GALVESTON — About 40,000 people are expected to cross the Galveston Causeway today to visit their homes for the first time since Hurricane Ike made landfall.

Officials announced on Tuesday that police checkpoints put up right after the storm to keep people off the island would come down at 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Police officers will not check identification. The “look and leave” policy for West End residents is still in effect but will not be enforced. Residents are urged to look at their property and make repairs but to make arrangements to live off the island.

Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will hand out fliers to returning residents as they stop at signalized intersections along Broadway and 61st Street. But if the flier distribution backs up traffic, officials will find another way to distribute them, said Police Chief Charles Wiley.

Here is a list of essential information for those returning.

Curfew

The city’s 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew will remain in effect until further notice. The curfew applies to everyone on the island, even those who might need to violate it to get to work, either on or off the island.

Traffic Control

Watch for out debris, equipment, power lines, rough pavement and dismantled roadways and bridges.

Drive cautiously – obey all speed limits

Treat every intersection as a four-way stop

Barricaded streets will change daily

Vaccinations

County health officials have a mobile clinic at the Island Community Center, 4700 Broadway, offering immunizations. The Minor Emergency Clinic, 4623 Fort Crockett Blvd., and West Isle Urgent Care Clinic, 2027 61st St., also can provide immunizations.

Officials recommend all residents get tetanus shots if they haven’t had one in the last 10 years.

Fires

Using open flames is prohibited, even for cooking.

Burning trash is strictly prohibited.

Keep all heat sources away from generators.

Beaches

The beaches are open, but the waters of the Gulf of Mexico are not. The water is likely to be contaminated by hazardous and chemical waste.

Sanitary Sewer Service

To report sewage problems or overflows, call 409-797-3630.

City Water Service

Conserve water by flushing only when necessary. Do not use water for washing cars or watering yards.

A boil water notice is in effect until further notice.

Water service has been restored to most areas behind the seawall.

Do not drink any water from a city water tap.

Do not allow your pet to drink from a city water tap.

Do not brush your teeth with tap water.

Report all water leaks to 409-765-3710.

Natural Gas Service

Do not attempt to turn on natural gas meters or use natural gas appliances. Tampering with meters or gas facilities could delay service restoration efforts and cause further damage or serious injury.

Pressure testing of all gas lines is required before turning on gas valves. A licensed plumber can file the required permit with the city and complete the test in coordination with the city’s plumbing inspector. Once the safety inspection is complete the city will contact Texas Gas Service to restore the natural gas service to your home or business.

If you smell gas, leave and call 800-959- 5325.

To have service restored, call 800-700-2443.

Electric Power Service

Step 1: Assess the property.

Determine if any physical storm damage to your structure exists to your roof, ceiling or light fixtures. Determine if you have water damage inside your home or outside at the breaker box. Check to see if you have trees leaning on power lines.

Step 2: Turn on the breaker.

If you have determined your structure has not sustained damage that could interfere with electrical circuits begin by turning on one breaker at a time. If you hear any strange noises, turn the breaker off immediately. If everything sounds normal, move on to the next breaker and turn it on as well. Continue to check each breaker one at a time only advancing as long as normal conditions persist.

You must remain on site for the next several hours to monitor electrical power in your home.

If you notice smoke, fire or hear popping noises at any time immediately turn off the main breaker to the structure.

If you have obvious water damage:

•If your structure sustained water damage of 10 inches or more, do not turn on the circuit.

•Do not use any light sockets that were submerged by flood waters until a registered electrician can evaluate or replace them.

•Do not re-energize an electric panel if it was fully or partially submerged in flood waters.

•If you have any visual damage to your structure contact an electrical contractor who is registered with the City of Galveston before attempting to turn on your power.

City Permits For Construction

Permits are required for all work on your property with some exceptions.

The following permits have been temporarily exempted:

•Interior removal of flooring

•Interior removal of wall materials

•Interior removal of ceiling covers

•Interior removal of cabinetry

The city of Galveston’s Permit Office is temporarily at the Galveston County Criminal Justice Center, 601 54th St.

Contact Planning and Community Development staff with questions about building codes and permits. The city will have inspectors in the field to answer questions and monitor construction to ensure it is properly formatted.

Health Precautions And Advisories

•Only drink bottled water.

•If you experience diarrhea, have open punctures or cuts that won’t heal or trouble breathing, seek medical care immediately.

•Wash hands with soap before eating.

•Use hand sanitizing gels frequently.

•Residents exposed to flood waters and debris removal should receive the following immunizations: tetanus, hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

The University of Texas Medical Branch and some other island health clinics are offering immunizations to the public.

If you require medical attention, go to the medical branch’s emergency room. Use the Harborside entrance. It can fill prescriptions, provide immunizations and give minor medical care. The medical branch is not open as a full-service hospital.

Blue Roof Program

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are making minor roof repairs free of charge.

Crews will stretch tarps over damaged roofs to help prevent future damage.

The roof must have less than 50 percent damage to qualify, and the home must be considered habitable once repairs have been made.

Structures with flat roofs, and tile roofs of clay, slate or asbestos do not qualify. Mobile homes and roofs consisting of metal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Property owners must have photo identification and proof of residency at the damaged location. They must also sign a right of entry form.

For more information, call 888-766-3258.

Right of entry forms can be found at the Texas City Community Center, 2000 Texas Ave. Corps officials plan to open registration sites on the island today.