Hurricane Laura, Delta updates for DeQuincy area

By Jerry Bell, Emergency Operations Manager

Presently, we are in week eight of Hurricane Laura and week two of Hurricane Delta.

Hurricane Laura

We still are in phase II of Laura which means we are still grouping our damage into projects for FEMA to consider for re-imbursement of funding of costs to our city. Debris removal continues and project worksheets are being developed weekly. This process involves gathering all supporting documentation and the proof of ownership of the city and responsibility of property. Debris removal did slow down somewhat as Hurricane Delta prevented the trucks from moving for a few days.

However the trucks are again on the move and are picking up the debris at a fast pace. Thus far, there has been 79,292.50 cubic yards removed and there are approximately 20,705 cubic yards remaining. The remaining is an estimation but very close.

As more citizens are returning to their homes, they are pushing out more debris to be picked up which would change the estimate somewhat. Our team is working on clarification to see if the debris removal contractors can pick up debris in front of commercial property. If ascertained that FEMA will allow this and we get more information on this matter, we will make the announcements with the FEMA guidelines.

City Damage

As far as the city damage goes, each property will have a project worksheet that will develop a scope of work. Presently, we are working with department heads to continue to identify all damages and costs within their facilities and to ascertain if it was caused by Laura and possibly aggravated by Delta. As more debris is removed, the better it is to identify all the damages that have occurred to our sewer, gas, and roads.

This is a slow process hindered by Delta with the internet and phones being down at city hall. These problems are presently being mitigated as best as possible. One next step is for FEMA to schedule site visits to assess the damages to all our facilities and systems as well as buildings and parks.

This will begin the process of cost estimates and will dictate a baseline for total damages. We are presently in negotiations with FEMA on their process and a formal request is being made through GOHSEP for more than just virtual site assessments.

What slowed down our progress was restrictions placed on FEMA because of Covid. Normally more FEMA personnel would be on the ground doing the actual dam- age assessments. Covid really slowed down our progress and then you throw in Delta which caused a triple whammy for DeQuincy and other communi- ties. However the job will be done because it has to be done.

What slowed down our progress was restrictions placed on FEMA because of Covid. Normally more FEMA personnel would be on the ground doing the actual dam- age assessments. Covid really slowed down our progress and then you throw in Delta which caused a triple whammy for DeQuincy and other communi- ties. However the job will be done because it has to be done.

Mayor Riley Smith has scheduled a meeting next week with a high ranking FEMA official who will try to help us speed up the progress with Hurricane Laura and start the process with Hurricane Delta.

Hurricane Delta

In reference to Hurricane Delta, our primary steps are as follows: First we have to have an Exploratory call which is a brief call, about 30-45 minutes with all parties concerned with Delta.

This call presents an overview of the damages and estimates related to delta. This starts the process for re-imbursements of funding for costs related to Delta such as emergency costs and damages. Fortunately for DeQuincy and I am talking about city property, it was not as bad as Laura. However, there were some damages to the Police Department, Sewer, and our Street Department. And there are always overtime costs for our personnel that have to keep the city running. These costs are an extreme burden on our city finances but are necessary to get keep our city up and running.

Next, we have to schedule a recovery Scoping Meeting. After the exploratory call, we have 21 days to schedule this. To speed up the process, we try to schedule this call in about a week’s time. This call usually lasts about an hour depending on about how much damage DeQuincy has in reference to Hurricane Delta. This call is so important and the DeQuincy team must present on this call a list of all the damages and it should be an accurate list to as much damage as possible. We should have our list of dam- ages and the cost estimates if possible. Ball park figures are authorized on this call. At this time, the damages will be properly categorized.

We do have 60 days from this call to actually get the most accurate list of damages available. If DeQuincy needs more time, then it can be requested but that really slows down the process of getting our funding to get back to normal. DeQuincy does have a contact with state to assist us if we have any questions and FEMA is there also to answer our questions. As stated before this is a huge amount of paperwork but it must be completed or there won’t be any funding. Mayor Smith has assembled a team to get this done so DeQuincy can receive some funding. Hurricane Laura did an extreme amount of damage to our city but we are bouncing back.

Chief’s Report

Chief of Police Casey Whitehead wishes to report to our citizens that we had a very limited amount of theft after the hurricanes and persons were arrested. Many of our homes are presently unoccupied. Our Chief requests that homeowners display a no trespassing sign on their property. This makes it easier for our patrol officers to make arrests if persons are caught on private property. Also call in the police department and ask for special checks to be done on your property. These are called signal 11s and we document this on our logs. Our officers will make numerous checks by your property. If possible try and secure your property with locks or board them up. These are hard times for many of our citizens and our police department wants to assist you in every way possible.

Debris Removal

Keep moving your debris to where the trucks can pick it up. Don’t be discouraged if there is a small pile left on your road, they will pick up everything. Limit your garbage to what fits in your can. Our Mayor will not let the trucks leave town until all is picked up. The large stumps will be removed with special trucks. The construction debris will be picked up after the vegetation. Please move your debris out to be picked up. If you need a tarp on your roof, call 1-888-Roof- Blu or 1-888-766-3258.

Several citizens have requested that they be able to speak with a FEMA person on the ground. I contacted our FEMA representative and she agreed that she would get a team to DeQuincy as soon as possible so probably by Tuesday, Oct. 20, there should be FEMA personnel on the ground.

FEMA DR-4570

The President has declared Hurricane Delta, a national disaster. The number for this hurricane is DR-4570. Again, register for Hurricane Delta.

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