LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish officials announced 3,000 customers remained without power at approximately 7:30 p.m. Thursday following Tuesday’s destructive tornado.

The outages were mostly contained to Carrollwood, Cambridge and heavily impacted areas, officials said.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households impacted by Tuesday’s storms may be eligible to receive replacement SNAP benefits.

SNAP households that were without power for more than 24 hours and lost food as a result should visit the DCFS Economic Stability office at 429 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace to complete an affidavit. The last day to complete this form is March 4.

DEBRIS

Debris must be separated into vegetative (organic, trees, shrubs, stumps, etc), construction & demolition (any treated wood or lumber drywall, roofing materials), white goods (refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers), and household hazardous waste & e-waste (computers, televisions, etc).

Do not place debris near mail boxes, utility boxes, utility poles, water meters or fire hydrants

Do not place piles next to fences or cars.

Do not place material for pick-up under low wires or overhanging tree limbs. Debris loaders cannot maneuver the collection arm safely under low-hanging objects

Consider placing debris piles on an old sheet of plywood or other similar material to minimize damage to lawns by the debris loader.

Separate household garbage from debris

FRAUD CONCERN

St. John Parish homeowners are reminded to protect themselves from contractor fraud as they rebuild.

It is important to obtain more than one estimate for repairs and to check on the qualifications and credentials of anyone working on your home.

Those who you they that have been the victim of contractor fraud can contact the St. John District Attorney’s Office at 985-652-9757.