GRETNA, La. — From Metairie to Harvey, people across the metro fueled up Monday ahead of Tropical Storm Francine.
“They are getting ready. Everybody getting ready for the storm," JP Resident Wallace Brumfield said, "I’ve been in here for at least 45 already.”
The gas line at the Harvey Sam's Club Monday afternoon wrapped around the parking lot and families were stocking up on hurricane snacks.
“We’re picking up some water, some crackers, some Vienna sausage. Chips and stuff for the kids," Brittany Auzenne said.
These shoppers are doing exactly what Jefferson Parish is asking residents to do – be prepared.
“This is not going to be a major storm, but it’s going to be a heavy rain and it’s going to be a wind event. So, take your time this evening and tomorrow to hurricane-proof your home as much as possible," Director of Emergency Management, Joe Valiente, said, "Make sure you have a full tank of gas when you start. It’s a reasonable expectation that we’re going to lose power for Wednesday and probably into Thursday depending on the level of damage.”
Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng signed an emergency declaration for the parish and issued a mandatory evacuation for residents outside the levee protection system.
“So, we’re talking about Grand Isle, Lafitte, Barataria, Crown Point, Lower Lafitte due to the life-threatening storm surge that we’re expecting with this storm event," President Cynthia Lee Sheng said.
The parish is opening the Terrytown Playground on Tuesday at 4 p.m. for those in need of shelter.
President Sheng said that roughly 50 residents are still living in temporary trailers following Hurricane Ida. She urged those residents and folks who live in mobile homes to use the shelter or stay with family.
All other residents are encouraged to shelter in place starting Tuesday night, Sheng said.
All JP Schools are closed on Wednesday and Thursday. Grand Isle School, Fisher Middle/High School and Kerner Elementary are also closed on Tuesday.
The parish will not offer garbage service on Wednesday, and all parish offices are closed to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Watch: Jefferson Parish press conference on Tropical Storm Francine preparations
