Hurricane Season is here; it’s important to remember to plan accordingly and plan ahead. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness 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.
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.

Lake and Mississippi River water levels are high – it’s important for residents to stay engaged and do their part in assisting the parish with ensuring catch basins, culverts, ditches, and other drainage outlets are clear of trash and debris. With our lever system beginning construction, we must not let our guard down. We are extremely vulnerable without a completed levee structure.

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.

 

Michael Wright is District 5 Councilman for St. John the Baptist Parish. He can be reached at m.wright@stjohn-la.gov.