[StBernard] Entry to St. Bernard Resumes Monday, Sep 26.

[Westley Annis]

September 25, 2005; 11:00 AM CST

Return to St. Bernard to Resume Tomorrow:

St. Bernard Parish officials announce that beginning tomorrow September 26,
2005, at 6 AM CST, Parish business owners and residents may begin returning
to St. Bernard in the areas that are clear of Hurricane Rita's flood waters.

 

As of Noon on 9/25/05, there is standing water in the Arabi area, north of
the Parish line to approximately Pakenham Drive in Chalmette, AND in the
areas east of Verret.  IF YOUR BUSINESS OR RESIDENCE IS LOCATED IN ONE OF
THESE AREAS, DO NOT PLAN ON RETURNING TO ST. BERNARD - YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE
TO ACCESS YOUR PROPERTY.

 

The flood water is receding slowly, but it may take a few days to completely
drain the effected areas.

 

To be eligible to return to St. Bernard, residents must present proof of
residency.  To protect homes and businesses from unwanted intrusion, we will
strictly enforce this rule.  PLEASE BE SURE TO HAVE PROOF OF RESIDENCY.


 

As was previously announced, when planning your return, please keep in mind
that electrical power, telephone, and sanitation have not been restored in
St. Bernard, and that water service is only available in limited areas.
Moreover, presently there is no gasoline, food, water, or building material
available.  Thus, please plan accordingly.  You should be totally
self-sufficient with generators, tools, etc. to enable you to accomplish
your planned tasks, and you must have sufficient gasoline to exit St.
Bernard when you are finished.

 

A STRICT DAWN TO DUSK CURFEW will be enforced and no person or vehicle will
be allowed on the streets of St. Bernard Parish during the curfew.

 

Please be aware that St. Bernard Parish Government does not have sufficient
life sustaining supplies to support the general public, nor are 911
emergency telephone services available.

 

Further, you are advised to take precautions to ensure your personal safety
when inside of St. Bernard Parish.  We have posted the recommendations on
the "News" link of:  http://www.stbernardparishgovernment.com.  Scroll down
to the September 14, 2005; 8:00 AM CST - Preparation to Return section.

 

We understand that traffic is very heavy on all routes available to gain
access to St. Bernard.  Please plan your travel accordingly.  As of this
time, all access from New Orleans is blocked.  Thus, please do not attempt
to return through those areas.

 

The latest flood water information will be posted later this afternoon or
this evening.

 

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