For Immediate Release, Monday, October 24, 2005
Contact:  Suzanne Parsons Stymiest @ 985-898-5243

BLUE TARPS AND HEATERS COULD BE A DANGEROUS COMBINATION

            With temperatures expected to drop into the 40s at night for the duration of the week, parish officials are cautioning residents about the risk of improperly installed blue tarps causing a backup of fumes that could prove harmful.

            In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Corps of Engineers installed blue tarps on thousands of rooftops throughout the Parish to cover damage caused by fallen trees and limbs and prevent leaks. As air conditioning and heating repair companies began visiting damaged homes, they discovered some of these tarps were blocking exhaust vents. If heaters are turned on, the results could be harmful or fatal.

Several weeks ago, Parish President Kevin Davis brought the issue to the attention of Corps personnel, who advised contractors who had installed the tarps were advised to contact residents who were potentially affected. It is unclear how thoroughly that process has been undertaken.

            “Public safety remains our primary concern, and we are asking residents whose roofs have been covered by tarps to ensure their heating systems are properly ventilated,” Davis said. “The anticipated drop in temperatures has made this an even more pressing concern, and while we continue to ask the Corps to take appropriate steps, we are also urging residents to take no chances.”

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