PRESS RELEASE

ST. CHARLES PARISH OFFICIALS: HELP CLEAR DRAINAGE TO READY FOR HEAVY RAIN

ST. CHARLES PARISH (September 1, 2011) - St. Charles Parish officials this morning are urging residents to monitor weather reports and prepare for possibly 10 to 15 inches of rainfall through Tuesday associated with Tropical Depression 13.

Forecasts call for up to 20 inches of rainfall in isolated areas. Winds of 25 to 35 mph are also possible, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph, along with tropical funnel clouds or water spouts. Tides are expected to be at least 2 to 4 feet higher than normal.

The Department of Public Works, along with Parks and Recreation and various other parish personnel, continue to inspect and clean ditches, catch basins and drainage infrastructure parishwide. Residents are asked to assist by clearing drains and ditches around their homes and reporting any debris piles or blocked culverts to EOC (985) 783-5050. Due to the possibility of strong winds, residents should also take in garbage cans and other items that could blow into drainage ditches.

"We've made big strides as far as drainage improvements throughout the parish, with about 3 million gallons per minute in pumping capacity," Parish President V.J. St. Pierre said. "We're going to ensure that rainwater runoff can get to its final outfall."

Residents should also have an emergency supply kit stocked with nonperishable food, water and flashlights to be prepared for the possibility of power outages.

Sand and sandbags are available for St. Charles Parish residents at the West and East Bank Bridge Parks in Luling and Destrehan. Residents should bring their own shovel to fill bags. Please keep in mind that those living in low-lying areas that have flooded before are most vulnerable to repeat flooding. Additional sandbag locations will be announced today.

Residents are asked to report flooded areas and downed power lines or trees to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050. It is ILLEGAL to drive through flooded streets at a high rate of speed, which could possibly send flood waters into homes.

Parish drainage and wastewater crews have been placed on emergency shifts and will monitor pump station operations continuously throughout Tropical Depression 13. All pumps have been inspected and are running.

Please stay tuned to local media, Cox Cable Channel 6 in St. Charles Parish, stcharlesparish-la.gov, 1-888-SCP-9EOC or 1370 AM for further announcements. Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day.

The parish remains under a flash flood watch through Sunday evening.

For more information about storm readiness, visit www.getagameplan.org or www.stcharlesparish-la.gov/hurricane. The St. Charles Parish Public Information Office will begin posting photos, video and other updates to its Emergency Bog at stcharlesgov.blogspot.com.

The mission of St. Charles Parish government is to provide high quality, efficient services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all residents of St. Charles Parish.

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