GALVESTON, Texas – City officials opened the West End of Galveston Island to residents today, allowing them to return on a "look and leave" basis.

Traffic to get back on the island stretched for miles on I-45. As the day progressed, the back-up just got longer.

On the West End, shell-shocked, dazed people surveyed what was left of their neighborhood homes

Terry Burkett, who evacuated last week, discovered his home on Sunny Beach was largely intact, but he was stunned to find it sitting in the middle of what looked like a moonscape.

 “There are no words to describe it,” Burkett said. “It's just a war zone. It's devastation in every way you can think of.”

Residents who visit the West End must leave the island by 6 p.m. Other residents will be allowed to return on Wednesday.

They face several health and safety warnings.

“We are sending a very serious message to our public that you need to hear loud and clear, of the risk that you are going to face when you return to the island,” said Steve LeBlance, Galveston city manager, at an afternoon press conference.

People who have special needs or chronic diseases such as heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease or any condition that requires frequent care are warned not to return this week. Residents with known allergic reactions, particularly to mold, are advised not to return.

"If you're disabled, you use medical equipment, you depend upon oxygen, you’re physically incapacitated, we advise you not to return to the island this week," said Dr. Mark Guidry, head of the Galveston County Health District. "On the island there is minimal, inadequate medical support, particularly emergency medical support."

Guidry warned residents not to bring children to the island. He recommended bringing hand sanitizer, bleach and cleaning supplies. He said residents should pack protective gloves and footwear to protect themselves from cuts, punctures and other debris injuries. They should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and bring insecticide to ward of mosquitoes.

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Damage on Galveston Island's West End.

Guidry advised residents to get tetanus shots if they haven't had one in more than 10 years. He also said residents should:

-Carry first-aid kits

-Have plenty of water

-Make sure cell phones are fully charged

-Have a full tank of gas

-Have food

-Consider rodent control

-Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning

-Avoid handling stray animals or wildlife

"Please follow the advisories of local officials regarding water and regarding discarding food that may be in freezers and refrigerators," Guidry said. "Use only bottled water, boiled or treated water, until water is found to be safe."

He said residents shouldn't use lanterns or torches to enter their homes unless the structures are found to be safe from gas leaks. There are also electrical hazards. If your home has flood water in it, don't enter until you contact authorities.

"Stay alert, stay hydrated, stay calm," Guidry said.

The health district will be operating a phone line to answer health related questions. That number is 409-938-7221.