Flood Map Tutorial

The following link will take you to the FEMA online tutorials on how to read a flood map. These online tutorials should help answer any of your frequently asked questions. If they do not, please e-mail me your questions and we will work to find answers.

FEMA Flood Hazard Mapping - Online Tutorials http://www.fema.gov/fhm/ot_main.shtm

LA/SPCA Completes Multi-Agency Post-Katrina Animal Assessment

The multi-agency assessment team convened by the Louisiana SPCA to assess the state-of-animals in the city has completed its work.

The team’s goals were a) to obtain a sense of the post-hurricane stray population and b) to determine animals’ health condition. The LA/SPCA will use the results and discussion to tailor its animal response efforts to match the needs of the community.

The assessment team included two professionals each from the Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Best Friends Animal Society, American Humane Association, United Animal Nations, U.S. Public Health Service, LA/SPCA, St. Bernard Parish Animal Control, and visiting staff from the Nebraska Humane Society and Humane Society of Missouri who are here working day-by-day with the LA/SPCA. The team also included individual rescuers who have been working in New Orleans since the beginning of the rescue effort to save animals following the disaster.

Process
Two-person teams, each person representing a different organization, were assigned a search area in one of five hot spots – Lakeview, East, Gentilly, Lower 9th ward, and St. Bernard. Each team worked the same area from 6am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm. They were asked to look under houses, search behind brush and other hiding spots, search for animal tracks, and to speak to residents and workers about their animal sightings. Teams used bait to lure pets to the area while assessors watched from afar.

Results
Each team saw an average of three dogs and three cats during their three-hour assessment period. All animals appeared to be in good flesh condition. A couple of animals showed lameness in one of their legs.

Discussion
Although not a scientific or statistically accurate study, this exercise attempted to assess the health condition of the animals in unpopulated areas of the city as well as to evaluate the number of animals roaming at large at a time of day when animals are typically most active.

In general, the majority of the team members were surprised by the low number of animals spotted in a city that has typically had a high stray population. Animals appeared to be of normal weight with a couple dogs slightly thin. During our assessment period, rescuers noted that they are seeing various health problems ranging from fleas to emaciation in the animals they are receiving.

Some areas of the city had a higher number of feeding stations than other areas. Some teams left fresh food and revisited the station during the next shift. A few stations had been visited by animals, but many were not utilized.

Workers and residents did not report seeing high numbers of animals, but did comment on seeing a few animals occasionally.

Although not sizably visible during our assessment, teams agree that there are more strays than appeared during our study. Some of the volunteer rescuers believe that there are many more animals waiting to be rescued, who could not be quantified during this assessment.

Animal Control is humane trapping between 15-30 dogs and cats a night and the Best Friends shelter in Tylertown, MS, is accepting approximately 20-30 animals a day. Other groups are also trapping some animals. Approximately one-third of the animals have collars; some have tags.

Unlike other cities following a disaster, residents have not been able to return to the hardest-hit areas making it difficult for strays to find food sources. There is concern that animals, including wildlife, will not be able to sustain themselves over the long-term.

The city has a unique opportunity, due to the manageable number of animals remaining, to get a handle on the strays before they begin to breed.

Next Steps
There is still much work to be done. To take advantage of New Orleans’ unique opportunity to get a grasp on its stray population, the LA/SPCA will contract with a high-volume, experienced humane trapper being provided by the Humane Society of the United States to manage a comprehensive 4-6 week program. Both national and local groups are willing to provide staff and volunteer trappers that will be trained and dispatched from Animal Control.

Animals that are caught via humane trapping will be triaged at the Animal Control facility. Local sheltering partners such as Best Friends may take the animals to their facilities where they will hold them for a minimum of five-days to allow owners an opportunity to locate their pets. All incoming animals are placed on petharbor.com to give owners an opportunity to locate their companion.

Although the LA/SPCA’s full-service veterinary clinic was destroyed, they will soon launch an aggressive spay and neuter program and offer a rabies and microchipping drive to New Orleans’ residents. In the next few weeks, they will be reintroducing their off-site adoption program.

“We wish to thank the agencies and individuals who gave their time and expertise to participate in the multi-agency assessment. Our joint efforts resulted in a coordinated trapping campaign that will effectively capture remaining animals. We and the animals in our community have been blessed with incredible support from our colleagues around the country,” said Laura Maloney, Executive Director of the LA/SPCA.

If you have lost a pet or believe an animal needs help, please call animal control at (504) 368-5191, ext 100. If you see an animal in a neighbor’s yard and you’re not sure he/she has returned, please call us immediately. If you’re trying to locate a pet that may have been rescued in the disaster area, please visit both www.petharbor.com and www.petfinder.com.

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA) is a private non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of animal suffering. Chartered in 1888, it is the oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state of Louisiana providing care and basic medical services for approximately 11,000 homeless and unwanted animals each year. The LA/SPCA is a membership organization that depends upon the support of the public. The LA/SPCA asks that you demand to see official identification from animal welfare agents to ensure proper authority.

AUDUBON ZOO OFFERS FREE WEEKEND

World-renowned Audubon Zoo is ready to open its doors and will be FREE on the Thanksgiving weekend as a way to welcome families back to New Orleans. It is the first major family tourist attraction to reopen in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina devastated the region in late August.

The zoo will be open 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 2005 for Audubon members only. Everyone is invited to visit the zoo FREE on Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27, 2005 from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

"Reopening the Zoo is a symbol that the heart and soul of New Orleans survives," said Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO. "Families have been enjoying Audubon Zoo for 120 years, and we're proud to be part of the history of New Orleans. While we all work to rebuild our city, we know that spending time with family and enjoying a visit to the park and zoo will help build new memories for generations to come."

Audubon Marketplace Gift Shop will feature a variety of unique gifts and New Orleans items, and a 10% discount for everyone shopping during the 'welcome home' weekend. Little ones will enjoy the 'paint your own' Thomas the Tank Engine activity table, "Do a Dot" art station, temporary tattoos, and a 'create your own jewelry' table. Shopping has never been more fun!

As part of its opening celebration, guests will be welcomed by the sounds of Phil Melancon and "Blue Fondue," playing Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Additional entertainment for Zoo visitors will include:

* Holiday Bayou Walk - an interactive educational and entertainment area decorated for the holidays will feature presentations of Blue/Gold Macaws, African pygmy hedgehog, box tortoise and chinchilla. A gator character will greet each visitor at the wildlife walk entrance and invite them to celebrate the holiday in the Bayou with him. The experience was created and will be staffed by St. Louis Zoo officials;
* "Nature's Gifts" - a holiday themed show at Shell Wildlife Theatre;
* Various native culture and animal presentations at the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit;
* "Meet and Greet" farm animals at the Embraceable Zoo;
* Keeper chats and animal feedings (including large alligator);
* Carousel, Ride simulator and Swamp Train attractions (regular charge); and
* Snacks and refreshments available for purchase throughout zoo.

After Thanksgiving weekend, the zoo will be open on Saturdays and Sundays through the end of February. Additionally, the Zoo will be open Monday, December 26 through Sunday, January 1. It will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In partnership with Radio Disney, the zoo will be the site for the second annual Noon Year's Eve, a special family celebration complete with a cider toast at noon on Saturday, December 31. Regular admission will be charged (Adults $12, Seniors [65+] $9, Children [2-12] $7, Members free.)

AUDUBON NATURE INSTITUTE REOPENING SCHEDULE
* Audubon Golf Course is open for weekend play (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) only through the end of February. The course will be open Dec. 26 - Jan. 1; it will be closed on Christmas Day. Call 504-329-2379 for tee times.
* Audubon Park and Woldenberg Riverfront Park are currently open.
* Audubon Zoo Marketplace Gift Shop will be open daily from Friday, November 25 - December 23 from 10 am to 4 pm.
* The Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species located on the Westbank in New Orleans, continues endangered species research and animal care.
* Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Entergy IMAX(R) Theatre are expected to reopen in summer 2006.
* Audubon Louisiana Nature Center is located in New Orleans East and remains closed due to damage to the buildings and grounds.

Audubon Nature Institute has a total economic impact of $330 million, and operates nine parks and museums in New Orleans dedicated to Celebrating the Wonders of Nature, including Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy IMAX® Theatre, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, and Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Wilderness Park, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Park.

For more information about the zoo re-opening, other Audubon facility status and/or to donate to Audubon's recovery effort, please visit www.auduboninstitute.org <http://www.auduboninstitute.org/> or call 504-581-IMAX (4629).

Inviting New Orleans Citizens back into the French Quarter for the Holidays

Shop the French Quarter this holiday season and let this year be the start of a new tradition as we rebuild our city. Shop locally and discover the magical landmark that is in your own backyard. All of your shopping needs can be found in the Vieux Carre which has toy and magic shops for children, live and recorded music for the jazz aficionado, electronics, books and games, novelty items, clothing, jewelry, antiques, arts, collectables and pottery…. something for everyone on your shopping list!

More then 50 French Quarter merchants are scheduled to participate in this celebration of rebuilding our city’s oldest shopping district. Participating stores include: Antiques and Small Pleasures, The Artist Market and Bead Shop, Axelle Fine Arts, Beckham’s Bookshop, Bottom of the Cup Tea Room, The Crystal Menagerie, French Connection Clothing, The Historic New Orleans Collection, Hove Parfumeur, Ltd., Kingfish Cigars, Little Toy Shop, Photo Works New Orleans, Southern Candymakers, Wellington & Company Fine Jewelry, and Whisnant Galleries. A complete listing of participants may be found online at: the French Quarter Business Association website: http://www.fqba.com/, http://www.frenchquarter.com/, and http://www.quartercrawl.com/.

In addition to the over 50 merchants who will be participating, other activities include:

· Santa Claus will be on hand at The Santa’s Quarters (located at 1025 Decatur Street)

• Second Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans will be at Wellington & Company (located at 505 Royal Street) distributing “End-Hunger” Bracelets for a $1 donation per bracelet.

Gather your family, neighbors and out of town guests this Thanksgiving Weekend and trek down to the French Quarter. Make a day of it by eating a delicious meal at one of our fine restaurants and support area merchants by doing your holiday shopping downtown this year in the world famous French Quarter-- New Orleans’ original shopping district.

For more information on French Quarter merchants that are participating in the effort to invite New Orleans citizens to visit the Quarter for their holiday shopping, please contact:

Calvin Campany, Manager

Wellington & Company

505 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Telephone: 504-525-4855

Garbage collection information for Orleans Parish

BATON ROUGE - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials with the Louisiana Recovery Field Office announces current information regarding curbside collection of household garbage for Orleans Parish.

In Orleans Parish, once-a-week scheduled household garbage pick-up has been implemented. View the map here.

Residents are asked to bag their garbage and place it on the curbside the night before their designated date and limit their curbside garbage to no more than two 32-gallon trash containers (or the equivalent of eight trash bags) per week.

Philips and Jordan (North Orleans) and ECC Operating Services (South Orleans) are the prime contractors on this Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assigned mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Crews will continue removing storm debris from public roads and rights of way. Trucks will continue to make several passes through neighborhoods.

Homeowners are asked to segregate their debris and place it in the public right of way for quicker removal. Please separate debris into the following categories:

· Vegetation and Woody Debris (tree branches, leaves, etc.)
· Construction debris (building materials, drywall, lumber, carpeting, furniture, mattresses, etc.)
· Household hazardous wastes (oils, batteries, pesticides, paints, cleaning supplies - what you would typically find in your garage)
· White goods (refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters, dishwashers)
· Electronics (televisions, computers, radios, etc.)
· Household garbage

Please note: All Household garbage MUST BE BAGGED and separated from hurricane debris, and refrigerator/freezer doors should be secured with duct tape.

City Reinstates Fees for Towing and Parking Violations

As part of ongoing recovery efforts, the City of New Orleans will issue payable parking citations and charge tow fees beginning Monday, November 14, 2005.

The areas of concentration for enforcement are the French Quarter, Canal Street from Claiborne Avenue to the river, Poydras Street, Convention Center Boulevard from Poydras Street to Calliope Street; the Central Business District; Lee Circle; and St. Charles Avenue from Lee Circle to Jackson Avenue.

Citations will be written for the following safety violations:

* Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant: $20
* Parking in a fire lane: $20
* Parking on the median: $75
* Parking on the sidewalk: $20
* Parking in the travel portion of the roadway: $20
* Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or intersection: $20



Vehicles may be towed for all of the above violations; the tow fee is $100.



Citations can be paid and vehicles retrieved at 400 N. Claiborne Ave. from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Payments can also be mailed to:

Violations Bureau
P.O. Box 52828
New Orleans, LA 70152



Citations can be contested by mail. Instructions are listed on the back of the ticket.

For more information, please call the Department of Public Works at (504) 658-8000.

Electric Resoration Progress from Entergy

New Orleans Neighborhood

Electric Restoration Progress

Electric Service Expected Date of Restoration to customers who can safely receive power

Bywater/Marigny General Street Boundaries: Esplanade Ave. to Poland Ave. and St. Claude to the Mississippi River	Completed repairs to infrastructure in the area, working to restore individual customers.	Customers who can take power should have power, except for several isolated cases.
Portions of Treme/Bywater/Marigny   General Street Boundaries: N. Claiborne to St. Claude and Esplanade Ave. to Poland Ave.	Currently making repairs to the infrastructure serving the area. Damage assessments substantially complete.	7 days for customers who can take power.

Hollygrove/Broadmoor General Street Boundaries: 70125 Area

Completed repairs to infrastructure in the area. Customers will need a permit from New Orleans Dept. of Safety and Permits before Entergy can restore power.

Customers who can take power should have power.

Mid City General Street Boundaries: Expressway to City Park Avenue and N. Carrollton to N. Claiborne	Crews have repaired the infrastructure and have restored power were possible. Several homes in the area experienced flooding.	Customers who can take power should have power, except for several isolated cases
Esplanade Ridge General Street Boundaries: Dumaine to Wisner and Paul Morphy (off N. Broad) to O-Reilly	Crews have repaired the infrastructure and have restored power were possible.	Customers who can take power should have power, except for several isolated cases

Uptown - Lakeside of St. Charles Ave. General Street Boundaries: St. Charles Ave. to Freret and Carrollton to Expressway	Infrastructure repairs to Freret St. Crews are working to repair infrastructure from Freret to S. Claiborne where homes experienced severe flooding - infrastructure repairs may take two weeks in that area.	Customers who can take power should have power, except for several isolated cases.
Uptown - Riverside of St. Charles Ave. General Street Boundaries: St. Charles Ave. to Mississippi River and S. Carrollton to Expressway	Restoring power to customers who can safely receive power.	Customers who can take power should have power, except for several isolated cases.
Carrollton General Street Boundaries: S. Carrollton to Monticello Ave. (parish line) and Leake Ave. to Oak St.	Infrastructure repairs were made from Oak Street to Earhart, but customers will need a permit to receive power.	Customers who can take power should have power, except for several isolated cases.

Lakeshore Park -- Lake Terrace/Lake Vista East/Lake Vista West General Street Boundaries: Lake to Robert E. Lee; Robert E. Lee to Lake Pontchartrain and Pratt to Leon C. Simon	Completed repairs to infrastructure in the area, working to restore individual customers.	Customers who can take power should have power, except for several isolated cases.
Lakeview General Street Boundaries: Robert E. Lee Blvd. to I-610	Area received flooding and requires infrastructure repair.	Expected time to begin serving individual customers who can safely take power and have been issued permits is 4-6 weeks. However, estimated time to totally rebuild electrical distribution infrastructure is 3-6 months.

City Restores Brake Tag Service

Limited Amnesty to Continue through November

(New Orleans, LA) The Department of Safety and Permits has restored vehicle inspection service for Orleans Parish at several local service stations. 

Through the end of November, tickets will not be issued for brake tags that expired in September or October 2005. Late fees and penalties also will be waived for any inspection stickers that expired in those months.

Beginning today, vehicle inspections are available at:

Bywater
Danny’s Service Center
3060 Saint Claude Ave.
(504) 949-7656
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

West Bank
Steve’s Auto Care
5101 General DeGaulle Dr.
(504) 393-2000
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – Noon

Mediamolle’s Conoco
3333 General Meyer Ave.
(504) 361-8140
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The City will continue working with service stations in other areas of New Orleans to make more locations available. An updated list of open stations is available on the City website at https://secure.cityofno.com/portal.aspx?portal=2&tabid=3.

 

Red Cross Service Center

The following Red Cross service centers are open in Orleans parish.
Please remember as of Sunday, November 5, bulk distribution and feeding sites will change their hours of operation from 1pm—6pm to 1pm—4pm on Sundays. The change will allow Red Cross volunteers to work in favorable lighting conditions, as we enter Daylight Savings Time.

A.L. Davis Community Center, Washington & Simon Bolivar, New Orleans 70119 (Open daily 10am-3pm) Offers bulk distribution of food and household goods

Freret St. Parking Lot, Jena & Freret, New Orleans 70115 - (Open daily 10am-3pm) Offers bulk distribution of food and household goods

Gentilly Woods Mall, Gentilly & Press (4137 Chef Menteur), New Orleans 70126 - (Open daily 10am-3pm) Offers bulk distribution of food and household goods.

Lafayette School Playground, 2720 S. Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans 70118 - (Open daily 10am-3pm) - Offers bulk distribution of food and household goods

Laurel Elementary School, 820 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans 70130- (Open daily 10am - 3pm) Offers bulk distribution of food and household goods

Municipal Auditorium Parking Lot, Basin Street entrance, New Orleans 70112 - (Open daily 10am - 3pm) Offers bulk distribution of food and household goods

Sophie B. Wright Middle School, 1426 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans 70015 - (Open daily 10am-3pm) Offers bulk distribution of food and household goods

St. Dominic Church, 775 Harrison, New Orleans, 70124 - (Open daily 10am-3pm) -Offers bulk distribution of food and household goods

Square 380, Esplanade and North Rampart, New Orleans 70116 - (Open daily 10am-3pm) Offers bulk distribution of food and household goods

BlackBerry service provided by Nextel

Corps of Engineers Gives Details of Garbage Collection in Orleans Parish

BATON ROUGE, La., Nov. 3, 2005 – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials with the Louisiana Recovery Field Office announces current information regarding curbside collection of household garbage for Orleans Parish.
In Orleans Parish, once-a-week scheduled household garbage pick-up will begin November 7, 2005 (See attached plot map for details). Residents are asked to place their garbage on the curbside the night before their designated day and limit their curbside garbage to no more than two 32-gallon trash containers (or the equivalent of eight trash bags) per week.

Corps of Engineers continues debris removal mission in Orleans Parish

Crews will continue removing storm debris from public roads and rights of way. Trucks will continue to make several passes through neighborhoods.
Philips and Jordan (North Orleans) and ECC Operating Services (South Orleans) are the prime contractors on this Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assigned mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
—MORE—
CURBSIDE 2/2

Homeowners are asked to segregate their debris and place it in the public right of way for quicker removal. Please separate debris into the following categories:
· Vegetation and Woody Debris (tree branches, leaves, etc.)
· Construction debris (building materials, drywall, lumber, carpeting, furniture, mattresses, etc.)
· Household hazardous wastes (oils, batteries, pesticides, paints, cleaning supplies – what you would typically find in your garage)
· White goods (refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters, dishwashers)
· Electronics (televisions, computers, radios, etc.)
· Household garbage
Please note: Household garbage MUST BE SEGREGATED from hurricane debris, and refrigerator/freezer doors should be secured with duct tape.