9.16.21 Update

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Changes from previous update: 

GARBAGE UPDATE

Parish President Hotard takes extraordinary, emergency actions to rid Parish of abnormally high volumes of waste.

In response to mounting garbage, Parish President Hotard Issues Emergency Household Waste Bid.

Bids will be opened Sunday, September 18, 2021, at 10 a.m.

Parish President Hotard is also in the process of executing agreements to increase disposal capacity.

Additionally, our residential waste vendor will continue to pick up daily; however, the increased amount of waste and other challenges created by Hurricane Ida called for emergency action.

“My main priority right now is getting the trash off the street for our residents; therefore, taking emergency actions were necessary,” said Parish President Hotard. “I want to thank residents for their patience and cooperation as we work to get all garbage collected.”

 

FEMA

Mobile Unit Schedule (8am-6pm)

  • Sept 17th & 18th - Emily C. Watkins Parking Lot
  • Sept 19th - St. Charles Catholic Parking Lot
  • Reminder the FEMA Helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to apply or answer questions regarding disaster assistance. Call 800-621-3362.

 

Blue Roof

  • The Operation Blue Roof vehicle will be at Matherne’s Parking Lot: SEPTEMBER 17-19
  • 9:30AM-5:30PM
  • More info: blueroof.us or call 888-766-3258.

Power

  • Number of outages as of 10 a.m. 9/16/21. 2,169 – 11% of customers remain without power 
  • Estimated Date of Restoration (90 percent) - September 17
  • As Entergy works to restore, they ask that if you are aware of an inconsistency between the reported status and power availability at a location, please notify them by going to myEntergyor the Mobile App and report your outage or dial 1-800-9OUTAGE (1-800-968-8243)

    Water/Sewer

  • Due to regulations with the Louisiana Department of Health, until water facilities are restored to Entergy power, St. John Parish will remain under a Boil Water Advisory.
  • Water customers should boil water for at least a minute after a rolling boil before consumption until the Boil Water Advisory is lifted.
  •  Residents are also asked to continue to curb non-essential sewer usages as much as possible such as running washing machines and dishwashers due to some lift stations that are still without power.

     

     

    Hurricane Ida Recovery Information:

    (Below is no change from yesterday’s update)

    POD sites are open today as weather allows with tarps, water, and ice until 5pm at Wallace Fire Station & REGALA Gym.

    Transitional Sheltering Assistance - https://www.fema.gov/.../transitional-sheltering-assistance  

    Elderly Assistance for St. John residents 

  • Elderly St. John residents ages 65 and older who need assistance registering with FEMA can call the Department of Health & Human Services at 985-536-4955 from 8am-5pm daily.

    Small Business Assistance

    Debris Removal

     

    • More than 100,000 cubic yards of debris has been collected so far. Vegetative and construction debris as well as white goods will continue to be picked up daily.
    • Please note that different trucks pick up these types of materials so you may see multiple trucks in your neighborhood for different collections as required by FEMA. Residents should separate debris, if possible, for easier pickup.
    • Please do not place debris on fire hydrants, water meters, trees, or mailboxes.

     

    Damage Assessment

  • Starting today members of the Louisiana Floodplain Management Disaster Recovery Team will be in neighborhoods with the Planning and Zoning Department to assess damage to properties in flood zones AE and VE.
  • This damage assessment is required by FEMA to remain active in the National Flood Insurance Program. In some cases, residents may be required by FEMA to elevate or flood-proof their structure if the structure has been substantially damaged.
  • Citizens with questions about this process can call the Planning and Zoning Department at 985-651-5565 for more information.

Permits

Safe Reconnect of Utilities  

  • Planning and Zoning is here to help with a safe recovery for items that are normally permitted such as electrical and gas reconnection inspections.  
  • If you sustained damage to your home or business electrical and/or gas systems and the utility was not able to reconnect service, please contact Planning & Zoning.  
  • If you have made repairs and the utility provider is unable to reconnect you, an inspector will be dispatched to help you identify what needs to be done to allow the utility provider to reconnect you.  
  • These services are being provided at no cost and are offered to ensure your safety and expedite the reconnection process when the utility providers can turn services back on.  
  • Emailsafereconnect@stjohn-la.gov  or call 985-651-5565 

 

Temporary Housing 

  • Parish President Hotard signed an executive order outlining emergency regulation to prepare for an equitable and speedy recovery and to provide temporary housing solutions for residents.  
  • Effective through February 28, 2022, permit and inspection fees required by the Planning and Zoning Department will be waived for those making repairs and renovations to structures impacted by Hurricane Ida.  
  • The order also allows for placement of one RV, travel trailer or other similar form of temporary housing to be placed on a single-family residential site through August 29, 2022. Additional provisions may be added as needs are identified for recovery.  
  • Please note that the Planning and Zoning Department is operating in a very limited capacity to provide safety inspections for electrical and gas reconnections currently. 
  •  Permits for renovations, repairs and temporary RV’s may be obtained once full government services are operational. In the meantime, please contact Planning and Zoning at 985-651-5565 to begin coordination of inspections for RV’s of if you have any questions about permitting repairs. 

Roads

  • Highway 51 low road & LA 44 near Cargill remains closed.

Generator Safety

  • St. John Parish reminds residents that carbon monoxide from generators is deadly. Only use a generator in a well-ventilated area and place away from structures, at least 20 feet away from your home, windows, and doors.  
  • Please place a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Contractor Fraud  

  • Verify whether a contractor is licensed or registered to do construction in Louisiana before you make a down payment or sign a contract. There are three ways to check licensure through LSLBC:
  • Check their license via the LSLBC website at lacontractor.org. or call 1-800-256-1392.
  • Be sure you learn the contractor’s full name, business address and take note of their physical description.
  • Ask them for references from previous clients, check their reviews via internet and social media.
  • Get the phone number and call it in their presence to ensure they are the phone account holder.
  • Ask them for proof of liability and workers compensation insurance.
  • Ask to see their contractor’s license.
  • Take note of the vehicle they are driving, record the license plate number.
  • Be sure you are supplied a detailed estimate and contract, signed by the contractor in your presence, be sure the contract has estimated dates of start and completion.
  • NEVER give a down payment exceeding 10 percent of the total project cost!
  • NEVER pay for projects not yet completed!
  • Always get at least three estimates for the repairs, as this may be required by your insurance provider.
  • Use local contractors when possible.
  • Keep a detailed log of all conversations you have. Use email communication as much as possible.
  • NEVER pay with cash or money order. Always use checks or a credit card.
  • NEVER give them more information than is needed for them to submit an estimate or perform the job.

Curfew 

  • A parish-wide curfew is in effect from 10PM-5AM.  

Donations

 

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