AM LRN Newscall Aug 31

Gas shortages are plaguing the state and with a number of refineries not up and running after Ida, prices at the pump are expected to rise. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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As residents of Lafourche Parish begin to gauge the extent of the damage left by Hurricane Ida the loss of power and cell service is hindering their efforts. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli” 

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The Saints are planning to stay away from New Orleans for the first month of the regular season. Kevin Gallagher has the story…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Hurricane Ida is also impacting gasoline prices and the high demand for gas is making it hard to find fuel in the Bayou State. Gas Buddy’s Senior Petroleum Analyst, Patrick DeHaan says prices could increase five to fifteen cents a gallon in Louisiana over the next week or two.

Cut 4 (11) “…some of these refineries.”

On Tuesday the City of Hammond along with and leaders in Ascension Parish made a plea for gas due to outages.

Motorists should prepare to see an increase in gas prices, but DeHaan says we shouldn’t see a massive price hike overnight.

Cut 5 (11) “…several weeks.”

DeHaan says it’s worth noting that one refinery in Louisiana was impacted by floodwaters from Ida which doesn’t bode well for gas prices.

Cut 6 (10) “…longer lasting.”

According to GasBuddy average price per gallon in Louisiana is $2.80.

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Lafourche officials say Hurricane Ida left behind catastrophic damage in their parish. But Lafourche Parish Captain Brennan Matherne with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff ‘s Office says there is some good news in South Lafourche…

Cut 7 (12) “…couple hundred years.”

Cell service in the parish has been described as spotty from top to bottom with even police radios struggling and forcing deputies to jump from tower to tower. Matherne says the destruction left by the storm was indiscriminate…

Cut 8 (11) “…from house to house.” 

Roads extending from Thibodaux to the flood gates in Golden Meadow have been cleared but residents aren’t allowed to travel down to Grand Isle and Port Fourchon. Matherne says every structure in Lafourche Parish suffered some sort of damage…

Cut 9 (13) “…some how.”

Parish officials have announced that evacuated residents can come home, but basic utilities are not available.

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SNAP participants in Louisiana are now able to purchase hot and prepared foods due to Hurricane Ida. DCFS Assistant Secretary of Family Support Shavana Howard says usually food stamps cannot be used for hot food products for immediate consumption.

Cut 10 (11) “…corner store.” 

Due to the displacement of many residents in the state because of Hurricane Ida, Howard says many are unable to prepare their own food now, so the waiver has been granted. This hot food waiver will expire on September 28th.

The same hot food waiver will apply to Disaster SNAP benefits and Howard expects D-SNAP benefits will be approved very soon for those impacted by Ida. She encourages people who live in the affected parishes to preregister.

Cut 11 (11) “…as well.”

If you are already a SNAP recipient and live in one of the 25 affect parishes, Howard says there’s no need to register for Disaster SNAP once it’s approved.

Cut 12 (12) “…those benefits.”  

The impacted parishes are Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana Parishes

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The Saints may spend the next month away from New Orleans because of the devastation that has occurred in that city from Hurricane Ida. Coach Sean Payton says they are in the same position as the city’s residents…

Cut 13 (15) “…to that yet.”

Payton says they may stay in Dallas, where they’ve been practicing the last two days.  He says there are a lot of pluses in being displaced in north Texas…

Cut 14 (13) “…hosting us”

The players’ families also relocated to Dallas for the time being. Payton says it’s been an interesting experience…

Cut 15 (14)“…people together.”

Payton also addressed his decision to start Jameis Winston as starting quarterback over Taysom Hill. The coach says Winston earned the job and likes his unique skill set. Payton would not say if Hill will go back to his utility role on offense, but says Taysom will help the Saints win games this year…

Cut  16 (16) “…this year (x2).”

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ULM Football Coach Terry Bowden announces Rich Rodriguez will start at quarterback on Saturday against the Kentucky Wildcats. Bowden likes that Rodriguez will attempt to execute the plays called by his dad, offensive coordinator Rich Rodriguez…

Cut 17 (23) “…from there.”  

Bowden is trying to create a winning culture at ULM after the Warhawks failed to win a game last season. They are big underdogs heading into Saturday’s game against the Wildcats. Bowden is asking his guys to play the best game they possibly can…

Cut 18 (16)”…able to do.”

This is Bowden’s first game as a head coach since 2018. He’s looking forward to it…

Cut 19 (13)  “…Akron.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Aug 31

Governor John Bel Edwards is touring Hurricane Ida storm damage today. Jeff Palermo has more from one of the governor’s stops…

Cut 2 (35)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Ida is also responsible for an increase in demand for gasoline in Louisiana and officials in Ascension Parish made a plea for assistance in getting fuel for emergency responders. The City of Hammond says they are also out of gasoline and urge residents to stay off the road and not form lines at gas stations.

The 40 or so people who decided to ride out Hurricane Ida at Grand Isle have all been accounted for and are safe. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says she has spoken with Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle who believes as many as 85-percent of the structures on the island sustained some sort of damage

Cut 7 (07) “…wind event”  

Sheng is advising Jefferson Parish residents who evacuated to stay away as they are without water. Parish officials are also looking to bus people out of the parish who are living without any running water or air conditioning

Much of southeast Louisiana remain without power today and with heat advisories in effect through the end of this week. State Climatologist Barry Keim recommends avoiding yard debris cleanup during the heat of the day to prevent heat stroke…

Cut 15 (09) “…smart about it.” 

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Aug 31

Governor Edwards says he saw catastrophic damage following a flyover of hurricane-stricken southeast Louisiana. Edwards spoke briefly with reporters in LaPlace, a city that saw substantial flooding…

Cut 9 (12) “..St. John the Baptist Parish” 

Edwards urged evacuees not to return home until state and local officials are ready.

The 40 or so people who decided to ride out Hurricane Ida at Grand Isle have all been accounted for and are safe. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says she has spoken with Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle who believes as many as 85-percent of the structures on the island sustained some sort of damage

Cut 7 (07) “…wind event”  

As many residents remain without power due to Hurricane Ida, a heat advisory has been issued with high temperatures expected to reach into the mid-90s today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the advisory is due to the high temps and humidity.

Cut 14 and Friday :11

Keim says because several residents are unable to cool off with a lack of air conditioning they’re advised to stay out of the sun during the heat of the day

If you sustained damage from Ida you are asked to contact your insurance carrier first and FEMA spokesperson John Mills says in addition to home repairs and relocation costs, FEMA may also be able to assist with other expenses not covered by insurance.

Cut 5 (12) “…assistance.”

You can do so by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov

11:30 LRN Newscast Aug 31

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.

10:30 LRN Newscast Aug 31

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.

 

9:30 LRN Newscast Aug 31

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.”

AM LRN Newscall Aug 31st

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.”

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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.” 

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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” 

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Aug 30

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” 

12:30 LRN Newscast Aug 30

Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the devastation he’s seen so far from Ida is comparable to Katrina, and ironically both storms came ashore on the same date just 16 years apart. Nungesser says it’s going to be a long haul for recovery. Now that winds have died down first responders like the National Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries and others are out making rescues. Nungesser says the main priority today is reaching those who are in peril.

Cut 4 (13) “…first.” 

AT& T reports that Ida has caused major impacts and the wireless network is operating at 60-percent in Louisiana. The cellphone network also says they have significant outages in New Orleans and Baton Rouge due to power outages, flooding, and storm damage.

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says they are trying to get emergency crews out to answer 9-1-1 calls that came in last night but before first responders can venture out, they have to get clearance from Entergy due to the number of down powerlines. Miller encourages residents to be mindful as well.

Cut 15 (13) “…energized” 

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 in Galliano 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” 

11:30 LRN Newscast Aug 30

Catastrophic is the word local officials use as initial damage assessments come in from where Hurricane Ida came ashore as a Category Four storm. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Jefferson Parish officials have told its residents that it will take 21 days for 90-percent of Entergy customers in that parish to receive power. A major transmission tower that feeds electricity to Orleans and Jefferson Parishes was knocked into the river last night.

Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the devastation he’s seen so far from Ida is comparable to Katrina, and ironically both storms came ashore on the same date just 16 years apart. Nungesser says it’s going to be a long haul for recovery.

Cut 3 (12) “…many areas.” 

Nungesser made the comments this morning on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

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”