I have had reports that individuals allowed back into the parish to salvage for their household possessions are helping themselves to other's personal property.

I sincerely hope the reports are not correct. I know most if not all of our items are gone however we had many items of sentimental value. I know this event has been catastrophic and tragic for Cameron Parish and was praying the integrity of all individuals during this trying times would prevail.

Also does anyone know when the the Corp of Engineers will start the cleanup contract?

Thanks

I've been scanning news reports... but right now I am guessing, from the vague allusions in a NOLA.com article and a report on the Cameron Police Jury's decision to let the Corps clean up, that you have about a week or so before they start the process. See what info I've collected on the blog, addy below. Also, my aunts and cousins are going to JB tomorrow, and when I hear back from them I will post.

quote:

Originally posted by Taiji:
I've been scanning news reports... but right now I am guessing, from the vague allusions in a NOLA.com article and a report on the Cameron Police Jury's decision to let the Corps clean up, that you have about a week or so before they start the process. See what info I've collected on the blog, addy below. Also, my aunts and cousins are going to JB tomorrow, and when I hear back from them I will post.

Thanks... I thought the COE cleanup was 2-4 weeks away? I know the parish has given the COE to clean up... however would expect the sheriff to prevent any 'finders keepers.looting' attitude.

Thanks...

like I said... I really don't know the timeline (and I have been searching like heck to find one). If you have a personal account from someone down there I'd go with it. I am coming to the conclusion of about a week from the two news articles I've read. Hopefully, my family will have a better timeline tomorrow, after they've been down there.

About the looting... I don't know. First I've heard of it.

The Army has guards and sheriff dept.at all entrance to Cameron Parish. if you can not show you are a resident, you can not get in. Believe me, when we were there the sheriff's office was very visable.I have not heard of any looting.The only thing I have seen is people marking thier property, so FEMA and Cor of ENG, will knows who it belongs to. Next Look and see is next week end. Please make palns if you can to go, bring mosquito spray and rubber boots.Also make sure you bring fix a flat, water and something to snack on as there is no gas or stores open. Bring some spray paint to make you resident number on any large items belonging to you.

Thanks for the information. We are currently in Missouri and have been attempting to find a motel room within reasonable distance. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. Also, is the swing bridge open between Port Arthur and Johnson Bayou or is the only way in is 27 by Hackberry?

From what I understand the bridge was open to army and relate personal only.All motels are full. How many in your house hold?

Thanks for the information. I just talked with our prior neighbor who had been back and said there was little or nothing to salvage but he offered his camp at Toledo Bend if we want to come back to see it for ourselves. We have two people in our household..

Bob & Sherry

Parents house (Steve and Diane Price) is 8 miles from the Texas line. They went to JB yesterday and met with a lady from FEMA. She said that the house would have to be destroyed. They went down there to see if anything in the house was salvageable. There were quite a few items in the house that was still intact but had so much mold on it that it would have been a health risk to even attempt to bring out. Don't know if its true but they heard that bulldozers will be in JB on the 17th to start the demolition. I moved away from JB in 98 and now live in Jennings. It breaks my heart to know that my hometown will be effectively wiped off the map(for now)and the suffering being felt by my family and friends. I'm just thankful that no one was killed in this horrific catastrophe.

I tried to go to Johnson Bayou via Sabine Pass on Saturday and the bridge was closed. I went around through Hackberry on 27 and had no problems. The sheriffs dept. at the checkpoint asked me where I was going and advised me to keep my speed at 45mph and 35mph through Hackberry. You really need to prepare yourself on what you are not going to see. Good luck and God bless.

Hey Keith. I guess we won't be hacing our 10 year reunion this year. Oh well we'll do it next year. I went to JB Saturday and it was very sad. I am glad your family is OK. I saw Mr.Mac posted. Blast from the past. Tell your family I said hello. Take care.