FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2005
New Orleans Releases Guidelines for Re-Entry
New Orleans Releases Guidelines for Re-Entry (New Orleans, LA) Mayor C. Ray Nagin today announced instructions for residents and business owners planning to re-enter New Orleans.
The information below will be distributed as a flyer to all returning citizens at two primary entry points: 1-10 East at the Pontchartrain Expressway and the West Bank Expressway into Algiers.
CITY OF NEW ORLEANS
HURRICANE KATRINA SAFETY AND SECURITY RE-ENTRY INFORMATION
On behalf of Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans, welcome home! Please be advised that although we are slowly returning our city back to normal, there are some precautionary measures you need to know about and follow. We need your cooperation - Please read the following information carefully!
1. You are entering at your own risk. The City of New Orleans remains a hazardous site, and ongoing health and safety issues are being assessed. The City of New Orleans is still undergoing testing and recommends that you take great caution before entering the city and your premises, whether business or residential.
2. There is a curfew in place until further notice. This means you may not be outside between 6 pm and 8 am either in a vehicle or on foot. This will be strictly enforced. Keep personal identification with you at all times.
3. Police and fire services are limited. The 911 system is not fully functional at this time. ** For Police, Fire and other emergencies please call: (504) 552-4830 **
4. The traffic lights are out throughout the city. You are required to observe a city-wide speed limit of 35 mph, regardless of the posted limit, and treat all intersections as four-way stops. Follow all street directions. Some roads may be blocked. Proceed with extreme caution, especially around downed power lines. Report any downed power lines directly to Entergy (see phone numbers below).
5. You are not permitted to go beyond your designated zip code area and we recommend you travel within your zip code area only when absolutely necessary.
6. Access to medical services is extremely limited at this time. We are not prepared to handle critical care patients. You are advised to have tetanus vaccination before entering the city.
7. The sewage system has been compromised. With the exception of Algiers, you are advised not to drink, bathe or wash hands in water from your tap and we recommend the use of bottled water for all personal use until further notice. You may flush toilets.
8. Standing water and soil may be seriously contaminated. If you come in contact with standing water and material or supplies compromised by the flood water, you should wash with soap and clean water as soon as possible. We suggest you limit your exposure to airborne mold and use gloves, masks and other protective materials to protect yourself. You must supply your own protective equipment.
9. Food and water will not be provided to you. Bring sufficient food, water and any medical supplies required to sustain you and your family, keeping in mind curfew times and store inventories may limit access to these supplies. You must bring sufficient fuel with you before you enter the city. Gas stations are not fully operational. Fuel is limited.
10. Avoid Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Do not use fuel-burning devices indoors (e.g., gasoline or diesel generators or equipment, grills, etc.). Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent Carbon Monoxide build-up. Do not connect electrical power generators to the electrical panel or outlet of your home or business.
11. You are at your own risk to determine whether your home or business is structurally sound enough to enter. Use extra care when navigating upper floors and attic space.
12. No temporary housing is currently available within the city for returning evacuees. Such temporary housing may not be available within the city for six months. Returning residents whose homes are not habitable must leave the city by 6 p.m. each day.
Debris and Refuse Removal
* Please exercise caution in removing debris when entering your business or home to minimize the risk of injury. Steel-toed boots, work gloves and goggles/safety glasses are recommended around debris.
* Open all windows when entering a building. If you smell gas or hear the sound of escaping gas, leave the premises and contact Entergy immediately at the number below. Avoid creating any source of ignition. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away.
* To greatly improve the speed of our trash and debris collection, we ask residents to separate debris into piles at the curbside for collection using the following categories:
o Household Garbage (dispose as usual)
o Tree debris and clean wood
o Carpet, Sheet Rock, Insulation, Flooring, and Furniture
o Roofing Materials
o Appliances: Refrigerators (empty of contents), stoves, air conditioners
* We are working on a program to handle household hazardous waste (pesticides, paint, solvents, automotive fluids, cleaning products), which will be available at a later time. In the meantime, please store these items in a safe place.
Standing Water, Mold and Bacteria
* Contaminated floodwater contains micro-organisms that penetrate deep into soaked, porous material and later can be released into air or water. Remove standing water as quickly as possible while minimizing direct contact.
* Every effort should be made to limit your contact with flood water, including breathing water vapor or mist coming from pumps or dehumidifiers.
* To reduce the risk of mold and bacteria, remove wet materials (e.g., wood, paper, clothing) and discard those that cannot be thoroughly cleaned or dried, ideally within 48 hours.
* Illness can result from contact with an open cut or wound. Clean cuts and abrasions thoroughly with soap and drinkable water and apply antibiotic ointment. Always wash your hands and body with soap and warm, clean drinkable water.
* Pay special attention to not putting your hands in your mouth or on objects that could go in your mouth such as cigarettes or water bottles.
* If you know you are immuno-compromised, or have underlying respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergies, you should consider not returning until further environmental and health assessments are complete.
General Tips and Important Phone Numbers
* Apply mosquito repellent and sunscreen. The use of waterless, alcohol-based hand sanitizing rubs is recommended. Bring plenty of fresh water.
o Police, Fire and Emergency 1-504-552-4830
o Red Cross 1-800-435-7669
o Remains Management 1-225-763-5480, 1-225-763-5760
o Entergy (Gas and Electric) 1-800-368-3749, 1-800-968-8243
o FEMA Assistance Register 1-800-631-FEMA (3362), TTY: 1-800-462-7585
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