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Sheriff advises preparation as river rises
Concordia Parish Sheriff Randy Maxwell said Tuesday that residents should turn to appropriate local, district and state officials for information on the rising Mississippi River and ignore the many rumors circulating.
Maxwell and other officials met with U.S. Corps of Engineers officials in Vidalia on Tuesday. He said that while the rising river is expected to reach the historic 65-ft. level by May 22, there has been no reported breach in the levee system, nor has there been a call for an evacuation as of this date.
"No one knows what this situation will bring in the days and weeks ahead," he said, "but federal, state and local officials are working together to stay informed on the day-to-day details and we will keep everyone informed and up-to-date as well."
Should it be necessary to take steps toward evacuation, Maxwell said that Code Red would notify families by phone. He said those who are not subscribers to Code Red may access this system through the CPSO website, www.concordiasheriff.org or call the Sheriff's Office at 318-336-5231, 757-3162 or 386-2200 or the Communications District at 336-5671.
Additionally, he said links to the U.S. Corps of Engineers' website will also be provided on the CPSO site, as well as to sites listing the latest information on the river stage.
The 5th Louisiana Levee District has ordered that there be no traffic on the area levees, Maxwell said, although residents outside of the levee system are allowed on the levee in order to move their belongings. For now, these residents may park on the levees, but distance must be allowed for officials to travel and check the levees, he said.
The sheriff cautioned residents not to believe the many rumors relating to the rising river stage: "There's a vast number of rumors starting to spread. We are going to only deal with the facts and get these facts out to residents as quickly as possible."
Anticipating the effects of the rising river is much like South Louisiana citizens preparing for the annual hurricane season, he said. "It makes good sense to have your important personal papers in a safe place. People need to realize too that a fireproof safe for family records is not waterproof, nor is a bank safety deposit box."
He asked that residents be prepared with plans for their pets, take an inventory of their homes and personal valuables, and have their prescriptions filled.
"We always hope and pray for the best, but want to be prepared for any emergency that might arise," he said. |
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