Though we can hope and pray that Louisiana will be spared this hurricane season, we must also be prepared for whatever comes our way.
I think it’s never too soon to start planning how you and your family will react to an approaching storm. You can get more detailed information from the National Hurricane Center.
The most important thing you can do for your family is to be informed and prepared. One of the most important decisions you may have to make is whether or not to evacuate. If you are asked to evacuate, you should do so without delay. But even if you are not told to evacuate, it’s important for you and your family to have a plan that makes you as safe as possible in your home.
To create your Family Disaster Plan:
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center offers the following checklist for your family’s Disaster Supply Kit:
To track an approaching storm, you can find maps and regularly updated tracking information online at the National Hurricane Center.
A hurricane watch issued for your area lets you know that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. When a hurricane watch is issued, you should implement your family’s disaster plan and initiate protective measures, such as securing a boat or evacuating your area.
Should a hurricane warning be issued in your area, it means that sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour are expected within the next 24 hours. At this point, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.
In case of a disaster in your area, following are the American Red Cross chapters around Louisiana if you need assistance or if you want to volunteer:
12th - | Vitter Announces Inclusion of Hurricane Ike Recovery Provisions in Supplemental Appropriations Bill |
5th - | Vitter Applauds FEMA Decision to Move Ahead with Grand Isle and Cameron Parish Projects |
2nd - | Vitter Comments on FEMA V-Zone Announcement |
12th - | Vitter Releases Fugate Hold |
8th - | Vitter Continues to Seek Resolution from FEMA on V-Zones |
6th - | Vitter Statement on Obama Administration’s Comments on FEMA Hold |
4th - | Vitter Comments on FEMA Nominee Hold |
2nd - | Vitter, Louisiana Congressional Delegation Urge President to Strengthen Gulf Coast Rebuilding Office |