City Reinstates Parking Restrictions, Provides Resources for Residents Affected by Flooding

Today, the City of New Orleans released the following information following heavy rains and thunderstorms that moved through the metro area in the morning of Sunday, May 12. More than five inches of rain fell in parts of the city between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., with bouts of heavy rain at rates of two inches an hour and higher sparking flash flood warnings and widespread street flooding.

Clearing Roadways

The City of New Orleans suspended parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks to allow residents to move vehicles to higher ground. Those restrictions will be reinstated this evening at 6:00 p.m.

Department of Sanitation crews continue to clear debris from roadways. Residents are asked to retrieve trash and recycling bins that may have moved due to flood waters. The Department of Public Works “courtesy towed” a total of six stranded vehicles that were obstructing roadways on Sunday. Two remain secured at the Auto Pound Lot at 400 N. Claiborne Ave. where they will be released free of charge to owners. The lot hours are 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and can be reached by phone at 504-658-8284.

Filing Damage Claims

Staff with the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness conducted initial assessments in areas affected by flooding on Sunday. Some ground-level residences and businesses may have experienced minor flooding, but there is no indication that any major structural flooding occurred.

Residents or business owners with flood damage to structures and/or contents should contact their insurance company to file a claim, document damage with photographs, and complete a proof of loss document. Vehicle owners with flood damage should contact their car insurance company to file a claim and document damage. More information is available at https://ready.nola.gov/incident/may-12-storms/recovery-resources/.

Assistance Available to Residents and Businesses

The following disaster recovery organizations are available to assist residents affected by Sunday’s flooding:

• American Red Cross: The Red Cross can offer cleanup kits for minimal flooding. If you had more than 18 inches, call 1-800-733-2767.
• Cajun Army: If you need assistance with cleanup, sign up on the website at www.thecajunarmy.com.
• HandsOn New Orleans: HandsOn New Orleans Volunteer Center can help homeowners in the cleanup process by recruiting volunteer teams to assist. Contact Kayla Woods at kayla@handsonneworleans.org for more information.
• NOLA Tree Project: NOLA Tree Project can coordinate volunteers, tools, and cleaning supplies to help with cleanup activities. Email connie@nolatreeproject.org or call 504-415-8434.
• Rebuilding Together New Orleans: Rebuilding Together New Orleans helps homeowners with critical home repair services by utilizing volunteers. If your home received damage and you need help, call 504-581-7032.
• Southeast Louisiana Legal Services: Southeast Louisiana Legal Services can provide legal assistance to tenants who are being evicted or who are being asked to pay for repairs by their landlords due to flooding. Go to slls.org or call 504-529-1000.
• United Saints Recovery Project: The United Saints Recovery Project helps residents impacted by disaster through mucking and gutting and rebuilding efforts. Email project@unitedsaints.org or call 504-233-8883. 

Cleaning up after Flooding

Residents are encouraged to clear debris from in front of catch basins and around their property that may have occurred as a result of flooding. For properties eligible for collection by the City, the Sanitation Department will pick up bulky waste including debris, carpeting and other large items on the second collection day this week. Residents are encouraged to inform 3-1-1 of bulky waste pickup needs. Tree limbs, branches and carpeting must be cut in four feet (or less) lengths and bundled.  Tree limbs cannot be more than 12 inches in diameter. Leaves should be bagged and the bags secured. More information about cleaning up safely is available at https://ready.nola.gov/incident/may-12-storms/recovery-resources/.

NOLA Ready Emergency Alerts

During Sunday’s storms, the City kept residents informed through emergency alerts and via social media @nolaready. You can sign up to receive NOLA Ready Emergency Alerts by text message, email, or phone call at ready.nola.gov/alerts.