9.7.21 Update

 

Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Update

Assistance

  • FEMA disasterassistance.gov or 800-621-3362. FEMA approved generator and chainsaw reimbursements – apply for FEMA assistance for possible reimbursement.  
  • DNSAP Text LADSNAP to 898211
  • Disaster unemployment https://www.laworks.net/
  • Operation Blue Roof blueroof.us or 1-888-766-3258
  • Transitional Sheltering Assistance - https://www.fema.gov/.../transitional-sheltering-assistance
  • Distribution Sites Water, ice, and MREs are available daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. via drive-thru at the following locations:
    • Wallace Fire Station - 5733 Hwy 18, Vacherie (Wallace)
    • REGALA Gym - 200 REGALA Park Rd, Reserve
    • Garyville Magnet School – 240 Hwy 51, Garyville
  • Tide Loads of Hope is collecting and cleaning laundry from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at LaPlace Walmart.
  • Fire Department and Public Works crews are out in neighborhoods handing out water, ice & MRES. The National Guard is also assisting.

    Elderly Assistance for St. John residents

  • Elderly St. John residents ages 65 and older who need assistance registering with FEMA can call the Department of Health & Human Services at 985-536-4955 from 8am-5pm daily.

    Water

    • Utilities informed us that due to another issue at the LaPlace well system, water service will be interrupted for an estimated 5-6 hours in LaPlace. Water pressure will slowly rebuild when restored.
    • A Boil Water Advisory is still in effect Parishwide.

       

      Sewer

  • Parish residents are asked to limit all non-essential sewer services as much as possible during this time.
  • Residents can continue using their essential sewer services, such as using the bathroom. Please try not to flush any type of paper product down your toilet right now while systems are being repaired. This includes toilet paper, sanitary items, paper towels or flushable wipes.

     

    Power

    • We're beginning to see power restoration begin with small areas of the parish becoming re-energized within the last 48 hours.
    • Entergy has stated that they are bringing in 200 additional electrical workers with equipment and plan to ramp up restoration efforts within the next few days.
    • Crews hope to have Airline Highway from Reserve to LaPlace energized soon in addition to parts of the West Bank. Recently, Wallace bridge to St. James received power with more to come.
    • Entergy is in the process of opening a customer information center on the East & West Bank to answer residents’ questions. We are hopeful in this progress and will continue to update.
    • Debris Removal

    • Debris removal began today in St. John starting with vegetative debris.  
    • It is important residents separate debris into six categories: Household garbage, construction debris, vegetation debris, hazardous waste, 'white' goods, electronics for pickup.
    • Please do not put debris in garbage bags. Do not set debris against trees or poles. Place at curb.

      Garbage Pickup

    • Metro Service Group has resumed garbage collection in accessible areas. We will continue to update each day.

       

      Mail Update

  • The Louisiana District has announced the resumption of most mail delivery and retail operations, which had been temporarily suspended in some locations, due to Hurricane Ida.
  • Effective Tuesday, September 7, 2021, almost all Post Offices beginning with ZIP Codes 700, 701, 703, and 704 will resume retail services and delivery, where it is safe to do so, except for the Post Offices listed below.
  • These offices will either provide service via an alternate location or customers will be served by a USPS mobile retail unit at the site of their regular Post Office (where indicated). Customers will be able to conduct postal retail transactions, fill out Change of Address and Hold Mail forms, and pick up their P.O. Box mail with proper identification.
  • The Postal Service will continue to monitor conditions and is working to restore service as soon as it is safe to do so. We apologize for any inconvenience customers may experience and appreciate their patience. Updates will be provided as soon as they are available. https://about.usps.com/.../0906-usps-louisiana-operations...

     

    Temporary Housing

  • Parish President Hotard signed an executive order today outlining emergency regulations to prepare for an equitable and speedy recovery and to provide temporary housing solutions for residents.
  • Effective through February 28, 2022, permit and inspection fees required by the Planning and Zoning Department will be waived for those making repairs and renovations to structures impacted by Hurricane Ida.
  • The order also allows for placement of one RV, travel trailer or other similar form of temporary housing to be placed on a single-family residential sites through August 29, 2022. Additional provisions may be added as needs are identified for recovery.
  • Please note that the Planning and Zoning Department is operating in a very limited capacity to provide safety inspections for electrical and gas reconnections currently.
  •  Permits for renovations, repairs and temporary RV’s may be obtained once full government services are operational. In the meantime, please contact Planning and Zoning at 985-651-5565 to begin coordination of inspections for RV’s of if you have any questions about permitting repairs.

     

    Safe Reconnect of Utilities

  • Planning and Zoning is here to help with a safe recovery for items that are normally permitted such as electrical and gas reconnection inspections.
  • If you sustained damage to your home or business electrical and/or gas systems and want to ensure it is safe to have them reconnected by the utility provider, please contact Planning & Zoning.
  • Our team will come out and inspect the installation and advise what needs to be done to bring it to a safe condition.
  • If you have made repairs and the utility provider is unable to reconnect you, an inspector will be dispatched to help you identify what needs to be done to allow the utility provider to reconnect you.
  • These services are being provided at no cost and are offered to ensure your safety and expedite the reconnection process when the utility providers can turn services back on.

    Email safereconnect@stjohn-la.gov

    985-651-5565

     

    Roads

  • The Highway 51 low road is closed. On and off ramps to I55 are open.
  • LA 44 is closed near the Cargill Grain Elevator (between W. 19th Street and W. 23rd Street) is closed.
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    Generator Safety

  • St. John Parish reminds residents that carbon monoxide from generators is deadly. Only use a generator in a well-ventilated area and place away from structures, at least 20 feet away from your home, windows, and doors.
  • Please place a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

     

    Contractor Fraud

  • As we work to recover and rebuild following Hurricane Ida, residents are encouraged to watch for and report any suspicious activity or contractor fraud.
  • Potential fraud should be reported to https://www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint or the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

 

Curfew

  • A parish-wide curfew is in effect from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily until further notice. This is to assist with power outages and looting.