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St. James Parish President Pete Dufresne has declared a State of Emergency for St. James Parish in
preparation for Hurricane Francine.

The National Hurricane Center has forecast the storm to strengthen to a category 2 hurricane at landfall with sustained winds
of 100 miles per hour possible. St. James Parish residents will begin to experience the impacts of this system as early
Wednesday afternoon.

All Parish offices will close at 11:30am on Wednesday. The Town of Lutcher and Gramercy will follow Parish hours.

Officials anticipate downed trees and power lines as a result of tropical storm-force winds and the high probability of
tornadoes. The parish can expect heavy rainfall and storm surge impacts including up to a 6-foot storm surge potential in Lake Maurepas. Parish officials have staged equipment and personnel to provide debris clearing as soon as conditions allow
following the storm.

Crews have begun canvassing all major drainage infrastructure ensuring waterways are clear of
obstruction. Regular pumps at the weir in South Vacherie are currently operating, as well as an additional 24-inch pump,
which will help increase our pumping capacity. Additional temporary pumps were installed at the levee on Coteau Canal.

Pre-storm preparations have begun parish-wide including making sand and bags available at the locations listed below.

Residents are asked to bring a shovel to fill bags and to help elderly or disabled neighbors.

• East Bank Locations:
Grand Point Fire Station, 32122 Hwy 642, Paulina
Admirals Landing, 3125 Hwy 642, Across from Asahi America, Inc
End of Hwy 642, Back of Grand Point
Grand Point Truck Stop
Town of Lutcher, Lutcher Avenue across from Water Plant
Town of Gramercy, River Road in front of the Water Plant

• West Bank Locations:
South Vacherie Fire Training Center, 29126 Health Unit St., Vacherie
Kingview Fire Station, 8120 Kingview Street, St. James
7th District Park, 13271 Jake Gravois Street
First Baptist Church, 1244 Magnolia Heights St.

The Parish is opening two emergency shelters, one at the West Bank Reception Hall and one at the Lutcher Senior Center
beginning at 7:00am Wednesday morning. Residents are asked to bring with them a 3-5 day supply of food, water,
medication, hygiene products, and bedding. Anyone in need of assistance with transportation to the shelter, please call the
Citizen Service Center at 225-562-2500.

No evacuation orders are being issued at this time, but those residing in mobile homes or trailers are strongly advised to seek
alternative shelter. Please remember the parish has shelters available for any citizens in need of shelter.

While the Parish does not anticipate flooding levels comparable to 2016, residents should remain vigilant as increasing tide
levels and backwater effects could persist into the weekend after the winds cease.

Travel conditions are expected to be favorable on Wednesday morning but will deteriorate quickly as the day progresses.
Parish transit service routes will operate as normal on Tuesday, and will operate only for medical, dialysis, and shelter
transportation until noon on Wednesday. There will be no transit bus services on Thursday.

Senior Centers and the ARC will be closed on both Wednesday and Thursday. Recreational activities will be suspended
starting Tuesday, September 10. Self-stable homebound meals will be delivered today and tomorrow to cover Wednesday and
Thursday’s usual meal deliveries.

Waste Management will continue normal routes as weather and road conditions permits. The West Bank landfill will serve as
the drop-off point for vegetative debris. For tree limb collection in unincorporated areas, submit work orders via our website or by calling the Citizen Service Center at 225-562-2500.
Residents are urged to finalize their preparations now. Key actions include:

• 72-Hour Emergency Kit: Ensure your kit contains food, water, a NOAA weather radio, and any prescription
medications. A comprehensive list is available on our website and social media.
• Home Preparation: Clear debris from your property, secure construction materials, and remove any objects that
could become projectiles. Transfer sites will be open until 7:00 PM today and tomorrow for debris disposal.
Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors and family members, particularly the elderly, and assist them in preparing
for the storm. The senior centers have already reached out to homebound clients to aid in their emergency planning. For
assistance, please call 225-562-2419.
More information and the latest updates can be found on the home page of the parish website at www.stjamesla.com. Parish
President Pete Dufresne will provide an update to residents at 4:30pm on Tuesday, September 10th.