Every year I write this same informational post around this time to make sure residents of St. John Parish are engaged and prepared.

Next week begins Hurricane Season, are you ready?

It’s important to remember to plan accordingly and plan ahead.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has put together a great program: “Get a Game Plan.”

The goal is simple, to ensure the proper planning for Louisiana residents by protecting property, reducing the impact of future disasters, and potentially saving lives.

Get a Game Plan breaks it down into three components:

1. Put Together an Emergency Kit

2. Make Preparations

3. Stay Informed

Making preparations during an emergency can be a difficult last minute challenge, so plan early and plan ahead.

Be sure to identify your possible evacuation locations ahead of time and have multiple options. Be familiar with evacuation routes as you may be detouring away from routes you are familiar with.

If an evacuation hasn’t been called, this doesn’t mean your property is not at risk. Be sure to put away all loose items that are outside and protect all valuables in your home, including important documents. It’s even suggested to move objects to higher levels, away from windows, and cover them for protection.

Most importantly, we need to stay informed.

Visit our parish website to sign up for email alerts and receive emergency messages. Tune in to WWL 870 AM Radio, Channel 15 Government Access Channel and all other media outlets.

The leadership in the River Region have been working extremely hard to advocate for our West Shore Hurricane Protection Levee. Continue to call and write your legislators in DC to let them know that protecting the River Region must be a priority.

Our Congressional and Senate leaders have been an active voice for us in DC and an advocate for our levee protection system. Now that St. John Parish residents approved a millage for our levee match, it’s time to get creative.

For a complete guide to Hurricane Preparedness visit getagameplan.org and sjbparish.com for local information. Stay safe this hurricane season and don’t forget: Get a Plan.

• Parish Government is requesting your input on a feasibility study and conceptual plan for a Passenger Rail and Multi-Modal Transit Center in LaPlace near Main Street.

This potential hub will serve as one of the stops for a prospective passenger rail transit system. This system will travel from New Orleans to Baton Rouge.

Both AECOM and Urban Systems were selected to develop a plan for the station area that reflects the needs and desires of the community. Please visit sjbparish.com and fill out a quick survey, your input matters.

Michael P. Wright is St. John the Baptist Parish Council District 5 representative. Contact him at District5@sjbparish.com or m.wright@sjbparish.com.