[StBernard] Update From State Representative Nita Rusich Hutter

[Westley Annis]

Update From State Representative Nita Rusich Hutter

November 11 , 2005 


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We are forwarding this information to you as you move about the area and
prepare your home for your return to St. Bernard Parish.  Hope you find this
FEMA document helpful.  Stay well and healthy. Miss you all dearly.

Nita Hutter




FEMA ECHOES STATE PRECAUTIONS FOR ENTERING 
OIL-CONTAMINATED PROPERTIES IN ST. BERNARD PARISH

BATON ROUGE, La. - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said today it encourages St. Bernard
Parish residents entering oil-contaminated properties to heed warnings
issued by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. FEMA's state
partners discourage access to oil-contaminated properties especially for
children and pets. Limited access is possible but requires following
specific safety precautions. 

Aside from standard precautions necessary when entering flooded areas, St.
Bernard Parish residents impacted by the Murphy Oil spill should:

Protect their skin from contacting oil 
Use oil-resistant gloves 
Keep arms and legs covered 
Wear coveralls or clothing that can be discarded 
If oil gets on skin, they should wash well with soap and water 
Open doors and windows to ventilate oil-contaminated property 
Be careful not to bring oil-contamination to other places 
Wear boot covers or leave work boots at the oil-contaminated property 
Avoid tracking oil or oily sediments into the car or truck 
Leave items with oil to avoid taking them where they might contaminate
others 
Do not wash clothes worn in the oil spill area with family laundry 
FEMA urges people with questions to call the Louisiana Department of Health
and Hospitals for more information. The toll free number is 1-888-293-7020.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and
recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates
mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local
emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the
U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.