Re-entry Update and Conditions in Jefferson Parish
02 September 2008
Beginning at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, Wednesday, September 3, 2008 all Jefferson Parish residents are eligible to return with no special credentials needed. The curfew that is in place now will remain in place until 6 a.m.
To prevent traffic jams in neighboring communities, if you are returning from the east to Jefferson Parish tomorrow, do not take exits off of I-10 in New Orleans or St. Bernard Parish. If you are returning from the west, Airline Drive (Highway 61) will be open.
Expected conditions in Jefferson Parish on Wednesday, September 3, 2008
There will be no electricity in most of the parish and it could be a while until it is restored. This means:
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400 of 505 (80%) sewerage lift stations which carry all waste water to the treatment plants are out of commission until power is restored—can’t flush toilets, wash clothes, take showers, etc.; toilets, sinks may back up and overflow
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No air-conditioning; the weather will be very hot
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Stores without generators may not be able to open
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Gas stations without generators may not be able to pump gas
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Drug stores, banks, building supply stores without generators may not be able to open
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Fast food and restaurants without electricity may not be able to open
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Street lights are out in many neighborhoods, however police patrols continue
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Traffic signals are down and not working on many intersections; if you return you must drive very carefully and watch for temporary stop signs placed at intersections at eye level
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Power poles and power lines are down, some blocking streets, and crews will be in the process of removing the damaged facilities and replacing them
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Those without electricity should exercise extreme caution when using portable generators to prevent the hazard of carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators should not be hooked up to a home’s permanent electrical system except by a licensed electrician. Use caution when filling hot generators with gasoline which, again, may not be readily available.
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Citizens should use caution when using candles or lanterns to prevent fires.
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Work trucks and crews will be blocking lanes of major streets and in neighborhoods as they work to clean up and restore services.
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Schools are closed until Monday; playgrounds and libraries without electricity will be closed to the public until power is restored.
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Cell phone reception is still spotty in many areas; many land line phones are out due to downed wires
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Cox Communications is losing its battery back-up power and cable television is out for many customers due to many downed lines
Most services provided by the parish are restore:
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Normal garbage collection will resume Friday, September 5, but debris pick up will not start until next week. Residents that place debris such as tree limbs or cut-up trees, sections of damaged fences, or other debris on the curb should not expect it to be picked up until next week. Please separate regular household garbage from debris so that it will be picked up. We will announce more information on debris pick up in the next few days.
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The parish water plants are operating under their own power and the water supply and water pressure are normal.
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Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, Joseph S. Yenni Building, General Government Building and Jefferson Parish Assessor’s Office will be open for business starting on Friday, September 5.
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First and Second Parish Courts, Juvenile Court, 24th Judicial District Court and Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court’s Office will be open for business starting on Monday, September 8.
