Isaac Update from Plaquemines Parish - FOX 8 WVUE New Orleans News, Weather, Sports

Fox 8 received this news release Saturday afternoon from the Plaquemines Parish Government:

September 8, 2012

Medical Services
Plaquemines Medical Center will resume normal operations on Monday, September 10, 2012 at 7:00 a.m. It will be open 24 hours a day. Plaquemines Parish Care will reopen with normal hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
Distribution Locations
MRE's and water continue to be available to Plaquemines Parish residents. 

Residents can pick up water, ice and MRE's, and tarps at the Port Sulphur Community Center at 278 Civic Drive, Boothville-Venice Elementary School at 1 Oiler Drive, and the Percy Griffin Community Center at 15577 Hwy 15 in Davant.

 
Road Accessibility and Water Levels
Water levels on Hwy 23 on the west bank are expected to recede to a level at which cars may pass by Monday. 18 wheelers and full size trucks can drive through at their own risk.
 
Residents can get to the east bank of Plaquemines Parish, south of Stolthaven by using the Belle Chasse Ferry. Residents can get to Braithwaite Park by using the Chalmette Ferry. 
 
There are over 12 cuts on the back levees of the east and west bank to allow water to flow out. These cuts and the weather conditions are being monitored; sandbags are in place to cover the cuts if the weather conditions cause a shift in the flow of water. Pumps are working on the east and west bank to pump water out of the areas with flooding.
 
 
Residents, business owners, and employees can convoy alternately north and south on the river levee on Hwy 23 from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
 
Expect delays because of the number of people trying to enter and leave the area.
 
There are 2 boats in service at the Belle Chasse/Scarsdale Ferry location and 1 at the Pointe-a-la-Hache location.
 
Debris Removal
DOTD has debris contractors in place to pick trash and debris. Please put all debris and trash on the side of the Hwy 23 on the west bank and Hwy 39 on the east bank so that it may be picked up.
 
Sewerage and Water Update:
There is currently a boil advisory in effect from the Alliance Refinary/Phillips66 to Boothville-Venice.  

The Empire Flood Gate is in the open position for shallow drafts only. The Empire locks will operate from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  

FEMA Assistance:  
A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is set up at the Belle Chasse Auditorium at 8398 Hwy 23 in Belle Chasse. The Disaster Recovery Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily. Residents affected can register for individual assistance or transitional assistance or receive more information at 1-800-621-FEMA or go to www.disasterassistance.gov.