As many people enter their flood damaged homes, there are some important things to remember when starting the rebuilding process. Emelie Gunn has more…
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The total number of parishes on the federal disaster declaration is now 12, as 8 more parishes have been added. Halen Doughty has more…
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About 75-percent of Livingston parish is reportedly a total loss. That’s according Sheriff Jason Ard who also says five-thousand people are in local shelters, but there have not been any fatalities. Parish President Layton Ricks says there are over 25 shelters set up throughout the parish.
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The sheriff’s office reports up to 20-thousand people were rescued in this historic flood, and they advise people not to try to return to their homes yet. Ricks says they are still conducting search and rescues, and anyone who needs help can call 686-3996.
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Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a few people on looting charges, and they are reportedly working to keep looters away from homes and businesses. Ricks says this is the worst flooding Livingston parish has ever seen. But he is hopeful that the community will pull together.
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Many flood victims are returning to their homes and finding devastating damage. LSU AgCenter Housing Specialist Claudette Reichel says when you enter your flooded home, make sure the power is turned off, as well as, the gas. She says the next step is to look for structural instability.
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Reichel says residents should make a personal shopping trip before going home to buy protective gear and cleaning supplies. She says all wet carpet and cushioning must be removed and everything inside that had contact with the flood water should be cleaned and disinfected.
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Reichel says it only takes two to three days of wetness for mold colonies to begin, so the quicker the homeowner can get in to start the cleanup process, the better. She says it’s important to address saturated insulation because even when dry, it can cause mold problems and wood rot.
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Eight more parishes have been added to the federal disaster declaration, bringing the total number to 12. The eight parishes added are Acadia, Ascension, East Feliciana, Iberia, Lafayette, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, and Vermilion. Governor John Bel Edwards encourages people who have been affected to apply for federal assistance. He says people can register online at disasterassistance.gov.
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Edwards says anyone who sustained flood damage should register with FEMA, whether or not their parish was included in the disaster declaration, because more parishes will likely be added to the list. He says over 8-thousand people are in shelters throughout the state, and that number is expected to grow.
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The number of storm-related fatalities has risen to 9. Edwards says 40-thousand homes have been impacted, and over 30-thousand people have been rescued. He says search and rescues are still ongoing in some parishes.
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Acadia Parish is among the 12 parishes declared a federal disaster area after the devastating floods plagued southern Louisiana. Director of the Acadia Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Lee Hebert says right now they have extensive flooding and they are not in the clear yet…
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Hebert says because they are a very rural community, Acadia only has one open shelter but many flood victims are staying with family and friends. He says they’re praying the waters go down because so many residents have lost everything.
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A tenth life has been claimed by the flood waters that have ravaged south Louisiana. Five of the deaths have occurred in East Baton Rouge Parish. EBR Coroner Dr. Beau Clark says the latest victim is William Borne, who is the founder and former CEO of Amedisys. Clark says Borne was found at around 11 a.m. today…
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Clark says he hopes the death toll doesn’t grow anymore but whenever there is a situation like this, there is always a chance of more accidental drownings.
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