GALVESTON — Galveston Island residents will be allowed to come home beginning on Wednesday, September 24, as long as they show photo identification verifying their Galveston address or place of business.

Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas announced on Saturday that residents can start returning as early as 6:00 a.m. But with her good news, Thomas did lay out some guidelines in order to prepare residents for their return.

"There are many considerations that our citizens need to think about while they are returning to the island," said Thomas.

One of these considerations had to do with those who live before the Seawall, which was hit hard by Hurricane Ike.

"For those residents who live on the west end of the island, and for those who live on the end of the Seawall West, coming back on Wednesday will only be on a 'look and leave' basis," said Steve LeBlanc, Galveston City Manager.

These areas of the island still do not have water or sewer. They also only have limited power.

Those that live behind the Seawall East of 103rd Street/Cove View Lane may return to live, but they will still need to go through the checkpoint area as they enter the island.

"At the checkpoint, residents will receive a piece of paper that contains critical information and advisories," said LeBlanc.

One of the concerns the city has is losing communication with the residents.

Once they return to the island, residents may no longer have access to a television. Cell phone coverage is also limited, and Galveston City Hall is currently not in operation. The information on the paper will keep them informed of what's happening and where they can go if an emergency arises.

LeBlanc also said residents need to be prepared to assess their homes by bringing items such as flashlights and batteries, a camera, hand tools, bottled water and a first aid kit. They will not be able to buy these items in Galveston as stores, restaurants and other businesses will not be open.

"We have people whose homes are completely and totally destroyed; others will have homes that are perfectly fine," said LeBlanc.

Services on the island are also not restored. Some residents may have power and water, but many may not -- even if they are behind the Seawall. Because of this, LeBlanc warns residents not to flip the breaker.

"If the breaker was submerged, you're going to potentially start a fire," said LeBlanc. "Because of the limited water supply on the island, we can only provide a small amount of protection if you did start a fire."

LeBlanc said the way you can tell if the breaker was submerged is by the water mark on wall.

Power is only one of the problems on the island. Another one is gas.

As of Saturday, the gas company had cut off all the gas to every home on the island. Residents will need to call a technician to assess the situation before it can be reinstated.

The third problem is the lack of medical services.

"As residents prepare to clean up, they should wear rubber gloves and a face mask to protect them from inhaling mold," said LeBlanc. "They need to protect themselves from getting cut or injured as the hospital has limited capability to provide care."

The city of Galveston will keep their current 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew in place until further notice in order to protect the residents and their property. LeBlanc said it will be strictly enforced.

"If we have to make an example of someone, we will do it, because we are serious," said LeBlanc. "Law enforcement is key and we will have order in this city."

For residents who live behind the Seawall, they will be allowed to enter the city to access the damage at their homes and gather belongings. They will then need to leave the island before the 6:00 p.m. curfew.

FEMA will be available on the island on Wednesday. The locations have not yet been released.