Emergency responders in Caddo Parish are working around the clock to address citizens’ needs related to the rising river, which is now expected to crest Monday at 37 feet. The river level at 9 a.m. was 36.4 feet.

In a planning meeting this morning, officials reported:

• Caddo levees continue to hold.

• The LA National Guard will use a Blackhawk helicopter to transport two pumps to the North Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant near Russell Road and I-220. The pumps are being used to supplement existing equipment.

• Shreveport Police, Fire, and Caddo Deputies continue to monitor areas of concern to check on the safety of residents in low-lying areas.

• The Caddo Sheriff’s Marine Patrol is monitoring activity along the length of the river for any problem areas.

• Approximately 80 CCC inmates are being used to fill and stack sandbags. They are assisting roday in the Allendale neighborhood on Oregon and Garden streets and in the Les Maisons subdivision.

• Overnight, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development closed La. 3036 (Common St.) from Fontenac St. to N. Allen St., and La. 3194 (Martin Luther King Blvd.) from U.S. 71/La. 1 (N. Market St.) to Montana St. due to high water. Contingency plans are in place to provide emergency services in those areas.

• The Salvation Army is accepting food donations at 1207 Cornwell Avenue. Needs include chips, granola bars, candy bars, Gatorade, sliced cheese, and bread. For more information, call 424-3200. 

• The City has cancelled the Farmer’s Market scheduled for Tuesday at Festival Plaza.

•  Sandbag stations will remain open 24 hours a day at Parish Public Works at 1701 Monty Street and City Streets and Drainage at 3825 Mansfield Road.

• The Northwest Louisiana Red Cross is operating shelters in Caddo Parish at the LSU-S Red River Radio Building, 8675 Youree Drive, and at Southern University-Shreveport in the gymnasium, 3052 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive.

Responders were also told they should plan for localized flooding when rain falls mid-week. Citizens who may not experience river flooding are encouraged to be aware of weather conditions and be prepared to take action. Have an emergency plan; keep an emergency kit ready with food, water, medications, and other necessities in case neighborhood roads are impassable; and be prepared to evacuate if needed.