Recovery, Assistance Underway in Aftermath of Tuesday’s Tornado

While there were no reported fatalities resulting from Tuesday’s tornado in New Orleans East, approximately 250 properties were affected across the tornado’s path and 31 injuries have been reported, five of them being moderate to severe injuries, according to an update provided by the city of New Orleans

The City has opened a temporary shelter at the Joe W. Brown Recreation Center at 5601 Read Blvd., in New Orleans, LA for impacted residents. The Red Cross in partnership with other service providers will be on site at Joe Brown Park to take initial assessments for short term and long term housing needs.

Food, water, cots and blankets are available to those who utilize the shelter overnight. The New Orleans Health Department, with support from the Red Cross, Catholic Charities and NOFD, is providing basic medical care and prescription assistance.

Today (Wednesday, Feb. 8), food, water and cleaning supplies will be available for pick up.

Entergy estimates that approximately 9,400 Orleans Parish residents were without power as a result of Tuesdasy’s tornado. Crews are working around the clock and expect to have all power restored in 3 to 5 days.  Customers are encouraged to go to www.entergy.com to sign up for text messages.  Residents may call 1-800-9OUTAGE to report outages or downed power lines. According to an update released by District E Councilman James Gray, power to many areas have been restored, with an Entergy estimate of about 4000 residents and businesses without power as of Wednesday afternoon.

Anyone needing to report damage to water and sewer lines and services can call 504-529-2387.

Tarps will be distributed door to door by the fire department and other agencies for residents with major roof damage, according to Councilman Gray’s update.

Household of Faith, 9300 I-10 Service Road, is also serving as a drop off and distribution location for those wanting to donate clothing, toiletries and other non-perishable items. The public can reach the church at 347-0127 for more information.

Meanwhile, residents that want to support ongoing relief and recovery efforts are also encouraged to contact the Greater New Orleans Foundation or the United Way of Southeast Louisiana .