The Red Cross is offering volunteers the option to help out virtually with the response to Hurricane Laura. Matt Doyle has the story.
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Blue Roofs are coming to southwest Louisiana. Matt Doyle has the story.
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The Department of Children and Family Services says Hurricane Laura evacuees in need of sheltering at a hotel first need to head to the reception center at the Alexandria MegaShelter. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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If you’d like to help the Laura recovery effort but are afraid of exposure to coronavirus the Red Cross is now offering virtual volunteer opportunities.
Louisiana Red Cross Capital West Chapter Director Ed Bush says online volunteers are vital and can help the organization manage and coordinate data, reach out to various federal agencies…
Bush says they’ve got a lot of boots on the ground, but those online volunteers are helping support front-line efforts.
Those interested can fill out an application at redcross.org.
For those that can’t volunteer Bush says they’d still very much appreciate some financial contributions. He says this recovery mission is going to be very costly.
On the Red Cross website, there’s an option to make a donation specifically to Laura relief.
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The Army Corps of Engineers blue roof program is starting up in six Laura-impacted parishes with the aim of making homes with roof damage temporarily livable.
Governor John Bel Edwards says blue roofs were commonplace after Katrina, and just like in 2005 installation is still free to the public.
Homes in Cameron, Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, Beauregard, Allen, Vernon parishes could be eligible for blue roof installation.
Edwards warns not every house will be eligible for installation as some properties have suffered too much damage. If you are eligible you’ll have to allow installation teams on your property.
Those interested in a blue roof can call 1-888-766-3258 or visit the Army Corps of Engineers website.
Edwards says allowing people to stay in their own homes is vital given the current pandemic conditions.
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The Department of Children and Family Services has opened the reception center at the Alexandria MegaShelter for Hurricane Laura evacuees. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the MegaShelter serves as a centralized location to route evacuees to available lodging at a hotel.
Cut 10 (12) “…and there’s food.”
The reception center is currently open 24/7 helping evacuees find non-congregate shelter.
Walters says they’ve got just over 10,000 evacuees in hotels in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.
Cut 11 (09) “…in New Orleans.”
Walters says about 11,000 evacuees are in hotels in Texas and believes a majority of them are Louisiana residents, but there isn’t a clear indication of what that number is.
Walters says if transportation to Alexandria and then to a hotel is an issue, they have that covered.
Cut 12 (11) “…to New Orleans.”
More info on sheltering can be found by texting LAShelter to 898-211 or calling 2-1-1.
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Law enforcement in Calcasieu Parish is asking drivers to stay off the roads as much as possible as storm restoration efforts continue. A curfew is in effect from 7pm to 6am and Sheriff Tony Mancuso says if you are driving around during those times, expect to be pulled over.
Cut 13 (09) “…to be tolerated.”
Lake Charles Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says if you do have to be on the roads, take it slow, and keep in mind that intersections that saw there stop signs and traffic lights blown away are extra dangerous.
Cut 14 (09) “…roads are dangerous.”
Caldwell encourages drivers to consolidate the trips they do need to take as it will help speed up the recovery process.
Cut 15 (07) “…to get electricity.”
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ULM football has resumed football activities after shutting preseason camp down for a week and a half because nine individuals within the program tested positive for the coronavirus. Coach Matt Viator says it felt good to be back with his team again
The Warhawks are less than two weeks away from their season opener against Army on September 12th. Viator says even though game week is right around the corner they have to cautiously move forward
Not only has the team had to battle a COVID outbreak, Hurricane Laura has caused a lot of damage in the Monroe area, including to Malone Stadium. But Viator says players are keeping a positive attitude