PRESS RELEASE

Pointe Coupee Parish Issues Voluntary Evacuation Order for Mobile Home Residents
NEW ROADS, La. (August 31, 2008) – A voluntary evacuation order has been issued by Sheriff Beauregard "Bud" Torres III to all Pointe Coupee residents who inhabit mobile home trailers, effectively immediately.

"Hurricane Gustav poses a threat to our area and I am encouraging all residents to take every precaution to ensure their family remains safe during the next few days," said Sheriff Torres. "Residents in mobile homes are at a greater risk during hurricane conditions and should evacuate out of the potential impact area, which could include our parish."

Temporary shelters for these residents are being established at the public schools at Upper Pointe Coupee, Morganza, Rosenwald, Rougon, Livonia and Valerda. All shelters will open at 6:00 pm Sunday, August 31.

Residents should bring water, food, medication, clothing, personal items and sleeping necessities to the shelter and plan to remain at the shelter until hurricane conditions pass and local authorities announce it is safe to return home.

For transportation to the shelter or for additional information, contact the Pointe Coupee Sheriff's Office at (225) 694-3737 or 1-800-256-1233.

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