Tropical Storm Isaac updates for St. Charles Parish

Official Information-

9-4-12

Two major updates are that SCP qualifies for individual FEMA assistance, and asking Montz residents to limit sewer usage. Thank you!


SEWER SYSTEM STATUS: Montz residents ONLY are asked to limit sewer usage today as Entergy continues to work on power issues in the area. Entergy is estimating power will be disconnected to the area for approximately seven hours today.

POWER UPDATE: As of Tuesday morning, 1,519 customers remain without power in St. Charles Parish. The current estimate to have power restored to the entire parish is the end of the day today (Tuesday). Please note crews do not always have to be in your neighborhood to restore power to your home.

Crews are also working to power up the remainder of St. Rose, remaining streets in Luling and Killona, and pockets of outages in other areas.

If power is on around you there may be an issue with the line going to your particular house. Please call Entergy to report your outage and receive further instructions at 1-800-ENTERGY.

INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE: St. Charles Parish has been APPROVED for Individual Assistance (IA). If you are a resident interested in registering for IA, call 1-800-621-3362 or register online at www.disasterassistance.gov. Please note that residents MUST notify their insurance companies of any property damages prior to obtaining IA.

At this time residents may pre-apply for disaster food stamps should the program become available in SCP by calling 1-888-524-3578 or visiting dss.louisiana.gov.

FEMA has temporary housing assistance available for St. Charles Parish residents on a case-by-case basis. Call 1-800-621-3362 to apply.

RED CROSS ASSISTANCE: Those needing Red Cross assistance for sheltering, etc. may call EOC at (985) 783-5050 or 211 for resource information.

BUILDING PERMITS: Permits are required for the repair of storm-related damages to structures, including roof repairs. The parish council will consider waiving permit fees at its regular meeting today (Tuesday). Damage to home or business electrical service requires permits and inspections prior to reconnection.

For those whose electrical panel or meter box has separated from their homes, an electrician is required to do the work. Inspections may be scheduled by calling (985) 655-1070. Inspection fees have been waived. Please keep in mind that insurance companies frequently require proof of compliance with building codes for release of funds. For more information please call (985) 783-5000.

GARBAGE PICKUP: Regular residential garbage pickup has resumed as of Aug. 31. This is for cans and bagged items ONLY. Trucks will pass as long as streets are passable. Please note that pickup is running behind due to long waits at the landfill, but crews will be covering any missed addresses the following day.

DEBRIS PICKUP: Debris pickup will begin today (Tuesday). This is for storm-related tree limbs, vegetation and white goods. DO NOT bag tree limbs or large vegetative debris. (Remember not to block fire hydrants, water meters, gas meters, cable or phone pedestals or drainage infrastructure.)

Please place all debris at your curb. Please do not place debris on neutral grounds. The contractor cannot enter private property to pick up debris. Those living on state highways that are able to place debris along a parish street are encouraged to do so. The parish is NOT legally allowed to pick up debris on state highway rights-of-way. (This is important especially on Highways 306 in Bayou Gauche and Old Spanish Trail in Boutte and Paradis.)

FLOODING STATUS: Willowridge subdivision in Luling is experiencing some street flooding, as well as the Magnolia Ridge area of Boutte, Cajun Paradise in Paradis and Bayou Gauche Island. We are beginning to see water levels recede.

PARISH ACTIONS: Public Works and Wastewater crews are busy clearing canals and pump station intakes, repairing pump stations, clearing downed trees. Officials are asking people to stay away from the HESCO baskets up along Bayou Des Allemands. They will remain up through the duration of hurricane season. PUBLIC

NOTICES:
Please call 1-800-ENTERGY or 1-800-9-OUTAGE for information on or to report power outages.

We have had official reports of five homes flooding and ask any other residents who might have experienced flooding in St. Charles Parish to call in to EOC at (985) 783-5050 to report.

All private nonprofits with damages as a result of Isaac that have been registered with the Secretary of State’s Office and are 501C3’s should call (985) 783-5050.

SAFETY: Please STAY AWAY from downed power lines! Also please inspect your homes carefully and turn off the main breaker if power lines have pulled away from your residence. Fire hazards do exist as power is restored.

Please stay tuned to local media, Cox Cable Channel 6 in St. Charles Parish, www.stcharlesparish-la.gov, 1-888-SCP-9EOC or 1370 AM in St. Charles Parish for further announcements. The parish's social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. To sign up for emergency text messages and e-mails, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov and click on 'Emergency Alert System' on the left side of the page as well as 'E-Newsletters' at the top of the page.

Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day.

PHONE NUMBERS:
LA State Police - 1-800-469-4828
FEMA - 1-800-621-FEMA
Red Cross - 1-866-GET-INFO
St. Charles Parish Hospital - 985-785-6242
Lafourche Parish - 985-637-5195
St. John Parish - 985-652-2222
Atmos Energy - 1-888-286-6700
Cox Communications - 504-304-8444

The mission of St. Charles Parish government is to provide high quality, efficient services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all residents of St. Charles Parish.

9-3-12

Schools resume Tuesday 9/4

Sept. 3, 2012 – Classes will resume for all St. Charles Parish Public School students on Tuesday, September 4. This includes all kindergarten and pre-school students. 

 The late take-in day scheduled on Wednesday, September 5 for middle and high school students is cancelled. 

 According to parish government, there may be some streets that are still impassable due to high water. Transportation will make every effort to ensure all students are picked up at a safe location. If your street has standing water, please arrange to bring your child to higher ground on his or her bus route.

 Again, all students and employees should return on Tuesday, September 4.

09-3-12

FEMA now has temporary housing assistance available for St. Charles Parish residents on a case-by-case basis. Call 1-800-621-3362 to apply.

Residential garbage pickup in Willowridge (Luling) will take place tomorrow morning. It had been previously delayed due to street flooding. Areas in Montz were serviced Saturday with the exception of areas with flooded streets.

Mosquito Control has completed its first post-Isaac heavy spraying of the parish and will begin its second pass today.

Reminder that pre-application for Disaster Food Stamps can be completed at www.dcfs.la.gov/preapply or calling 1-888-LA-HELPU.


10:30 a.m. Sept. 3, 2012 | Isaac Update #14

Please share this information with your neighbors and friends who may not have access to the Internet. Thank you!

SEWER SYSTEM STATUS: We continue to ask residents cut down on sewerage usage as widespread power outages are causing sewer backups. This includes activities such as taking showers, washing clothes, washing dishes, flushing, etc. We will continue to request this of our residents until power is fully restored across the parish. Tap water remains SAFE in St. Charles Parish.

POWER UPDATE: As of Monday morning, 2,950 customers, or 14 percent, remain without power in St. Charles Parish. The current estimate to have power restored to the entire parish is Tuesday. Please note crews do not always have to be in your neighborhood to restore power to your home. We are posting areas where power has been restored at stcharlesgov.blogspot.com.

Entergy is working on rerouting feeder lines to Montz to an alternate substation since the normal substation remains located in high water. Crews are also working to power up the remainder of St. Rose, remaining streets in Willowdale and Killona.

If power is on around you there may be an issue with the line going to your particular house. Please call Entergy to report your outage and receive further instructions at 1-800-ENTERGY.

INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE: FEMA damage assessment teams visited St. Charles Sunday to evaluate the parish's eligibility for individual FEMA assistance. Parish President V.J. St. Pierre has asked Gov. Jindal to intervene with FEMA to allow St. Charles Parish residents to apply for IA. At this time residents may pre-apply for disaster food stamps should the program become available in SCP by calling 1-888-524-3578 or visiting dss.louisiana.gov. Residents may also get information on FEMA assistance should it become available by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov.

RED CROSS ASSISTANCE: St. Charles Parish has provided a list of damaged homes to the Red Cross, which has sent outreach teams to those locations to offer assistance. Those needing Red Cross assistance may call EOC at (985) 783-5050 or 211 for resource information.

BUILDING PERMITS: Permits are required for the repair of storm-related damages to structures, including roof repairs. The parish council will consider waiving permit fees at its regular meeting on Tuesday. Damage to home or business electrical service requires permits and inspections prior to reconnection. For those whose electrical pan or meter box has separated from their homes, an electrician is required to do the work. Inspections may be scheduled by calling (985) 655-1070. Inspection fees have been waived. Please keep in mind that insurance companies frequently require proof of compliance with building codes for release of funds. For more information please call (985) 783-5000.

GARBAGE PICKUP: Regular residential garbage pickup has resumed as of Aug. 31. This is for cans and bagged items ONLY. Trucks will pass as long as streets are passable. Labor Day is NOT a holiday for garbage pickup. Please note that pickup is running behind due to long waits at the landfill, but crews will be covering any missed addresses the following day.

DEBRIS PICKUP: Debris pickup will begin Tuesday. This is for storm-related tree limbs, vegetation and white goods. DO NOT bag tree limbs or large vegetative debris. (Remember not to block fire hydrants, water meters, gas meters, cable or phone pedestals or drainage infrastructure.) Please place all debris at your curb. Please do not place debris on neutral grounds. The contractor cannot enter private property to pick up debris. Those living on state highways that are able to place debris along a parish street are encouraged to do so. The parish is NOT legally allowed to pick up debris on state highway rights-of-way. (This is important especially on Highways 306 in Bayou Gauche and Old Spanish Trail in Boutte and Paradis.)

FLOODING STATUS: Willowridge subdivision is experiencing some street flooding, as well as the Magnolia Ridge area of Boutte and Bayou Gauche Island. Water levels will continue to rise and fall as water tries to work its way out of St. Charles Parish. The Army Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service advise there will only be small rises which will only bring street flooding, not home flooding.

PARISH ACTIONS: Damage assessment teams have identified 464 damaged structures across the parish. Public Works and Wastewater crews are busy clearing canals and pump station intakes, repairing pump stations and lift stations, clearing downed trees, refueling generators and pumping down lift stations. Officials are asking people to stay away from the HESCO baskets up along Bayou Des Allemands. They will remain up through the duration of hurricane season.

PUBLIC NOTICES:

• If traveling through flooded areas, please drive slowly. It is ILLEGAL to create wakes that could potentially push water into homes and/or businesses.
• Please call 1-800-ENTERGY or 1-800-9-OUTAGE for information on or to report power outages.
• We have had official reports of five homes flooding and ask any other residents who might have experienced flooding in St. Charles Parish to call in to EOC at (985) 783-5050 to report.
• All private nonprofits with damages as a result of Isaac that have been registered with the Secretary of State's Office and are 501C3's should call (985) 783-5050.

SAFETY: Please STAY AWAY from downed power lines! Also please inspect your homes carefully and turn off the main breaker if power lines have pulled away from your residence. Fire hazards do exist as power is restored.

GOVERNMENT OFFICES: Parish offices will be closed through Monday. Non-essential government employees are expected to report to work on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

SCHOOLS INFORMATION: Entergy has indicated that several areas, including some schools, remain without power. The school system is actively working to make the necessary repairs to facilities in preparation for reopening schools. At this time, a decision about school reopening has NOT been made. A message will be sent to parents and employees regarding school reopening at approximately 3 p.m. Monday.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: Residents can report downed power lines, downed trees, high water and business openings to EOC by calling (985) 783-5050.

Please stay tuned to local media, Cox Cable Channel 6 in St. Charles Parish, www.stcharlesparish-la.gov, 1-888-SCP-9EOC or 1370 AM in St. Charles Parish for further announcements. The parish's social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. To sign up for emergency text messages and e-mails, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov and click on 'Emergency Alert System' on the left side of the page as well as 'E-Newsletters' at the top of the page.

Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day.

PHONE NUMBERS:

• LA State Police - 1-800-469-4828
• FEMA - 1-800-621-FEMA
• Red Cross - 1-866-GET-INFO
• St. Charles Parish Hospital - 985-785-6242
• Lafourche Parish - 985-637-5195
• St. John Parish - 985-652-2222
• Atmos Energy - 1-888-286-6700
• Cox Communications - 504-304-8444

The mission of St. Charles Parish government is to provide high quality, efficient services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all residents of St. Charles Parish.

11:30 a.m. Sept. 2, 2012 | Isaac Update #13

SEWER SYSTEM STATUS: We continue to ask residents cut down on sewerage usage as widespread power outages are causing sewer backups. This includes activities such as taking showers, washing clothes, washing dishes, flushing, etc. As residents return and the system gets more use, backups will become more of an issue. We will continue to request this of our residents until power is fully restored across the parish. Tap water remains SAFE in St. Charles Parish.

POWER UPDATE: As of this morning, 10,000 customers remain without power in St. Charles Parish. Entergy has 275 linemen in the area, 130 tree trimmers and 24 scouts. The current estimate to have power restored to the entire parish is Tuesday. Please note crews do not always have to be in your neighborhood to restore power to your home. Crews are working in all communities. We are posting areas where power has been restored at stcharlesgov.blogspot.com. The town of Montz is serviced by the the LaPlace substation, which is still underwater in LaPlace. Crews are repairing lines in Montz so that when the waters recede power can be restored immediately. Entergy also has a 20-man crew working on a feeder out of Kenner into St. Rose. They are hopeful to get St. Rose through St. Rose Elementary powered today. Much of the damage to power infrastructure is in marshy areas, requiring specialized equipment to repair.

INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE: FEMA damage assessment teams are in the parish today determining the parish's eligibility for individual assistance. Parish President V.J. St. Pierre has asked Gov. Jindal to intervene with FEMA to allow St. Charles Parish residents to apply for individual FEMA assistance. At this time residents may pre-apply for disaster food stamps should the program become available in SCP by calling 1-888-524-3578 or visiting dss.louisiana.gov.

RED CROSS ASSISTANCE: St. Charles Parish has provided a list of damaged homes to the Red Cross, which will be sending outreach teams to those locations to offer assistance beginning today. Those needing Red Cross assistance can call 1-866-GET-INFO.

GARBAGE PICKUP: Regular residential garbage pickup has resumed as of Aug. 31. This is for cans and bagged items ONLY. Trucks will pass as long as streets are passable. Labor Day is NOT a holiday for garbage pickup. Please note that pickup is running behind due to long waits at the landfill but they will be covering any missed addresses the following day.

DEBRIS PICKUP: Debris pickup will begin Tuesday. This is for storm-related tree limbs, vegetation and white goods. DO NOT bag tree limbs or large vegetative debris. (Remember not to block fire hydrants, water meters, gas meters, cable or phone pedestals or drainage infrastructure.) Please place all debris at your curb. Please do not place debris on neutral grounds. The contractor cannot enter private property to pick up debris. Those living on state highways that are able to place debris along a parish street are encouraged to do so. The parish is NOT legally allowed to pick up debris on state highway rights-of-way. (This is important especially on Highways 306 and Old Spanish Trail.)

FLOODING STATUS: Willowridge subdivision is experiencing some street flooding, as well as the Magnolia Ridge area of Boutte. Water levels will continue to rise and fall as water tries to work its way out of St. Charles Parish. It will take a while to do that. The Army Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service advise there will only be small rises which will only bring street flooding, not home flooding.

PARISH ACTIONS: Damage assessment teams have identified 464 damaged structures across the parish. Public Works and Wastewater crews are busy clearing canals and pump station intakes, clearing downed trees, refueling generators and pumping down lift stations. Officials are asking people to stay away from the HESCO baskets up along Bayou Des Allemands. They will remain up through the duration of hurricane season.

CURFEW: The curfew has been lifted by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office. Deputies will continue to patrol under the Sheriff's Office's hurricane plan, which means there are still more than three times the normal amount of deputies on patrol. Increased patrols will also focus on areas which will still be without electricity.

PUBLIC NOTICES:
If traveling through flooded areas, please drive slowly. It is ILLEGAL to create wakes that could potentially push water into homes and/or businesses.

Please call 1-800-ENTERGY or 1-800-9-OUTAGE for information on or to report power outages.

We have had official reports of four homes flooding and ask any other residents who might have experienced flooding in St. Charles Parish to call in to EOC at (985) 783-5050 to report.

All private nonprofits with damages as a result of Isaac that have been registered with the Secretary of State’s Office and are 501C3’s should call (985) 783-5050.

COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION: St. Charles Parish does NOT anticipate opening a commodities distribution location at this time (i.e. MREs, ice). Stores have reopened for residents to restock supplies. The water supply in St. Charles Parish is safe. The parish is posting store openings at stcharlesgov.blogspot.com.

SAFETY: Please STAY AWAY from downed power lines! Also please inspect your homes carefully and turn off the main breaker if power lines have pulled away from your residence. Fire hazards do exist as power is restored.

GOVERNMENT OFFICES:  Parish offices will be closed through Monday. Non-essential government employees are expected to report to work on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

SCHOOLS INFORMATION: Public schools will remain closed through the rest of the week and the regularly scheduled Labor Day holiday on Monday. All athletic events for the week and weekend have been cancelled.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: Residents can report downed power lines, downed trees, high water and business openings to EOC by calling (985) 783-5050 or e-mailing publicinfo@stcharlesgov.net. The Public Information Office will be maintaining a list of such information for residents to use as a resource at stcharlesgov.blogspot.com.

BUILDING PERMITS: Permits are required for the repair of storm-related damages to structures, including roof repairs. Damage to home or business electrical service requires permits and inspections prior to reconnection. Please keep in mind that insurance companies frequently require proof of compliance with building codes for relase of funds. For more information please call (985) 783-5000.

Please stay tuned to local media, Cox Cable Channel 6 in St. Charles Parish, www.stcharlesparish-la.gov, 1-888-SCP-9EOC or 1370 AM in St. Charles Parish for further announcements. The parish's social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. To sign up for emergency text messages and e-mails, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov and click on 'Emergency Alert System' on the left side of the page as well as 'E-Newsletters' at the top of the page.

Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day.

• The mandatory evacuation order for St. Charles Parish has been lifted as of 8 a.m. Aug. 31.
• If traveling through flooded areas, please drive slowly. It is ILLEGAL to create wakes that could potentially push water into homes and/or businesses.
• Please call 1-800-ENTERGY or 1-800-9-OUTAGE for information on or to report power outages.
• We have had official reports of four homes flooding and ask any other residents who might have experienced flooding in St. Charles Parish to call in to EOC at (985) 783-5050 to report.

SEWER SYSTEM STATUS: We continue to ask residents cut down on sewerage usage as widespread power outages are causing sewer backups. This includes activities such as taking showers, washing clothes, washing dishes, flushing, etc. As residents return and the system gets more use, backups will become more of an issue. We will continue to request this of our residents until power is fully restored across the parish. Tap water remains SAFE in St. Charles Parish.

POWER UPDATE: Entergy is reporting 15,889 customers without power in St. Charles Parish as of Thursday night, or 74 percent. Entergy has 138 additional personnel in the area, including 184 linemen, 34 tree trimmers and 20 scouts. The current estimate to have power restored to the entire parish is by the end of the day Monday. Please note crews do not always have to be in your neighborhood to restore power to your home. We are posting areas where power has been restored at stcharlesgov.blospot.com.

GARBAGE SERVICE: Regular garbage service will resume Friday, Aug. 31. This is for cans and items in bags ONLY. Please note this is NOT for debris pickup. 

DEBRIS PICKUP: Debris pickup will begin on Tuesday. Please do not place debris near fire hydrants or on top of water meters. Responders need to be able to get to them if necessary. Residents should avoid piling storm debris on electric, cable or phone “pedestals," which can be damaged in the debris pickup process.

ROAD CLOSURES: Evangeline Road in Montz is closed near Airline Highway due to high water. I-10 at US 51 in LaPlace remains closed. For complete road closure information, visit www.lsp.org. All other major routes in St. Charles Parish are open.

FLOODING STATUS: Willowridge subdivision is experiencing some street flooding this morning, but water levels appeared to have dropped. Bayou Gauche Road on and near the island has high water. Montz is experiencing street flooding near Airline Highway.

PARISH ACTIONS: Damage assessment teams are continuing work today across the parish. Public Works and Wastewater crews are busy clearing canals and pump station intakes, clearing downed trees, refueling generators and pumping down lift stations. Public Works has placed additional HESCO baskets along Bayou Des Allemands as water levels in the bayou have risen overnight.

PUBLIC NOTICES:

• The mandatory evacuation order for St. Charles Parish has been LIFTED as of 8 a.m. Aug. 31.
• If traveling through flooded areas, please drive slowly. It is ILLEGAL to create wakes that could potentially push water into homes and/or businesses.
• Businesses may report damage to St. Charles Parish Economic Development and Tourism Director Corey Faucheux at cfaucheux@stcharlesgov.net.
• Please call 1-800-ENTERGY or 1-800-9-OUTAGE for information on or to report power outages. 
• We have had official reports of four homes flooding and ask any other residents who might have experienced flooding in St. Charles Parish to call in to EOC at (985) 783-5050 to report.

COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION: St. Charles Parish does NOT anticipate opening a commodities distribution location at this time (i.e. MREs, ice). Stores are beginning to reopen for residents to restock supplies. The water supply in St. Charles Parish is safe. The parish is posting store openings at stcharlesgov.blogspot.com.

ROAD CLOSURES: Evangeline in Montz is closed due to high water near Airline Highway. I-10 at US 51 in LaPlace remains closed in both directions.

RE-ENTRY INFORMATION: Numerous stores have reopened, but people returning home should be prepared for possible power outages at home.

SAFETY: Please STAY AWAY from downed power lines! Also please inspect your homes carefully and turn off the main breaker if power lines have pulled away from your residence. Fire hazards do exist as power is restored.

GOVERNMENT OFFICES: Parish offices will be closed through Monday. Non-essential government employees are expected to report to work on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

SCHOOLS INFORMATION: Public schools will remain closed through the rest of the week and the regularly scheduled Labor Day holiday on Monday. All athletic events for the week and weekend have been cancelled.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: Residents can report downed power lines, downed trees, power outages, high water and business openings to EOC by calling (985) 783-5050 or e-mailing publicinfo@stcharlesgov.net.The Public Information Office will be maintaining a list of such information for residents to use as a resource at stcharlesgov.blogspot.com.

BUILDING PERMITS: Permits are required for the repair of storm-related damages to structures, including roof repairs. Damage to home or business electrical service requires permits and inspections prior to reconnection. Please keep in mind that insurance companies frequently require proof of compliance with building codes for relase of funds. For more information please call (985) 783-5000.

Please stay tuned to local media, Cox Cable Channel 6 in St. Charles Parish, www.stcharlesparish-la.gov, 1-888-SCP-9EOC or 1370 AM in St. Charles Parish for further announcements. The parish's social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. To sign up for emergency text messages and e-mails, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov and click on 'Emergency Alert System' on the left side of the page as well as 'E-Newsletters' at the top of the page.

Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day.

PHONE NUMBERS:

• LA State Police - 1-800-469-4828
• FEMA - 1-800-621-FEMA
• Red Cross - 1-866-GET-INFO
• St. Charles Parish Hospital - 985-785-6242
• Lafourche Parish - 985-637-5195
• St. John Parish - 985-652-2222      
• Atmos Energy - 1-888-286-6700
• Cox Communications - 504-304-8444

The mission of St. Charles Parish government is to provide high quality, efficient services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all residents of St. Charles Parish.

Parish Public Works crews are continuing to monitor water levels on the West Bank and in Montz as south winds continue. Storm surge concerns overnight were largely unrealized, but there is street flooding in Luling's Willowrdge subdivision. CC Road in Montz is closed due to high water, and Evangeline Road in Montz has high water in spots.

Water levels along Bayou Des Allemands are also being monitored, with Public Works crews placing sandbags along the bayou to supplement the HESCO baskets already placed.

Roads across the parish are experiencing street flooding, and parish and Entergy crews are working to correct downed trees and power lines, pump down canals and refuel sewer lift stations. As of 9:30 a.m. Entergy is reporting more than 17,000 customers in St. Charles Parish without power. The estimate for complete restoration is three to five days. Crews are fanning out across the parish to complete damage assessments.

We continue to ask residents cut down on sewerage usage as widespread power outages are already causing some sewer backups.This will continue to be the case until power is restored parishwide.

We have had official reports of two homes flooding in Montz and ask any other residents who might have experienced flooding in St. Charles Parish to call in to EOC at (985) 783-5050 to report.

CURFEW: The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office has announced that the mandatory curfew in St. Charles Parish has been lifted as of daylight Aug. 30. It will go back into effect at 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. Friday morning since  large areas in St. Charles Parish will still be without power.

ROAD CLOSURES: Airline Highway in Montz from CC Road to Bayou Steel Road is closed due to high water. The previous detour using CC Road has been closed due to high water.

In addition, Highway 90 at the Davis Diversion in Luling, Airline Highway at the St. Charles / Jefferson Parish line and I-10 at US 51 in LaPlace remain closed as of 9:30 a.m.

RE-ENTRY INFORMATION: WE DO NOT RECOMMEND RESIDENTS RETURNING HOME TODAY (THURSDAY) IF AT ALL POSSIBLE as first responders continue to correct storm issues and assess damage throughout the parish. Please be aware that very few stores are open and food, gas and other resources are scarce, and if you return you should be prepared to be self-sufficient.

SAFETY: Please STAY AWAY from downed power lines! Also please inspect your homes carefully and turn off the main breaker if power lines have pulled away from your residence. Fire hazards do exist as power is restored.

St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center staff and parish employees are continuing to respond as tropical storm-force winds batter the parish. South winds on the back end of Isaac will create a threat for storm surge flooding on the parish's West Bank, especially in neighborhoods south of Highway 90. The storm’s track, wind speed, forward motion and rainfall amount will influence the severity of flooding.

Residents should be highly aware and be on watch overnight. In the event of rising water, responders have developed public notification and response procedures.

Residents are also asked to cut down on sewerage usage as widespread power outages are causing sewer backups.

The courthouse in Hahnville recorded 8.82 inches of rain since midnight with average winds of 21 mph sustained and 74 mph gusts. Crews are busy refueling generators for sewer lift stations, barricading and/or clearing streets and checking the function of pumping stations.

Throughout the day the parish experienced numerous trees and power lines down, as well as flooded roadways. Many of these issues still exist. We are asking that all residents stay HOME tonight and avoid travel as high water and downed power lines can create extreme danger. Entergy reports 16,645 customers still without power in St. Charles as of 7 p.m. We have had no official reports of home flooding thus far.

CURFEW: The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office has instated a 24-hour curfew until further notice. Parish Public Works crews have returned en mass to their work stations. Sightseeing will hamper both their efforts and that of our deputies doing their work. We face a real danger of flooding this afternoon from both rain and tidal surge. Our dispatchers are besieged with complaints of vehicles pushing water into homes. There is no legitimate reason for residents to be cruising around our neighborhoods. Emergency reasons for travel will be considered.
 

ROAD CLOSURES: Airline Highway in Montz from CC Road to Bayou Steel Road is closed due to high water. Traffic is being diverted from Bayou Steel road to River Road and back around to CC Road to allow passage from St. John Parish into St. Charles.

The Hale Boggs Bridge is scheduled to reopen at 7:30 p.m. after an incident with a loose vessel in the river. The Coast Guard reports that the vessel is secure.

Previously-announced road closures are still in effect at Highway 90 at the Davis Diversion in Luling and Airline Highway at the St. Charles / Jefferson Parish line.

RUMOR CONTROL:
WILLOWRIDGE 'LEVEE OVERTOPPING': The berm levee surrounding Luling's Willowridge subdivision has been rumored to be overtopping. While the marsh to the south of the subdivision is holding higher-than-normal water, the berm levee has not overtopped. Public Works is monitoring the situation closely.

RE-EVACUATION: The parish has not called for any additional evacuations. The parish remains under the original mandatory evacuation order called at 6 p.m. Sunday. No in-parish shelter is being opened at this time.

DESTREHAN 'FLOOD GATES': We have been asked about 'flood gates' being opened in St. Rose to 'relieve pressure.' Apparently this rumor refers to the sandbags placed across Airline Highway at the St. Charles / Jefferson Parish line. There is no flood threat on either side of the sandbags, and no plans that we are aware of to remove the bags until after the storm threat passes.

SAFETY: Please STAY AWAY from downed power lines!

PUBLIC NOTICE: Parish government offices will be closed through the end of the week.

SCHOOLS INFORMATION: Public schools will remain closed through the rest of the week and the regularly scheduled Labor Day holiday on Monday. All athletic events for the week and weekend have been cancelled.


RE-ENTRY INFORMATION: St. Charles Parish will allow re-entry immediately after the storm. However, if a certain area is heavily damaged by flood or wind damage making it unsafe to enter, those areas could be restricted for safety reasons. As a general policy, the parish will make every effort to allow residents to access their own private property. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND RESIDENTS RETURNING HOME ON THURSDAY IF AT ALL POSSIBLE as first responders continue to correct storm issues and assess damage throughout the parish. Gas, food and other resources will not be available, and anyone wishing to return should be prepared to be self-sufficient.
 

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: Residents can report downed power lines, downed trees, power outages, high water and other damage to EOC by calling (985) 783-5050, e-mailing publicinfo@stcharlesgov.net. or logging on to the parish’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov) or Emergency Blog (stcharlesgov.blogspot.com). The Public Information Office will be maintaining a list of such information for residents to use as a resource at stcharlesgov.blogspot.com

PLEASE NOTE:

• St. Charles Parish remains under a mandatory evacuation.
• If traveling through flooded areas, please drive slowly. It is ILLEGAL to create wakes that could potentially push water into homes and/or businesses.
• Parish offices will be closed through the end of the week.
• Businesses may report damage to St. Charles Parish Economic Development and Tourism Director Corey Faucheux at cfaucheux@stcharlesgov.net.
• Please call 1-800-ENTERGY for information on power outages, or visit www.entergy.com.

Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day. Please stay tuned to local media, Cox Cable Channel 6 in St. Charles Parish, www.stcharlesparish-la.gov, 1-888-SCP-9EOC or 1370 AM in St. Charles Parish for further announcements. The parish's social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. To sign up for emergency text messages and e-mails, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov and click on 'Emergency Alert System' on the left side of the page as well as 'E-Newsletters' at the top of the page.

The mission of St. Charles Parish government is to provide high quality, efficient services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all residents of St. Charles Parish.

7:15 a.m. August 29, 2012 |

St. Charles Parish is experiencing street flooding, downed trees and power lines and wind damage to some structures this morning as Hurricane Isaac makes its way through our area. Entergy is currently reporting 15,957 customers without power in St. Charles Parish.

Residents are asked to cut down on sewerage usage as widespread power outages are already causing some sewer backups. Officials are urging residents to HUNKER DOWN AT HOME over the next 24 hours as the parish will continue to experience extremely strong winds through at least this evening. Rainfall amounts may equal up to 20 inches.

Currently at the courthouse in Hahnville wind speeds are at 38 mph average sustained with gusts of up to 74 mph. A gust of 110 mph was clocked overnight at a pumping station in Bayou Gauche.

We expect tidal surges to begin pushing toward the parish between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. today on the back side of the storm as winds shift around and come out of the south. Isaac's slow foreward movement of 6 mph and westward moving track will increase storm surge chances for the West Bank.

All parish pump stations are operational and being monitored, however, the combination of high tidal levels and heavy rainfall can cause flooding conditions very quickly.
Please note that emergency medical, fire and police services will have extremely limited abilities to respond to calls for service once wind speeds reach 45 mph sustained due to safety concerns for first responders. Residents should also be prepared for the possible interruption of water and sewerage services.

CURFEW INFORMATION FROM THE ST. CHARLES SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne has announced that a mandatory nightly curfew will be in effect throughout the parish beginning at 8 p.m. Aug. 28 until 6 a.m. Aug. 29. Anyone found on the streets of the parish who are neither emergency workers nor persons attempting to evacuate are subject to being detained and/or arrested. The curfew will be in effect nightly until further notice.

RE-ENTRY INFORMATION:
St. Charles Parish will allow re-entry immediately after the storm. However, if a certain area is heavily damaged by flood or wind damage making it unsafe to enter, those areas could be restricted for safety reasons. As a general policy, the parish will make every effort to allow residents to access their own private property. Please check the parish website for parish status reports.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS:
Residents can report downed power lines, downed trees, power outages, high water and other damage to EOC by calling (985) 783-5050, e-mailing publicinfo@stcharlesgov.net or logging on to the parish's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov) or Emergency Blog (stcharlesgov.blogspot.com). The Public Information Office will be maintaining a list of such information for residents to use as a resource.

SCHOOLS INFORMATION:
Public schools will remain closed through the rest of the week and the regularly scheduled Labor Day holiday on Monday. All athletic events for the week and weekend have been cancelled.

PLEASE NOTE:

• St. Charles Parish remains under a mandatory evacuation.
• Because of announced road closures on Highway 90 at the Davis Diversion in Luling and Airline Highway at the St. Charles / Jefferson Parish line, residents may need to use alternate routes until further notice. For up-to-date road closure information, visit http://lsp.org/roadclosure.html.
• If traveling through flooded areas, please drive slowly. It is ILLEGAL to create wakes that could potentially push water into homes and/or businesses.
• Parish offices will be closed today, Tuesday and Wednesday. A decision on re-opening is forthcoming.
• Businesses may report damage to St. Charles Parish Economic Development and Tourism Director Corey Faucheux at cfaucheux@stcharlesgov.net.
• Please call 1-800-ENTERGY for information on power outages.
• Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day.

Please stay tuned to local media, Cox Cable Channel 6 in St. Charles Parish, www.stcharlesparish-la.gov, 1-888-SCP-9EOC or 1370 AM in St. Charles Parish for further announcements. The parish's social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. To sign up for emergency text messages and e-mails, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov and click on 'Emergency Alert System' on the left side of the page as well as 'E-Newsletters' at the top of the page.

The mission of St. Charles Parish government is to provide high quality, efficient services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all residents of St. Charles Parish.

Hurricane Isaac is making landfall in southeast Louisiana, and St. Charles Parish is feeling the effects.

St. Charles Parish is experiencing wind gusts of over 50 mph as Hurricane Isaac moves into the area.

Officials are urging residents to HUNKER DOWN AT HOME over the next 24 hours as the parish could experience winds of up to 80 mph sustained with higher gusts. Rainfall amounts may equal up to 20 inches depending on the storm’s eventual track, speed and timing of squall lines. Heavy winds will occur overnight tonight. Vehicular travel on the roadways should remain dangerous perhaps until Thursday morning.

The parish is already experiencing power outages, as well as downed trees and power lines. There will be a threat of flooding from storm surge as well as rainfall, with the Montz are being most vulnerable. We expect any tidal surges to begin pushing toward the parish between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday on the back side of the storm. All parish pump stations are operational, however, the combination of high tidal levels and heavy rainfall can cause flooding conditions very quickly.

Please note that emergency medical, fire and police services will have extremely limited abilities to respond to calls for service once wind speeds reach 45 mph sustained due to safety concerns for first responders. Residents should also be prepared for the possible interruption of water and sewerage services.

CURFEW INFORMATION FROM THE ST. CHARLES SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne has announced that a mandatory nightly curfew will be in effect throughout the parish beginning at 8 p.m. Aug. 28 until 6 a.m. Aug. 29. Anyone found on the streets of the parish who are neither emergency workers nor persons attempting to evacuate are subject to being detained and/or arrested. The curfew will be in effect nightly until further notice.

RE-ENTRY INFORMATION:
St. Charles Parish will allow re-entry immediately after the storm. However, if a certain area is heavily damaged by flood or wind damage making it unsafe to enter, those areas could be restricted for safety reasons. As a general policy, the parish will make every effort to allow residents to access their own private property. Please check the parish website for parish status reports.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS:
Residents can report downed power lines, downed trees, power outages, high water and other damage to EOC by calling (985) 783-5050, e-mailing publicinfo@stcharlesgov.net or logging on to the parish’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov) or Emergency Blog (stcharlesgov.blogspot.com). The Public Information Office will be maintaining a list of such information for residents to use as a resource.

SCHOOLS INFORMATION:
Public schools will remain closed through the rest of the week and the regularly scheduled Labor Day holiday on Monday. All athletic events for the week and weekend have been cancelled.

PLEASE NOTE:

• St. Charles Parish remains under a mandatory evacuation.
• Because of announced road closures on Highway 90 at the Davis Diversion in Luling and Airline Highway at the St. Charles / Jefferson Parish line, residents may need to use alternate routes until further notice. For up-to-date road closure information, visit http://lsp.org/roadclosure.html.
• If traveling through flooded areas, please drive slowly. It is ILLEGAL to create wakes that could potentially push water into homes and/or businesses.
• Parish offices will be closed today, Tuesday and Wednesday. A decision on re-opening is forthcoming.
• Businesses may report damage to St. Charles Parish Economic Development and Tourism Director Corey Faucheux at cfaucheux@stcharlesgov.net.
• Please call 1-800-ENTERGY for information on power outages.

Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day.

Please stay tuned to local media, Cox Cable Channel 6 in St. Charles Parish, www.stcharlesparish-la.gov, 1-888-SCP-9EOC or 1370 AM in St. Charles Parish for further announcements. The parish's social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. To sign up for emergency text messages and e-mails, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov and click on 'Emergency Alert System' on the left side of the page as well as 'E-Newsletters' at the top of the page.

The mission of St. Charles Parish government is to provide high quality, efficient services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all residents of St. Charles Parish.

08-28-12 3:45pm
 

St. Charles Parish is experiencing wind gusts of over 45 mph as the outer bands of now-Hurricane Isaac train over the area.

Officials are urging residents to HUNKER DOWN AT HOME over the next 24 to 36 hours as the parish could experience winds of up to 80 mph sustained with higher gusts and rainfall amounts of up to 20 inches depending on the storm's eventual track, speed and timing of squall lines. Vehicular travel on the roadways should remain dangerous until at least Thursday morning.

The parish expects to experience widespread and sustained power outages, as well as downed trees and power lines. There will be a threat of flooding from storm surge as well as rainfall, with the Montz are being most vulnerable. All parish pump stations are operational, however, the combination of high tidal levels and heavy rainfall can cause flooding conditions very quickly.

Please note that emergency medical, fire and police services will have very limited abilities to respond to calls for service once wind speeds reach 45 mph due to safety concerns for first responders. Residents should also be prepared for the possible interruption of water and sewerage services.

Please secure any garbage cans, roadside debris or construction debris as they can and will become projectiles in high winds. Please remind your neighbors.

CURFEW INFORMATION FROM THE ST. CHARLES SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
At dusk tonight (Aug. 28) a curfew will be in effect. We are expecting widespread, if not total, power outages, and the parish will be dark. In order to protect property it is imperative that you REMAIN HOME. Anyone found wandering the streets for no apparent reason is subject to being DETAINED, QUESTIONED and possibly ARRESTED. We understand and recognize that some people may be on a legitimate mission to aid themselves or others or to report to work.

RE-ENTRY INFORMATION:
St. Charles Parish will allow re-entry immediately after the storm. However, if a certain area is heavily damaged by flood or wind damage making it unsafe to enter, those areas could be restricted for safety reasons. As a general policy, the parish will make every effort to allow residents to access their own private property. Please check the parish website for parish status reports.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS:
Residents can report downed power lines, downed trees, power outages, high water and other damage to EOC by calling (985) 783-5050, e-mailing publicinfo@stcharlesgov.net or logging on to the parish's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov) or Emergency Blog (stcharlesgov.blogspot.com). The Public Information Office will be maintaining a list of such information for residents to use as a resource.

PLEASE NOTE:

• The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office has instituted a curfew from 8 p.m. Aug. 28 until 6 a.m. Aug. 29.
• St. Charles Parish remains under a mandatory evacuation.
• Because of announced road closures on Highway 90 at the Davis Diversion in Luling and Airline Highway at the St. Charles / Jefferson Parish line, residents may need to use alternate routes until further notice. For up-to-date road closure information, visit http://lsp.org/roadclosure.html.
• If traveling through flooded areas, please drive slowly. It is ILLEGAL to create wakes that could potentially push water into homes and/or businesses.
• Public schools in St. Charles Parish have been cancelled for Monday - Friday.
• Parish offices will be closed today, Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Businesses may report damage to St. Charles Parish Economic Development and Tourism Director Corey Faucheux at cfaucheux@stcharlesgov.net.
• Please call 1-800-ENTERGY for information on power outages.

Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day.

Please stay tuned to local media, Cox Cable Channel 6 in St. Charles Parish, www.stcharlesparish-la.gov, 1-888-SCP-9EOC or 1370 AM in St. Charles Parish for further announcements. The parish's social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. To sign up for emergency text messages and e-mails, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov and click on 'Emergency Alert System' on the left side of the page as well as 'E-Newsletters' at the top of the page.

The mission of St. Charles Parish government is to provide high quality, efficient services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all residents of St. Charles Parish.

08-28-12 10:15am
 

ST. CHARLES PARISH UPDATE: WEATHER TO DETERIORATE BY EARLY TUESDAY MORNING
 

Tropical Storm Isaac is approaching the southeast Louisiana coastline this morning. Forecasts call for the storm to possibly increase to a Category 1 hurricane and slowly move across southeast Louisiana today and tonight. We face a serious threat of flooding from rain and storm surge. We are also expecting downed trees and widespread power outages.

STAY HOME

Sheriff's Deputies and parish workers can best assist you if you REMAIN HOME.

As water rises we face the inevitable threat of water getting into homes. Driving your vehicle around and sightseeing will aggravate this situation. Anyone who unnecessarily drives around and pushes water into and damages homes will be ARRESTED.

Expect for deputies to stop and question you if you get onto the road for no reason. Many residents have evacuated and we are still very serious about protecting their property as well as yours.

HELP CLEAR CATCH BASINS

The best thing you can do now is to keep an eye out for clogged catch basins and help remove debris to keep the water draining. CURFEW IN EFFECT TONIGHT

PLEASE NOTE:

• Because of announced road closures on Highway 90 at the Davis Diversion in Luling and Airline Highway at the St. Charles / Jefferson Parish line, residents may need to use alternate routes. Citizens may use I-310 to travel to and from Jefferson Parish. Also, the River Road, LA-18, may be used to RE-ENTER St. Charles Parish FROM Jefferson Parish. For up-to-date road closure information, visit http://lsp.org/roadclosure.html.
• For a list of recommended evacuation routes, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov/hurricane and click on ‘Parish Guide' then ‘Evacuate.'
• Special needs assistance may be requested by calling EOC at (985) 783-5050.
• Please prepare your homes for strong winds and rain by securing outdoor objects, boarding windows and clearing drains and culverts
• Schools in St. Charles Parish are closed today, Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Parish offices will be closed today, Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Please call 1-800-ENTERGY for information on power outages.

Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day.

Please stay tuned to local media, Cox Cable Channel 6 in St. Charles Parish, www.stcharlesparish-la.gov, 1-888-SCP-9EOC or 1370 AM in St. Charles Parish for further announcements. The parish's social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. To sign up for emergency text messages and e-mails, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov and click on 'Emergency Alert System' on the left side of the page as well as 'E-Newsletters' at the top of the page.

The mission of St. Charles Parish government is to provide high quality, efficient services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all residents of St. Charles Parish.

08-27-12 8pm
 

St. Charles Parish remains under a mandatory evacuation due to the potential for dangerous storm surge, winds and flooding rainfall from Isaac. The latest forecast have the storm making landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River and heading directly over St. Charles Parish as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of up to 100 mph. Intensity has increased from earlier advisories.

WE ARE ASKING EVERY TO PLEASE HELP US GET THE WORD OUT! Due to extreme traffic congestion the regular garbage pickup route will NOT be completed today. If your garbage has not already been picked up it WILL NOT be picked up today. Please secure any carts or roadside debris as they can and will become projectiles in high winds. Please remind your neighbors. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Through the duration of the storm the parish expects the potential for widespread power outages for an extended duration, as well as a loss of emergency and parish services. This also includes the potential loss of all sewer and water services.

Current forecasts call for the parish to begin experiencing tropical storm-force winds between 4 a.m. And 7 a.m. on Tuesday, with heavy winds and rain continuing for a potential of 48 hours. This will make travel on parish roadways extremely treacherous.

Rainfall predictions are currently between 6 to 18 inches through the duration of the storm.

Those wanting to evacuate can still safely do so overnight or in the very early hours Tuesday. State highways 3127 on the West Bank and 3125 on the East Bank are less-traveled and favored alternate routes. Those choosing to ride out the storm in-parish are asked to stay off the roads and stay inside.

The parish is currently under a hurricane warning and a flash flood watch. Pump stations will be monitored 24/7 throughout the storm, with the majority of pump stations having the ability to be monitored and controlled remotely via telemetry.

St. Charles Parish will allow re-entry immediately after the storm. However, if a certain area is heavily damaged by flood or wind damage making it unsafe to enter, those areas could be restricted for safety reasons. As a general policy, the parish will make every effort to allow residents to access their own private property.

There are no anticipated road closures in St. Charles Parish for the duration of the storm except in cases of dangerous conditions such as flooding or downed trees or power lines. Residents are able to move freely in and out of St. Charles Parish this evening and into tonight.

As per the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, a curfew will NOT be implemented for tonight, Aug. 27, however, anyone cruising neighborhoods is subject to being detained and questioned as to their intention. Anyone who is not in the process of evacuating should remain home, off the public roads, either in a vehicle or on foot. This will assist the Sheriff’s Office in protecting neighborhoods and property.

The Sheriff’s Office does anticipate that a dusk to dawn curfew will be ordered for Aug. 28 as the storm passes through. They anticipate by dusk on Tuesday power will be out and will remain out for several days.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Because of announced road closures on Highway 90 at the Davis Diversion in Luling and Airline Highway at the St. Charles / Jefferson Parish line, residents may need to use alternate routes. Citizens may use I-310 to travel to and from Jefferson Parish. Also, the River Road, LA-18, may be used to RE-ENTER St. Charles Parish FROM Jefferson Parish. For up-to-date road closure information, visit http://lsp.org/roadclosure.html.
• For a list of recommended evacuation routes, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov/hurricane and click on ‘Parish Guide’ then ‘Evacuate.’
• Special needs assistance may be requested by calling EOC at (985) 783-5050.
• Please prepare your homes for strong winds and rain by securing outdoor objects, boarding windows and clearing drains and culverts
• Schools in St. Charles Parish are closed today, Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Parish offices will be closed today, Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Please call 1-800-ENTERGY for information on power outages.

• Parish President V.J. St. Pierre Jr. at 10:15 a.m. declared a state of emergency due to Isaac.
• Mandatory evacuation effective immediately
• The St .Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center is fully activated and taking actions in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac
• The parish expects to see 105 mph winds with higher gusts and storm surges between 6 to 8 feet beginning Monday night and into Tuesday. The parish is currently under a hurricane watch.
• public and Catholic schools in St. Charles Parish have been cancelled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Special needs assistance may be requested by calling (985) 783-5050
• Residents should begin preparing their homes for hurricane conditions, including boarding up windows, picking up items outside that could be blown by winds, clearing culverts and drains, etc. All sandbag locations are currently being stocked around the parish; please bring a shovel to fill bags. A list of locations can be found at www.stcharlesparish-la.gov/hurricane