The 40 or so people who decided to ride out Hurricane Ida at Grand Isle have all been accounted for and are safe. The coastal town in Jefferson Parish experienced wind speeds of 140-miles per hour. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says she has spoken with Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle.

Cut 6 (09) “…on steroids” 

Sheng is advising Jefferson Parish residents who evacuated to stay away as they are without water.

City Hall at New Orleans was evacuated this morning due to a fire on the third floor. It happened during an emergency operations center meeting and calls into the meeting were also disrupted. Officials are now being allowed back into the building but only on the ninth floor. There are concerns the fire may impact restoration efforts due to data that might have been compromised in the fire.

FEMA spokesperson John Mills says the agency may be able to provide grants for basic home repairs so homeowners can restore their home to a habitable condition that aren’t covered by their insurance. Mills says FEMA can also help residents who need to relocate temporarily.

Cut 4 (12) “…next steps.” 

The easiest way to apply is by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov

In St. Tammany Parish nine people were taken to a hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning overnight due to improper generator use. Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says always place a generator at least 20 feet from your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Cut 4 (11) “…good enough.”

Last hurricane season more than 25 deaths were reported from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Governor Edwards is touring some of the hardest-hit areas of the state from Hurricane Ida and will hold a media briefing at 10:45 today. Edwards encourages residents to adhere to local curfews and for those who’ve evacuated to only return when it is safe to do so…

Cut  16 (10) “…through this.”

In St Tammany parish a person suffered a flash burn while refueling a generator. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says never try to refuel your generator when it’s in operation. She says to turn it off and allow it to cool off for at least 20 minutes before refueling.

Cut 5 (10) “…that time.”

Nine people in St Tammany Parish were taken to the hospital overnight due to carbon monoxide poisoning from generator use.

If you suffered damage from Hurricane Ida, FEMA says to reach out to your insurance carrier first before applying for federal assistance.  FEMA cannot legally cover any damage that is already covered by your current insurance. FEMA spokesperson John Mills…

Cut 24 or not :12

Mills says the fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov

Lt Governor Billy Nungesser who’s been through several hurricanes himself the state desperately needs to receive federal response much faster than in the past. He says it’s improper to have residents wait six to nine months for a FEMA trailer that costs $200-thousand.

Cut 8 (06) “…next day.” 

Nungesser made the comments on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

Governor Edwards will visit Lafourche, Terrebonne, and St. John the Baptist Parishes today and conduct flyovers of Grand Isle and Lafitte to assess damages from Hurricane Ida. Edwards wasn’t able to Monday due to the number of air rescues needed.

Cut 14 (13) “…and Jean Lafitte”

Edwards will be joined by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

Nine people in St Tammany Parish were taken to the hospital overnight due to carbon monoxide poisoning from generator use and elsewhere in the parish, a person suffered a flash burn while refueling a generator. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says if you are using a generator always have a carbon monoxide detector.

Cut 6 (06) “…poisoning.”

Many hard-hit parishes are experiencing communication issues with down power lines and cell towers. St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper says they are unable to receive emergency calls.

Cut 12 (08) “…is down (x2).”  

Several hard-hit parishes are under curfew and parish officials are urging those who have evacuated to stay away until power and water is back in service which could be weeks for some areas.

There are already comparisons between Hurricanes Ida and Katrina, two major hurricanes that struck southeast Louisiana and made landfall 16 years apart to the day. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says even with a long road to recovery ahead, Louisianans always help each other out and we’ll get through this as we’ve done before.

Cut 9 (09) “…and Cameron.”

Southeast Louisiana faces many challenges after Hurricane Ida ravaged that part of the state. Power is a big issue. Entergy and Cleco are still assessing the damage and do not have firm deadlines, but many customers could be without electricity for weeks. Governor Edwards says about one-million customers are without power…
cut 15 (15) “…possibly can”
St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says Ida’s wrath is the worst damage he’s ever seen…
cut 11 (11) “…this parish’
Homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Ida should register with FEMA for disaster aid. You can do so at disaster-assistance-dot gov. Call 1-800-621-3362.

The city of New Orleans is without power and water and they are set to host an NFL game in the Superdome in less than two weeks. Kevin Gallagher has more…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson has donated one million dollars towards Hurricane Ida relief. The Saints also say the Superdome only suffered minor damage from Ida. The non-profit group Every Warrior is collecting supplies that will be delivered to southeast Louisiana. Items can be dropped off at 400 Viking Drive in Bossier City.

Many difficult days are ahead for those in the path of Hurricane Ida. Power could be out for weeks in certain areas and many will have to do repairs on their homes after Ida moved over southeastern Louisiana with 100-mile per hour plus winds. Governor Edwards encourages residents to adhere to local curfews and for those who’ve evacuated to only return when it is safe to do so…
cut 16 (10) “….through this”
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper says if you evacuated from the Northshore, wait a few more days before returning. He says for residents still in the area….
cut 13 (11) “…hurricane itself”
Jefferson Parish officials are looking at busing their residents out as they could be without power for at least 21 days.

With generator usage skyrocketing following the landfall of Hurricane Ida, Louisiana residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with generator safety tips. Erik Piccoli has the story….
cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli”

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a 71-year-old man is missing after an encounter with an alligator. Deputies say the victim’s wife was in her Slidell home when she heard a commotion outside to see a large alligator attacking her husband. Authorities say she ran to her husband’s aid and when the attack was over she went inside and then came back out to find her husband gone.

WWL-TV in New Orleans reports at least 671 people had to be rescued from their flooded and damaged homes yesterday. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries say they conducted nearly 200 rescues in LaPlace and Lafitte.

Governor Edwards says National Guardsmen and a 900-percent task force will conduct grid searches of areas with extreme damage from Ida,
cut 2 (30) “…Brooke Thorington”

And the state health department is reporting a second Ida-related death. A man drowned after his vehicle attempted to drive through floodwaters near I-10 and West End Boulevard.

Last hurricane season there were more than 25 fatalities as a result of improper generator use. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says read the generator’s instruction manual and place it outside at least 20 feet from any occupied structure to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning…
cut 4 (110 “…good enough”

Over a million people are without power in southeast Louisiana and getting the power on will take weeks for much of southeast Louisiana. So at this point, there are no businesses open in these areas and many people have evacuated from the region. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is proposing campsites near heavily damaged areas to minimize commute for workers once the power returns…
cut 7 (08) “…area”

With generator usage skyrocketing following the landfall of Hurricane Ida, Louisiana residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with generator safety tips. Erik Piccoli has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

___________________________________

Governor Edwards says National Guardsmen and a 900-person task force will begin grid searches of areas with extreme damage from Ida. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_________________________________________

The city of New Orleans is without power and water and they are set to host an NFL game in the Superdome in less than two weeks. Kevin Gallagher has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher” 

_________________________________________

Last hurricane season there were more than 25 fatalities as a result of improper generator use. Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says to be sure to read the instruction manual on your generator and always place it outside at least 20 feet from any occupied structure, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Cut 4 (11) “…good enough.”

Also never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet and only use heavy-duty outdoor extension cords.

Also do not use your generator in rain or wet conditions and Rodrigue says never try to refuel your generator when it’s in operation. She says to turn it off and allow it to cool off for at least 20 minutes before refueling.

Cut 5 (10) “…that time.”

Rodrigue also highly recommends you have a fire extinguisher on hand at any time of year and if you own a generator there’s another item you should always use in conjunction with it because it just might save your life.

Cut 6 (10) “…poisoning.”

_________________________________

There are already comparisons between Hurricanes Ida and Katrina, two major hurricanes that struck southeast Louisiana and made landfall 16 years apart to the day. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says it would be much more efficient if campsites were pitched near heavily damaged areas to minimize commutes for workers.

Cut 7 (08) “…area.”

Nungesser says the state desperately needs to receive federal response much faster than in the past. He says it’s improper to have residents wait six to nine months for a FEMA trailer that costs $200-thousand.

Cut 8 (06) “…next day.” 

As for the long recovery ahead, Nungesser says Louisianans always help each other out and we’ll get through this as we’ve done before.

Cut 9 (09) “…and Cameron.”

_______________________

St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says the parish is struggling with communication post Ida. Champagne says roughly 60 to 70 percent of residents evacuated the parish and he wants them to know there’s significant damage.

Cut 10 (10) “…still standing.” 

Because of the widespread damage, the Parish has issued a curfew from 8 pm until 5 am. Champagne says only first responders are allowed out past curfew.  He says Ida’s wrath is the worst damage he’s ever witnessed.

Cut 11 (11) “…this parish.”

Champagne says if you evacuated the parish and want to return understand that stores and gas stations are closed so be prepared and bring plenty of food and water.

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper says their parish is also having communication issues and they are unable to receive emergency calls.

Cut 12 (08) “…is down (x2).”  

Like other authorities in the southeastern parishes, Cooper is urging residents to remain sheltered in place as emergency personnel and crews work to clear roads and restore utilities.

Cut 13 (11) “…hurricane itself.”

_____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards hopes to survey damage from hurricane Ida today, he wasn’t able to Monday due to the number of air rescues needed.

Cut 14 (13) “…and Jean Lafitte”

Edwards says search and rescue crews spent most of Monday answering 9-1-1 calls from Sunday night once conditions were stable enough for first responders to venture out. He says today crews should begin grid searches in areas in areas that suffered extreme damage.

Power restoration for southeast Louisiana could be lengthy and New Orleans residents have been told it could be up to 21 days before 90 percent of the metro area has power again. Edwards says well over a million customers are without power.

Cut 15 (11)“…for you.”

Edwards encourages residents to adhere to local curfews and for those who’ve evacuated to only return when it is safe to do so.

Cut  16 (10) “…through this.”

Edwards says so far there’s only be one confirmed storm-related death, but he expects there will be more. The governor reminded residents that more people are killed following a hurricane as opposed to during the storm and he encouraged everyone to practice extreme caution with generators and cleanup efforts.

_____________________________

The Saints are holding practices at Dallas Cowboys stadium as they get ready for the regular-season opener against Green Bay on September 12th. Coach Sean Payton says they made the decision on Thursday to leave their team headquarters in Metairie after seeing that Ida was a real threat to southeast Louisiana

Cut 17 (21) “…re-location.”  

The players’ families also evacuated with the team. But some of them will find out they no longer have a job in the NFL as the Saints have to reduce their roster to 53 by 3 PM today. Payton says it’s not an ideal situation to do it this way…

Cut 18 (24)”…care of everyone.”

Payton says the plan is to practice in Dallas today and tomorrow and then give the players a few days off before they start game week preparations. The coach is not sure where they’ll be next week or if they can play in the Superdome against the Packers on September 12th…

Cut 19 (19)  “…gonna be.” 

New Orleans residents who have evacuated the city have been asked to remain where they are if they can as Entergy is working to restore power. So far Mayor LaToya Cantrell reports only one death directly caused by the storm.

Cut 4 (14) “…is still too many” 

Coastal parishes of southeast Louisiana are reporting catastrophic damage from Hurricane Ida. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s office Captain Brennan Matherne says he rode out the storm and experienced Ida’s wrath for several hours. He says the eye of the storm crossed over the town of Lockport

Cut 6 (09) “…southern area” 

Matherne says the good news is that their levee systems held up to the storm.

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says they are trying to respond to all the 9-1-1 calls coming in, but first responders must be safe from downed trees and power lines. Miller says some calls are from folks stranded in high water from Lake Ponchartrain storm surge…:

Cut 16 (12) “…clear us.” 

Miller says it’s safe to say the entire parish is without power.

Ochsner reports many of their facilities experienced roof damage as a result of Hurricane Ida’s strong winds. Ochsner Health President Warner Thomas says there was so much damage at their hospitals in Houma and Raceland that the patients at those locations have been taken elsewhere

Cut 12 (11) “…blow in” 

“Catastrophic” is the word local officials are using as initial damage assessments from Hurricane Ida’s landfall Sunday come in. More from Jeff Palermo…:

CUT 01             (32)      “I’m Jeff Palermo”

So far, the death toll from Hurricane Ida is thankfully small. In New Orleans, a man reportedly drowned when he tried to drive through flash flood waters. In Ascension Parish a 60-year-old man died when a tree fell on his home. Other fatalities could turn up as first responders continue rescue and aid.

New Orleans residents who have evacuated the city have been asked to remain where they are if they can. Mayor Latoya Cantrell says Entergy is working on the power and AT&T is trying to restore mobile phone service. Cantrell has called on businesses with generators to be good neighbors…:

CUT 05            (12) “…no doubt about it”

It could three weeks or more before power is restored in the Crescent City.

Ochsner hospitals in the path of Hurricane Ida had to evacuate over 60 patients to other facilities as the Category 4 storm bore down on them Sunday. Many facilities suffered roof damage from the over-100 mile per hour winds. Ochsner Health President Warner Thomas says the evacuations and maintaining a standard of care are the result of being prepared for such dangerous situations…:

CUT 14            (15)      “ready to go”