HAHNVILLE – The forecast for Hurricane Gustav continues to keep Southeast Louisiana within its sights. President Bush this afternoon declared a federal state of emergency for the entire state of Louisiana.

The current track presents storm surge implications for both the East and West Banks of St. Charles Parish. East Bank hurricane protection levees could possibly be overtopped, and a lack of levees on the West Bank could mean devastating storm surge flooding. At this time, residents should be taking steps to secure their homes and prepare for evacuation.

The parish’s assisted evacuation plan will continue Saturday and end Saturday night. Officials have called a MANDATORY EVACUATION for all residents of St. Charles Parish SATURDAY AT NOON.

All protective actions are being taken in accordance with the timeline set by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. St. Charles Parish officials will hold a 9 a.m. press briefing Saturday at the courthouse in Hahnville. Residents may view this briefing after it happens on the St. Charles Parish YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/stcharlesgov .

The following is a timeline of parish evacuations:

•    If you are signed up for the assisted evacuation plan, expect a phone call from the parish with further instructions. Those with pets MUST bring supplies, including a CARRIER.  Please note that St. Charles Parish residents who have not signed up ahead of time WILL NOT be able to utilize the Avoyelles Parish shelter designated for this group. This is NOT a public shelter. If you need assistance, call EOC IMMEDIATELY at (985) 783-5050. Please note, you MUST leave at the designated time to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation.

•    Emergency Operations personnel is now contacting special needs evacuees with information regarding evacuations via ambulance. If you or someone you know requires medical special needs evacuation, call the St. Charles Parish EOC IMMEDIATELY at (985) 783-5050.

•    If you have transportation but do not have a place to stay, the state of Louisiana has set up public shelters. For a list of information checkpoints on these shelters, visit http://www.stcharlesgov.net/hurricane/stateguide.htm.

•    A mandatory evacuation of St. Charles Parish is planned for NOON SATURDAY. Officials are STRONGLY ADVISING residents to leave before this time to avoid traffic congestion. Contraflow could begin as early as 4 a.m. SUNDAY, according to State Police. At that time you will only be able to get as far as Gramercy on I-10 heading back into St. Charles Parish. I-310 will only be open between the Luling Bridge and Airline Hwy. You will NOT be able to get on I-10 from I-3-10.

•    A mandatory evacuation means the parish is no longer guaranteeing emergency medical services for those who stay.

•    St. Charles Parish Waterworks strongly urges those evacuating their homes or trailers to turn off their water at the meter.

•    The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office will enforce curfews from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. each night beginning Saturday. Sheriff’s deputies will closely patrol residential neighborhoods to guard against looting. The sale of alcoholic beverages will cease at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Please continue to keep these things in mind:

•    Garbage pickup will run normal routes through Aug. 30. Any residents planning to leave due to Gustav must secure their garbage can before leaving. Coastal Waste Services will not be held responsible for replacing any missing containers. Any route changes for Sept. 1 and 2 will be posted on the parish Web site.

•    The parish continues to seek volunteers willing to drive buses during the assisted evacuation. No commercial driver’s license is necessary. Please call EOC at (985) 783-5050 if you can help.

•    Please continue to clear out catch basins and ditches on and near their property to ensure proper drainage.

•    Re-entry guidelines for business owners and residents are available through Louisiana State Police at www.lsp.org under ‘Hurricane Information.’ The parish is not issuing re-entry passes. Residents should be sure they have a driver’s license with proof of residency during re-entry.

•    The St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter is now closed indefinitely. Please call EOC at (985) 783-5050 for any animal-related emergencies.

•    The West Bank Bridge Park is now closed. All cars parked overnight in the parking lot will be subject to towing.

•    St. Charles Parish Public Schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Parents will be contacted by the school system regarding further closings. Boutte Christian Academy is also closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

•    Residents should take alternate routes to leave the parish. Once contraflow begins, Interstates will become difficult to travel, and I-310 will only be open between the Luling Bridge and Airline Highway. To view an evacuation map, visit www.stcharlesgov.net/hurricane.

•    Sign up to receive e-mail updates throughout any storm event by sending your e-mail address to channel6@stcharlesgov.net.

•    Residents should bring their own shovels for sandbags, which are available at 37 locations around the parish. For a complete list of locations, visit www.stcharlesgov.net/hurricane.

•    The LSU home football game previously scheduled for 4 p.m. has been moved to 10 a.m. Saturday.

•    For information on equine evacuation locations, log on to www.stcharlesgov.net.

St. Charles Parish residents are urged to stay tuned to Cable Channel 6, www.stcharlesgov.net and 1370 AM for additional updates.