A voluntary evacuation for Grand Isle began Friday afternoon at 4. Voluntary evacuation for Jean Lafitte, Crown Point, Barataria and area outside the levee protection system will begin Saturday at noon.

For residents needing assistance to evacuate Jean Lafitte, Crown Point, Barataria and areas outside of the levee protection system, a bus will be available at Jean Lafitte Town Hall, 2654 Jean Lafitte Boulevard at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

These evacuees will be part of the publicly assisted evacuation plan. They will be brought to a Parish Processing Point (PPP). Upon arrival at the PPP evacuees will be processed by the State and transported to shelters located outside the disaster impact area. Any pets brought to the PPP will be identified and transported in a separate vehicle to a safe shelter.

Jefferson Parish law enforcement agencies and the National Guard will be patrolling throughout the parish to protect the property of citizens while they are away. These agencies will have a strong presence and those who don’t evacuate may be questioned by law enforcement about their activities.

Residents who evacuate are asked not to leave garbage or trash curbside for pickup because collection service may be suspended due to the storm. These items could present a problem in clogging drains and may become projectiles in high winds.

For additional information contact the Jefferson Parish Department of Emergency Management at 349-5360 or visit our web site at www.jeffparish.net.