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