Aug 31, 2008 - A near total evacuation has been carried out in St. Bernard Parish, with few residents remaining since parish government mandated evacuation on Saturday, Sheriff Jack Stephens and Parish President Craig Taffaro, Jr. said in a news conference Sunday.

Col. Jeff Bedey of the Army Corps of Engineers also participated in the news session.

Sheriff Stephens said, "Across the board, including from the standpoint of cooperation between all parish agencies, things have gone textbook."

Taffaro and Stephens both said they are hopeful if hurricane Gustav maintains on its current track, the parish can be spared disasterous flooding.

Also Sheriff Stephens reported that two arrests have been made for burglary and theft by deputies patrolling on Saturday and both men have were removed from the parish to a state prison by the Louisiana Department of Corrections.

The arrested men were identified as Thomas Battenberg, booked with burglary; and Kelcy Price, booked with felony theft.

Battenberg allegedly kicked in the door of a house and the resident saw him exit the back door running, caught a short time later in the neighborhood, the shoe print on the door alegedly matching the print of the suspect's shoe. Price alledly stole wire at Chalmette Refining, the sheriff said.

The sheriff thanked DOC officials for their cooperation.

Aug 31, 2008 - 4:00 AM - According to emergency.louisiana.gov, the Louisiana contraflow traffic plan has been activated as the state prepares for the likely landfall of Hurricane Gustav.

As of 4 a.m. Sunday, the southeast Louisiana contraflow plan has been fully activated. In southwest Louisiana, the Lafayette contraflow plan on I-49 North has been activated.

Contraflow will not be in effect in the Lake Charles area, where residents are urged to head north on Highway 171.

Highway 165 is also an alternate evacuation route for people in the Lake Charles area. State Police also urge Lake Charles area evacuees to head north, not east or west.

Travelers are again reminded to have a full tank of fuel, any necessary medications, non-perishable food items and all critical documents.

Motorists are urged to call *LSP (or *577) only in the event of emergencies and not for informational purposes. For traffic information, call 511.

For shelter information, call 211.

For the latest information on Hurricane Gustav, you can visit emergency.louisiana.gov or call the state's emergency hotline at 1-866-288-2484 to listen to a recorded message with the most up-to-date information.

Aug 30, 2008 - 10: 00 PM - The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office has closed down all entrances into the parish after a mandatory evacuation began by order of the Parish Government on Saturday, according to Sheriff Jack Stephens.

Also, a curfew was established from 10 PM Saturday until daybreak Sunday morning at which time the curfew will be suspended to allow any remaining parish residents to leave, according to Chief Deputy Sheriff James Pohlmann. Pohlmann also said the curfew will be reestablished roughly at dust on Sunday.

Parish residents who don't leave the parish are expected to remain in their homes during cerfew hours and anyone who violates the order is subject to arrest and removal from the parish.
 

Aug 30, 2008 - 9:30 AM - In light of the pending approach of Hurricane Gustav, the St. Bernard Sheriff's Office is giving out sandbags to St. Bernard Parish Residents.  Proof of Residence is required.

According to Sheriff Jack Stephens, "The Sheriff's Office will give a limit of 20 bags per car to St. Bernard Parish residents with proof of residency."

The bags will be handed out at the Sheriff's Sandbag barn at the Port of St. Bernard which is at the old Kaiser Aluminum Facility.

St. Bernard Parish President Craig P. Taffaro Jr. said  that he anticipates calling for a mandatory evacuation for residents parish-wide at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, based on the current track of Hurricane Gustav.

“We are basing this decision on the best possible data,” Taffaro said. “The time frame and effects on St. Bernard have not dramatically changed. We are forced to respond as part of a coordinated effort with the region.”

No one will be allowed to enter the parish once the mandatory evacuation order has been issued, and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office will be increasing its patrols of neighborhoods to protect property, supplementing by the National Guard. The parish prison will be closed, and anyone arrested will be taken directly to Angola Prison.

Taffaro issued a call for a recommended evacuation Friday as of 3 p.m.

“We are encouraging residents with the flexibility to leave to do so at this time,” Taffaro said around 8 p.m. Friday. According to the state and regional coordinated evacuation plans, St. Bernard residents should begin evacuating when the storm is about 40 hours from gale force winds hitting St. Bernard, and officials wanted to call for the mandatory evacuation during daylight hours.

“At 4 p.m., the borders will be locked down, and no one will be allowed to re-enter,” Taffaro said. “Residents will be allowed to move around within the parish as they prepare to evacuate,” and gas stations and essential businesses are asked to stay open until curfew.

Also residents should be aware that the state is anticipated to start contraflow Sunday morning at 4 a.m.

Some time after the mandatory evacuation is in effect, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office will enforce a 24-hour curfew where residents will not be allowed to leave their homes, said Chief Deputy James Pohlmann.

Evacuation for residents with medical needs was completed Friday with the parish moving 20 residents out by ambulance, addressing the needs of all those who registered.

Those who are not capable of self-evacuation and who need to use state-provided transportation will begin the evacuation process Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon.

Residents who cannot afford to evacuate on their own and will need transportation to a state-run shelter should show up at one of the designated pick-up points along the St. Bernard Urban Rapid Transit Evacuation Route.

There are six pick-up points along Judge Perez Drive. A SBURT bus will come by every 30 minutes Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon to pick up residents who lack personal transportation or who cannot self-evacuate. They will be brought to the staging area where they will be registered and placed on state busses to be taken to state-run shelters.

Residents who need assistance evacuating should remember to medicines and prescriptions in their original bottles or packages and bring identification and important papers. Residents will be allowed only one small carry-on bag per person, no more than 45-inch total dimensions. Pet carriers, purses and diaper bags will not count as your one carry-on bag. Pets must be in pet carriers in order to be evacuated. Vehicles may be left at the pick-up points below.

The pick up points are:

• Celebration Church, 7500 W. Judge Perez Drive in Arabi
• Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, 2320 Paris Road in Chalmette.
• Chalmette High School, 1100 E. Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette.
• Corinne Missionary Baptist Church, 5620 E. Judge Perez Drive in Violet
• Beauregard Middle School, 1201 Bayou Road in St. Bernard
• Fanz Mobile Home Park, 2100 West Fanz in St. Bernard

Tune to the local media for information. Also, St. Bernard Parish Government will be issuing updates on its website at www.sbpg.net, on its cable access station at channel 76 for Cox Communications customers and on its emergency communications radio station at 1680-AM.

Aug 29, 2008 - In light of the pending approach of Hurricane Gustav, the St. Bernard Sheriff's Office is giving out sandbags to St. Bernard Parish Residents.  Proof of Residence is required.

According to Sheriff Jack Stephens, "The Sheriff's Office will give a limit of 20 bags per car to St. Bernard Parish residents with proof of residency."

The bags will be handed out at the Sheriff's Sandbag barn at the Port of St. Bernard which is at the old Kaiser Aluminum Facility.
 

http://www.getagameplan.org/evacuation.html

Because of the fluid nature of shelter occupancy, citizens are encouraged to obtain information about shelter openings and locations at shelter information points along the evacuation route. Information about shelter evacuation points will be posted on this site as well as on the Department of Social Services website, the Louisiana State Police website, or by calling the American Red Cross at toll-free number, (866) GET-INFO or (866) 438-4636.

Checkpoints:
Shelter information points include:

• Tourist Welcome Center: U.S. I-65 and U.S. 84/1401 Carter Street, Vidalia
• TA Truck Stop: Exit 171 - U.S. I-20 and U.S. I-65, Tallulah
• Paragon Casino Resort, Marksville
• Sammy’s Truck Stop: Exit 53 – I-49/3601 LA 115 W, Bunkie
• Med Express Office: 7525 U.S. 71, Alexandria
• P.E. Gym at LSU-Shreveport: One University Place, Shreveport
• Pickering High School: 180 Lebleu Rd., Leesville
• Tourist Information Center: 8904 U.S. I-65, Oberlin
• Maddie’s Truck Plaza, 15972 LA 1, Simmesport

St. Bernard Parish President Craig P. Taffaro Jr. said he anticipates calling a mandatory, parish-wide evacuation for all residents some time Saturday, Aug. 30, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Gustav; Sheriff's Office to Enforce Curfew and Violators will be Taken to Angola Prison 
  August 29, 2008 - St. Bernard Parish President Craig P. Taffaro Jr. said he anticipates calling a mandatory, parish-wide evacuation for all residents some time Saturday, Aug. 30, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Gustav.

Evacuation for residents with special and medical needs, who have registered with the parish, will begin Friday, Aug. 29 by appointment. Any special needs residents should call as soon as possible to register by calling 504-278-1593.

Those who are not capable of self-evacuation and who need to use state-provided transportation will begin the evacuation process Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon.

Once the mandatory evacuation is in effect, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office will enforce a 24-hour curfew where residents will not be allowed to leave their homes and no one will be allowed to enter the parish, said Chief Deputy James Pohlmann. The Sheriff’s Office will begin monitoring the neighborhoods with increased patrols assisted by the National Guard to protect property. The parish prison will be closed, and anyone arrested will be taken directly to Angola Prison.

St. Bernard Parish public schools, Our Lady of Prompt Succor and Lynn Oaks School will remain open Friday, but there will be no after-school activities and no after-school care. The jamboree football games at Chalmette High School have been cancelled.

Boaters should monitor media updates to learn when the locks at Bayous Dupre and Bienvenue will be closed.

Residents who cannot afford to evacuate on their own and will need transportation to a state-run shelter should show up at one of the designated pick-up points along the St. Bernard Urban Rapid Transit Evacuation Route.

There are six pick-up points along Judge Perez Drive. A SBURT bus will come by every 30 minutes Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon to pick up residents who lack personal transportation or who cannot self-evacuate. They will be brought to the staging area where they will be registered and placed on state busses to be taken to state-run shelters.

Residents who need assistance evacuating should remember to medicines and prescriptions in their original bottles or packages and bring identification and important papers. Residents will be allowed only one small carry-on bag per person, no more than 45-inch total dimensions. Pet carriers, purses and diaper bags will not count as your one carry-on bag. Pets must be in pet carriers in order to be evacuated. Vehicles may be left at the pick-up points below.

The pick up points are:

• Celebration Church, 7500 W. Judge Perez Drive in Arabi
• Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, 2320 Paris Road in Chalmette.
• Chalmette High School, 1100 E. Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette.
• Corinne Missionary Baptist Church, 5620 E. Judge Perez Drive in Violet
• Beauregard Middle School, 1201 Bayou Road in St. Bernard
• Fanz Mobile Home Park, 2100 West Fanz in St. Bernard

Tune to the local media for information. Also, St. Bernard Parish Government will be issuing updates on its website at www.sbpg.net, on its cable access station at channel 76 for Cox Communications customers and on its emergency communications radio station at 1680-AM
 

Aug 28, 2008 - St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Jack Stephens advises that non-St. Bernard Parish residents who keep boats in the Parish must come and secure them or take them out before an evacuation order may be issued by Parish Government. The Sheriff says that if Parish Government issues a mandatory evacuation in St. Bernard, the parish will be shut down and non-residents will not be allowed entry.

"No evacuation order has been issued at this time", the Sheriff said, "but anyone who has a boat in this Parish and doesn't live here needs to come to St. Bernard and attend to their boats as soon as possible."

Aug 26, 2008 - St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Jack Stephens said his department is preparing for the possibility of Hurricane Gustav causing wind and rain problems for this area and added that parish residents should be planning what they will do if an evacuation order comes from Parish government.

“We are paying heavy attention to this and St. Bernard Parish residents should be also,’’ Sheriff Stephens said.

“We have a hurricane plan in which everyone here knows what they are supposed to do,’’ he said. Residents should begin preparing what documents and medicines they would take with them if they decide to leave or the order to evacuate is given to leave the area.

The sheriff met with his department staff on Tuesday afternoon to go over where preparations stand for the possibility of the hurricane coming in the direction of the New Orleans area.

Equipment including generators have been tested, the sheriff’s marine division is ready and SWAT team sheriff’s deputies recently trained for the possibility of having to patrol neighborhoods by boat in case of a rain event in he parish, Sheriff Stephens sna d Chief Deputy Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Last year's National Night Out campaign involved an estimated 34 million people, including residents, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.

National Night Out is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug-prevention awareness
• Generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
• Send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
• Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, cities, towns and neighborhoods celebrate NNO with a variety of events and activities such as: block parties, cookouts, visits from local police and sheriff’s departments, parades, exhibits, flashlight walks, contests and youth programs.

Its supporters claim NNO has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in the fight for a safer nation. Plus, the benefits a community derives from NNO could extend beyond the one night.

History of National Night Out and NATW:

The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) is a nonprofit, crime prevention organization which works in cooperation with thousands of crime watch groups and law enforcement agencies throughout the country. Since 1981, NATW has been dedicated to the development and growth of organized crime prevention programs nationwide.

NATW's network has grown to include over 6,500 crime, drug and violence prevention organizations.

National Night Out, 'America's Night Out Against Crime,' was introduced by the Association in 1984. The program was the brainchild of NATW Executive Director Matt A. Peskin.

In an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts, Peskin said he felt a high-profile, high-impact type of crime prevention event was needed nationally.

Peskin proposed a program which would be coordinated by local crime prevention agencies and organizations, involving entire communities.

In the first year, 400 communities and some 2.5 million people in 23 states participated in the National Night Out.

Since then, participation has grown until last year’s event involved more than 11,000 communities, which is expected to jump to 12,000 this year.

While the traditional 'lights on' and front porch vigils remain a part of NNO, activities have expanded considerably over the years to include block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from police, festivals, neighborhood walks, safety fairs, rallies and meetings.