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Editor’s Note: This letter was submitted on Sunday, Sept. 5.

Dear citizens of Washington Parish,

Our linemen have been working long hours to help restore power and, through their diligent efforts, the percentage of customers without power has reduced from 84 percent to 15.13 percent. For that, we should all be truly grateful.

Unlike some of our neighboring parishes, we fared very well from the effects of Hurricane Ida. As power is restored, fuel delivery will increase. But until that time, please be a kind citizen and don’t be greedy at the pump.

Two large PODs (points of distribution) have been set up and are operational, and nine additional PODs were set up at each rural fire station to provide water, MREs and ice (large PODs) to the citizens of Washington Parish.

There are many, many businesses opened daily, and while their shelves may not be completely full, items are available for purchase.

Restaurants in the parish are open with limited service hours and some are even providing free food on a first-come, first-serve basis, to help those impacted by Hurricane Ida.

If you need help getting food immediately, call 211 to find the availability of local food programs or visit one of the opened POD sites to receive an MRE. 211 can also direct callers to other services in the community.

Washington Parish was not deemed eligible for the Blue Roof Program. A reconnaissance determined we did not sustain enough damages to be included. However, if you received damage to your roof and a tarp is needed to eliminate any further damage, please call 985-839-7825 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The large PODs are open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., and located at Franklinton High School and Northshore Charter School in Bogalusa.

Residents who are on oxygen can swap out an empty tank for a full tank, free of charge, at the EOC located at 54100 Dollar Road. Tanks are also available for those without an empty tank.

Citizens displaced due to damage can call 1-800-621-3362 or go to disasterassistance.gov and then click on “Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program.”

Hurricane Ida resources such as temporary sheltering assistance, to apply for FEMA assistance and so much more can be found at hurricanerecovery.la.gov.

This letter was written by Richard “Ned” Thomas Jr., who is the Washington Parish President.