Sheriff’s Office to have extra patrols during Tropical Storm Karen from early Saturday to early Sunday mornings; check point to continue at junction to Yscloskey and Delacroix; Parish President declares state of emergency

Numerous office trailers and camper vehicles were parked along the highway inside the flood gates at Verret in eastern St. Bernard Parish after their owners removed them from lower lying areas of the parish.

Sheriff’s Deputy Henry Senez works a check point in Reggio at the junction to Yscloskey and Delacroix Island in easternmost St. Bernard Parish, which is outside the hurricane protection levee and was the scene of major activity on Friday as people went to remove boats and vehicles from the possible path of the approaching tropical storm.

The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office will have extra patrols during Tropical Storm Karen from early Saturday to early Sunday mornings – particularly in the areas outside the hurricane protection areas of easternmost St. Bernard – and a check point will continue at the junction to Yscloskey and Delacroix, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

“The extra patrols will be undertaken to make sure we have manpower in all areas in the event of a problem from the approaching tropical storm,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said, “as well as for extra protection for property of residents.’’

Also, a check point will continue at Reggio at the junction to Yscloskey and Delacroix Island in eastern St. Bernard and would remain there unless surge water rises to that spot, the sheriff said.

Weather forecasters say 2-4 inches of rain and winds of 25-35 mph or higher in some areas are possible from Tropical Storm Karen , Sheriff Pohlmann said.

People who live or have camps outside the levee protection system have been moving boats and vehicles to higher ground on Thursday and Friday, many parking camper vehicles on the sides of the Louisiana 46 Extension near the flood gate at Verret.

“Stay alert, keep up with weather reports and call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 for any emergencies related to the storm,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. He also said to take precautions for rain and wind so your property isn’t damaged, including securing items on your property, clearing debris from drains near your home so they work properly and protecting garbage dumpsters so they don’t spill over.

The Sheriff’s Office is prepared for a rain event, said Sheriff Pohlmann, including having a new high-water truck that can be used for such purposes as helping people in localized street flooding or moving groups if officers to respond to an emergency.

Meanwhile, Parish President David Peralta has announced he will sign an executive order declaring a state of emergency for the parish, effective Saturday at 8 a.m., as a result of the forecasted conditions of the storm. Such a declaration would make possible state National Guard troops being sent into the parish to help with storm-related activities.

Peralta is calling for a voluntary evacuation for residents and businesses outside of the hurricane protection levee.

Also, Parish Clerk of Court, Randy Nunez has cancelled scheduled early voting on Saturday, Oct. 5 for a parish judicial race and early voting will resume on Monday, Oct, 7.

Residents can stay updated through local media and the sheriff’s web site at www.sbso.org, the parish government web site at www.sbpg.net, through Facebook and Twitter.

Also, residents should have an emergency kit ready with a flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid supplies, basic tools, and extra car keys if possible.