New Orleans returnees: Enter at your own risk

[sunny]

Well, now, wouldn't this just make you want to go home?

wwltv.com


New Orleans returnees: Enter at your own risk

03:26 PM CDT on Wednesday, September 28, 2005


City of New Orleans public information

(New Orleans, LA) The City of New Orleans will provide the following information to people returning to the city. On behalf of Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans, welcome home! We are working to bring New Orleans back and need your cooperation. Please be advised that although we are slowly returning our City to normal operations, there are some precautionary measures you need to follow. Please read the following carefully.

You are entering the City of New Orleans at your own risk, whether you are a business owner or resident. There are still many health and safety issues. Please take great caution before entering your business or residence since structural problems are not always visible.

THERE IS A CURFEW IN PLACE FROM 6 PM to 8 AM every night that will be strictly enforced until further notice. This means you may not be outside between 6 pm and 8 am, in a vehicle or on foot.

The 911 system is operable when dialing from a land line. *Call 911 for Police, Fire and other emergencies.* Alternate emergency number is 504-525-9261.

Traffic lights are out throughout the City. ALL INTERSECTIONS ARE FOUR-WAY STOPS and the speed limit is 30 mph, regardless of the posted speed limit. Proceed with extreme caution. Report any downed power lines to Entergy; downed power lines may be live.

You are not permitted to go beyond your designated zip code area. Travel in your zip code only when absolutely necessary. Keep personal identification with you at all times.

There are only a few health clinics open at this time. We can handle minor injuries and health care needs. We cannot handle critical care needs. For your safety, you should have a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the past 10 years.

YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS MAY NOT BE STRUCTURALLY SOUND; ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. Use extra care when navigating upper floors and attic space.

The sewage system is operational but not fully functioning. With the exception of Algiers, you are advised not to drink, bathe or wash your hands in water from your tap. WE RECOMMEND THE USE OF BOTTLED WATER UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. BRING A SUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF BOTTLED WATER FOR DRINKING, BATHING AND PERSONAL USE. You may flush toilets.

Important numbers for your use:

Police, Fire and Emergency 911

Red Cross 1-800-435-7669

Remains Management 1-225-763-5480, 1-225-763-5760

Entergy (Gas and Electric) 1-800-368-3749, 1-800-968-8243

Standing water and soil may be seriously contaminated; avoid contact. If you come in contact with dirt or water you should wash with antibacterial soap and bottled water as soon as possible.

Limit your exposure to airborne mold and wear rubber gloves, masks (N-95 mask), goggles/eye wear and other protective materials to protect yourself. You must supply your own protective equipment. Open windows for 30 minutes before entering your home or business.

Bring sufficient food and any medical supplies required to sustain you and your family for an extended period of time. FOOD AND WATER WILL NOT BE PROVIDED TO YOU.

Have sufficient fuel with you before you enter the city. Gas stations are not fully operational and fuel is limited.

AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Do not connect electrical generators to the electrical panel or an outlet in your business or home.

To assist in the collection of trash and debris, we ask residents to separate debris into different piles at curbside for separate collections. This will speed the removal of your trash and debris. Items should be separated into the following categories:

Household garbage (dispose as usual) except spoiled food MUST be bagged in black plastic trash bags.

Tree debris and clean wood

Carpet, sheetrock, insulation, flooring and furniture, etc.

Roofing materials

Appliances such as refrigerators (emptied of contents), stoves, and air conditioners

Household hazardous wastes such as pesticides, paints, solvents, automotive fluids and cleaning products. We are working on developing a program to handle these items, which will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, please store them in a safe place.

Electric customers with property damage must have the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker TURNED OFF. Don't step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker. Call a licensed electrician for advice when necessary. A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN MAY NEED TO INSPECT YOUR PROPERTY'S ELECTRIC WIRING BEFORE ENTERGY CAN RESTORE POWER TO A HOME OR BUSINESS. TREAT ALL DOWNED WIRES AS LIVE.

Natural gas customers: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TURN GAS ON YOURSELF. Please have repairs made by a licensed plumber and certified by a city inspector. Call Entergy at 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) when repairs are complete.

To dry out your home or business

Do not turn on or plug in anything electric until it has been checked out.

Do not turn on gas until checking with the gas company.

Do not turn on switches when standing in water.

Throw out any wet furniture, mattresses and pillows.

Wash clothing, towels and bedding in hot, soapy water. Remove drywall and insulation that has been wet.

Place a fan blowing outwards to dry the house without spreading the mold.

[tornadochaser86]

New orleans has a long road to recover and thats not all there is a potential system moving into the gulf L99