Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government Briefing Saturday September 6, 10 a.m.

1. The local fire departments have asked that when operating generators, please use caution as they produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. When refueling portable generators, they should always be allowed to cool down for at least 15 minutes prior to refueling.

2. The use of battery operated smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are highly recommended. Please remember to remove any protective measures including plywood or other storm shutters as they may impede your ability to escape during a fire or any other emergency.

3. To date, our hazmat team has confirmed that there have been no major chemical incidents in Terrebonne Parish.

4. Evacuees that were transported out of town and have no means to return to Terrebonne Parish should call the Dept of Social Services at 1-888-524-3578. The Dept. will contact DOTD to provide transportation back into the parish.

5. The Postmaster has indicated that mail delivery where possible, should resume today.

6. Late last night, there was an unscheduled return of evacuees by the State on two buses and as a result, those evacuees were housed/sheltered locally; there are currently 120 evacuees at Dumas and 99 at Houma Jr. High. We are requesting a representative from the State to be present for the next briefing to answer questions regarding shelters and managing the return of evacuees. Some have asked questions about the number of evacuees that were moved by bus prior to the storm, I have been told there were approximately 66 bus loads or 2,300 people.

7. Other sites for shelters are being examined.

8. City Police reported 10 curfew violations last night. Continue to stress that there is a curfew that remains in place from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am.

9. The Terrebonne Parish Courts of the 32nd J.D.C. will remain closed until further notice for business, other than the Sheriff’s Office for emergency operation services. (Full power to courthouse at this time; we will update on court operations and other governmental offices)

10. The School Board has completed its assessment of damage to schools in Terrebonne Parish. They are currently reporting 8 schools with major problems and working on providing us with a target date to reopen various schools, some of which may be consolidated. Currently the schools are not planning to reopen on Monday.

11. The Houma Navigational Bridge has been repaired and is fully functioning.

12. It is anticipated that the Bayou Dularge Bridge will begin operations today.

13. The assessment of intersection signals:

– 45 lights were damaged at major intersections

– 10 have been repaired and are functioning

– Remainder will be fully functioning as more power becomes online

14. Individuals interested in blue roofs and any help to put same on, please contact Peggy Case at www.trac4la.com; 1-877-TRAC4LA (872-2452).

15. We are fortunate to be receiving calls and offers of assistance from outside of Terrebonne Parish. We are currently directing all volunteers and donations to the track for La. Website www.trac4la.com which contains a link for volunteers to register and listing of needed donations.

16. Houma Power Plant has been energized and has been able to connect power to the Courthouse. Terrebonne General Medical Center will be next. This does not necessarily mean that neighborhoods are going to come on line quickly. Power will first be restored to prioritized locations that have to deal with health and safety issues. However, it should be noted that Terrebonne General is fully operational at this time. Information provided indicates that Chabert will be closed for 2 n 3 months. The clinics on the East and West sides are being set up but are not operational at this time. Full information on this will be given at 4:00 pm.

17. Public Works n Generators have arrived for the pump station and once connected, we are then expected to be at 80% capacity on sewerage.

18. The boil water order is still in effect. Water services have been extended to Cocodrie and Montegut and our timelines for Monday, 9/08/08, to have water available to the entire parish remains in place. Our target date to lift the boil water order remains Thursday, 9/11/08.

19. No burn order remains in effect and that order was supplemented this morning by the State Fire Marshall’s Office calling for a cease and desist order for all private burning. Only burning that can take place is by permission or order of local fire dept or local government.

20. Residents are reminded and encouraged to go on the parish website at tpcg.org for a list of pharmacies and banks that are open.

21. La. National Guard continues to provide needed assistance to the Parish.

– They have distributed generators to the Red Cross Shelter and other key buildings to get them on line.

– Additional troops have been brought in and positioned at the Civic Center to help with the distribution of food and water.

– Those troops also continue to provide security with local law enforcement on roadways and at checkpoints.

– As of this date, the Guard has distributed 16,000 gallons of portable water just to emergency personnel.

Michel Claudet Parish President

Vernon Bourgeois Sheriff, Parish of Terrebonne