the residents access, we cannot sustain a parish population right now. The infrastructure cannot support it and it may cause further issues to our systems. Joint Press Release: Courtney Alcock, Parish Attorney, and Bill Dodd, Sheriff’s Attorney Thursday, September 04, 2008 Daily Press Briefings Announced for Terrebonne Parish Effective immediately, the Terrebonne Parish Unified Command will hold daily press briefings at 10:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center located at 5058 Hwy. 24, Gray, LA. Representatives of the Sheriff's Office and the Terrebonne Parish Government will provide updates on the progress of Hurricane Gustav recovery operations, and the restoration of essential public service infrastructure. More Information: EOC (985) 873-6357 ============================================================================ Terrebonne Parish Emergency Website. Due to a declared emergency, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government has activated our offsite emergency website. This website is hosted offsite to ensure continued access to emergency information for Terrebonne Parish Residents. Normal website operations will continue after the declared emergency has ended. 9/6/08: Just spoke to Laura Crochet, Terrebone resident (in Montague) and also works for LANO (LA Assoc. of Non Profits). Her "unoffical report" report: Parish President had a "nervous breakdown" and passed off all EOC operations responsibility to their Sheriff. -LA Governor is screaming at the Parish Pres. because he "doesn't want to be embarrassed at the Republican Convention. Laura says everything we see in news reports and on the EOC site is "spun" to look better. -NO FEMA -NO NATIONAL GUARD -NO RED CROSS -NO SALVATION ARMY CANTEENS -NO "Official" shelters yet they have medical needs elderly at a Jr. High with very little to no support of their needs -Ice is gone in 2 hours but no one is setting up a trailer to MAKE ice so they don't have to be dependent on outside deliveries -Firestations do not have LANSET RADIOS and several houses have burned to the ground -The prepared folks are faring well with home generators, the poor and the elderly of this parish are suffering unnecessarily -The sewage system is a bust and if residents keep pouring back into the parish it's gonna be one big stinky mess -They are conservatively estimating no power for 3-4 weeks No one has even discussed when Schools will be opened back up -Both hospitals are closed (but I read today that they won't turn folks away) MOST URGENT NEEDS: Ice Water Non Perishable Foods Mobile Feeding Units - Hot Meals (For lower regions and bayou folks) Kitchen Trailer Units - Hot Meals (Needs to set up at the Civic Ctr.) Blue Tarps Gas My contact Laura worked for 9 mos. creating an LTR for FEMA for Katrina. She has a meeting scheduled in Montague with the Fire Chief and other officials to begin an LTR immediately on Mon. She works in NOLA and has been sleeping there at night because there is no power and it's not a safe place to be. Terra, how would you suggest we go about 'calling in the troops'?? Les

cat_notes: -> 9/6/08: Just spoke to Laura Crochet, Terrebone resident (in Montague) and also works for LANO (LA Assoc. of Non Profits). Her "unoffical report" report: Parish President had a "nervous breakdown" and passed off all EOC operations responsibility to their Sheriff. -LA Governor is screaming at the Parish Pres. because he "doesn't want to be embarrassed at the Republican Convention. Laura says everything we see in news reports and on the EOC site is "spun" to look better. -NO FEMA -NO NATIONAL GUARD -NO RED CROSS -NO SALVATION ARMY CANTEENS -NO "Official" shelters yet they have medical needs elderly at a Jr. High with very little to no support of their needs -Ice is gone in 2 hours but no one is setting up a trailer to MAKE ice so they don't have to be dependent on outside deliveries -Firestations do not have LANSET RADIOS and several houses have burned to the ground -The prepared folks are faring well with home generators, the poor and the elderly of this parish are suffering unnecessarily -The sewage system is a bust and if residents keep pouring back into the parish it's gonna be one big stinky mess -They are conservatively estimating no power for 3-4 weeks No one has even discussed when Schools will be opened back up -Both hospitals are closed (but I read today that they won't turn folks away) MOST URGENT NEEDS: Ice Water Non Perishable Foods Mobile Feeding Units - Hot Meals (For lower regions and bayou folks) Kitchen Trailer Units - Hot Meals (Needs to set up at the Civic Ctr.) Blue Tarps Gas My contact Laura worked for 9 mos. creating an LTR for FEMA for Katrina. She has a meeting scheduled in Montague with the Fire Chief and other officials to begin an LTR immediately on Mon. She works in NOLA and has been sleeping there at night because there is no power and it's not a safe place to be. Terra, how would you suggest we go about 'calling in the troops'?? Les

notes: 9/6/08 "No shelters open" per the site but Dumas Auditorium opened today per media report & a Jr. High School is sheltering special medical needs folks but no one will admit it exists. No sandbags No power for 4 weeks Working on opening pharmacies and grocery stores Sewage is a big issue & the parish cannot handle all residents returning at this point Thursday, September 04, 2008 “LOOK AND LEAVE NOTES” PRESS RELEASE September 4, 2008 4:00 p.m. · This plan is designed to give parish residents the ability to check on their property. · They must possess an ID that has a Terrebonne Parish address or they will not be allowed in. · The times for this program are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. · There is a parish wide curfew in effect from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. · There are no emergency services that will be rendered, so it is recommended that residents refrain from any activity that presents a risk, i.e. use of chainsaws, moving large debris items, etc. · This program is a LOOK AND LEAVE. Our emphasis as a parish is to provide the residents access, we cannot sustain a parish population right now. The infrastructure cannot support it and it may cause further issues to our systems. Joint Press Release: Courtney Alcock, Parish Attorney, and Bill Dodd, Sheriff’s Attorney ============================================================================ Terrebonne Parish Emergency Website. Due to a declared emergency, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government has activated our offsite emergency website. This website is hosted offsite to ensure continued access to emergency information for Terrebonne Parish Residents. Normal website operations will continue after the declared emergency has ended. -> 9/6/08 "No shelters open" per the site but Dumas Auditorium opened today per media report & a Jr. High School is sheltering special medical needs folks but no one will admit it exists. No sandbags No power for 4 weeks Working on opening pharmacies and grocery stores Sewage is a big issue & the parish cannot handle all residents returning at this point Thursday, September 04, 2008 “LOOK AND LEAVE NOTES” PRESS RELEASE September 4, 2008 4:00 p.m. · This plan is designed to give parish residents the ability to check on their property. · They must possess an ID that has a Terrebonne Parish address or they will not be allowed in. · The times for this program are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. · There is a parish wide curfew in effect from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. · There are no emergency services that will be rendered, so it is recommended that residents refrain from any activity that presents a risk, i.e. use of chainsaws, moving large debris items, etc. · This program is a LOOK AND LEAVE. Our emphasis as a parish is to provide the residents access, we cannot sustain a parish population right now. The infrastructure cannot support it and it may cause further issues to our systems. Joint Press Release: Courtney Alcock, Parish Attorney, and Bill Dodd, Sheriff’s Attorney Thursday, September 04, 2008 Daily Press Briefings Announced for Terrebonne Parish Effective immediately, the Terrebonne Parish Unified Command will hold daily press briefings at 10:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center located at 5058 Hwy. 24, Gray, LA. Representatives of the Sheriff's Office and the Terrebonne Parish Government will provide updates on the progress of Hurricane Gustav recovery operations, and the restoration of essential public service infrastructure. More Information: EOC (985) 873-6357 ============================================================================ Terrebonne Parish Emergency Website. Due to a declared emergency, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government has activated our offsite emergency website. This website is hosted offsite to ensure continued access to emergency information for Terrebonne Parish Residents. Normal website operations will continue after the declared emergency has ended.

notes: 9/6/08 "No shelters open" per the site but Dumas Auditorium opened today per media report & a Jr. High School is sheltering special medical needs folks but no one will admit it exists. No sandbags No power for 4 weeks Prefer residents "look & see" and leave Working on opening pharmacies and grocery stores Sewage is a big issue & the parish cannot handle all residents returning at this point ============================================================================ Terrebonne Parish Emergency Website. Due to a declared emergency, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government has activated our offsite emergency website. This website is hosted offsite to ensure continued access to emergency information for Terrebonne Parish Residents. Normal website operations will continue after the declared emergency has ended. -> 9/6/08 "No shelters open" per the site but Dumas Auditorium opened today per media report & a Jr. High School is sheltering special medical needs folks but no one will admit it exists. No sandbags No power for 4 weeks Working on opening pharmacies and grocery stores Sewage is a big issue & the parish cannot handle all residents returning at this point Thursday, September 04, 2008 “LOOK AND LEAVE NOTES” PRESS RELEASE September 4, 2008 4:00 p.m. · This plan is designed to give parish residents the ability to check on their property. · They must possess an ID that has a Terrebonne Parish address or they will not be allowed in. · The times for this program are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. · There is a parish wide curfew in effect from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. · There are no emergency services that will be rendered, so it is recommended that residents refrain from any activity that presents a risk, i.e. use of chainsaws, moving large debris items, etc. · This program is a LOOK AND LEAVE. Our emphasis as a parish is to provide the residents access, we cannot sustain a parish population right now. The infrastructure cannot support it and it may cause further issues to our systems. Joint Press Release: Courtney Alcock, Parish Attorney, and Bill Dodd, Sheriff’s Attorney ============================================================================ Terrebonne Parish Emergency Website. Due to a declared emergency, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government has activated our offsite emergency website. This website is hosted offsite to ensure continued access to emergency information for Terrebonne Parish Residents. Normal website operations will continue after the declared emergency has ended.

address: -> P.O. Box 2768
notes: Terrebonne Parish Emergency Website. Due to a declared emergency, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government has activated our offsite emergency website. This website is hosted offsite to ensure continued access to emergency information for Terrebonne Parish Residents. Normal website operations will continue after the declared emergency has ended. -> 9/6/08 "No shelters open" per the site but Dumas Auditorium opened today per media report & a Jr. High School is sheltering special medical needs folks but no one will admit it exists. No sandbags No power for 4 weeks Prefer residents "look & see" and leave Working on opening pharmacies and grocery stores Sewage is a big issue & the parish cannot handle all residents returning at this point ============================================================================ Terrebonne Parish Emergency Website. Due to a declared emergency, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government has activated our offsite emergency website. This website is hosted offsite to ensure continued access to emergency information for Terrebonne Parish Residents. Normal website operations will continue after the declared emergency has ended.
zip: 00000 -> 70360

town: -> Houma
name: Terrebonne Office of Emergency Preparedness -> Terrebonne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness
region: -> Gulf
areas_served: -> Terrebonne Parish
eligibility: -> Impacted by Hurricane Gustav
is_fee_required: N/A -> No