[StBernard] Trailer Residents Encouraged To Find Shelter

[Westley Annis]

Trailer Residents Encouraged To Find Shelter

POSTED: 12:13 pm CDT September 21, 2007
UPDATED: 12:14 pm CDT September 21, 2007


CHALMETTE, La. -- Gov. Kathleen Blanco declared a precautionary state of
emergency, advising parishes to call for the evacuation of residents in
low-lying areas and those living in trailers. The governor has school buses,
ambulance support, National Guard transportation assets and shelter staff on
standby, according to a statement from her office.

St. Bernard Parish leaders are advising residents in trailers to find
another place to sleep Friday night. There are 4,000 trailers in St.
Bernard, officials said.

Plaquemines Parish leaders are declaring a state of emergency -- as a
precautionary measure. There are no evacucations at this point, nor any
shelters. More definite decisions will be made after the 4:30 p.m.
conference call with National Weather Service, Plaquemines Parish officials
said.

Residents in Jefferson Parish are being asked to clean out the storm drains,
and emergency crews are preparing to open shelters for people living in FEMA
trailers. Parish pump stations are working and fully staffed.

Officials in Jefferson Parish will be meeting at 4 p.m. Friday to decide
when they'll activate the emergency operations center, meaning that
around-the-clock staffing is possible.

If a tropical storm or tornado watch is declared, Kenner has planned two
shelters for its residents: One at Woodlake Gym, 121 W. Esplanade Ave., in
north Kenner, and another at the Buddy Lawson Gym, 1800 Short St., in south
Kenner. No food or refreshments will be provided by the gyms, and alcoholic
beverages aren't allowed.

In St. Tammany Parish, officials said they're keeping a close eye on the
weather as it develops.

"I am asking residents in mobile homes and trailers to make plans to move to
safer structures should tropical storm force winds come to St. Tammany
Parish," Parish President Kevin Davis said in a statement. " I have met with
the St.Tammany Parish School Board and the American Red Cross to open
shelters if necessary."