Katrina Recovery - Return to Jefferson Parish

Parish President Aaron Broussard has established the plan for entry of residents into the parish, starting today at 6am CDT. The process specifies that residents will be allowed to enter on Airline Drive and Jefferson Highway on the East Bank and U.S. 90 on the West Bank on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday beginning at 6 am.

Residents seeking to enter must produce identification displaying a Jefferson Parish address and those not in line by 6 pm will be denied entry on that day. Business owners who don't reside in the parish will be allowed in on Thursday.

Long lines are expected at police checkpoints. Residents must carry enough fuel not only to drive in but also to wait in line for hours and then to drive out of the area to where fuel is available in outlying parishes.

Here's a to-do list for those returning to Jefferson Parish:

- Make a list of things you want to accomplish before going in.

- Fill your tank and carry extra gas,

- Check your tires and spare. Be prepared for roads littered with all kinds of debris.

- Duct tape, tarps, plastic sheeting can help shore up your property.

- Carry as much water as you can, not only for yourself, but for the emergency crews who stayed behind.

- Electricity is spotty throughout the area. Flashlights help.

- Bring food.

- Many recommend that residents be armed when returning (just in case). There's some concern of possible carjackings along Highway 90 between Houma and West Jeff.

- Lastly, be prepared for a chaotic situation. Be prepared to handle extreme stress.

Other than law enforcement and emergency personnel, a dusk-to-dawn curfew has been established.


[Update 9/05/05, 1200 EDT]

Thousands of Jefferson Parish residents waited to get through the roadblocks which opened at 0600 CDT. It's reported that access to East Jefferson is restricted to entry via Airline Highway. Police presence is heavy, many at intersections with non-functioning traffic lights. Residents are being told to bury spoiled food because no one knows when garbage collection will resume.

Other Katrina information:

Afghanistan Donates to Katrina Relief
Communities Refusing Refugees
Katrina Aftermath - Power Restoration
NOLA Criminal Justice Records Lost
Katrina Aftermath - Offshore Oil Platforms
Katrina Aftermath - Avondale
Katrina Aftermath - More West Bank
Katrina Aftermath - St. Bernard Parish
Katrina Aftermath - St. Charles Parish
Katrina in Gretna and Terrytown - Jefferson Parish West Bank

Others covering the story include:

Michelle Malkin,
Junkyard Blog,
One Hand Clapping,
In The Bullpen,
Instapundit,
Brendan Loy,
Wizbang,
NZ Bear,
J.M. Hardin,

And more. Also check JeffParish.net.