News Release Distributed 06/03/09
If a hurricane is forming or looks as though it may be headed our way, experts say there are a variety of actions you can take to help protect your family and property.
“If you’ve got a family disaster plan, that’s the time to pull it out and start following it,” says Pat Skinner of the LSU AgCenter. “And, even if you don’t have a family disaster plan, there are still plenty of things you can do!”
Skinner says a written plan helps remind you about actions to take and has the advantage of being written during a calmer time. But you still should take action any time a storm approaches, she stresses.
One part of the action is deciding whether to evacuate and then making appropriate arrangements, the expert points out.
“Offshore workers and people in low-lying coastal areas and on coastal islands generally will be evacuated as a precaution if a storm is approaching,” Skinner says. “People in mobile homes, if not evacuated, should find more substantial housing.”
The expert also says people inside densely populated, leveed areas should consider whether to head out even before evacuation orders are issued.
“Others may be able to wait for evacuation orders before they leave home,” she says. “But everyone still should be prepared.”
When a storm is active, the LSU AgCenter expert says, a critical point is to stay informed about where it may be headed so you’ll know the precautions you should take.
“Wherever you are, if a storm is coming, tune the radio to your emergency broadcast station or watch for bulletins on television,” Skinner says. “Use power as long as it is on, and save your batteries for a time when you may need them – when the power is off.”
Other actions you may want to take if it appears a storm is headed your way include stocking up on the supplies you may need, making preparations to evacuate if that becomes necessary and securing your home and property.
“There are certain things, like food and water, that are classified as ‘life’s necessities’ whether you’re riding out a storm at home or evacuating to a shelter or other location,” Skinner explains. “You certainly want to make sure those are available.”
Such items as nonperishable foods can be obtained early and stored throughout the season to ensure they’re available when you need them.
“Of course, if you’re hitting the road to evacuate, make sure you’ve got food and clothing for everyone while you’re on the road, and don’t forget your medications and such things as baby formula, if those are things you need,’ Skinner says.
It’s also important to take along important paperwork, to ensure your car is full of gas and to have cash or travelers checks to help you make it through a few days of living under somewhat primitive conditions after a storm.
“No one can say for sure what circumstances you may encounter whether you ride out a storm at home or evacuate to another location,” Skinner says. “So it’s important to be as prepared as you possibly can.”
The LSU AgCenter expert points out that each community subject to a hurricane threat has a hurricane safety plan, and she encourages everyone to find out about your community’s plan and to make it part of your family plan.
“As we’re approaching the start of hurricane season, now is a good time to think about making a family emergency plan if you don’t already have one,” Skinner advises. “It’s also the time to pull out an existing plan and review it to make sure everything is still current.”
Then when a storm is approaching, pull out your plan and listen to what local officials have to say about actions you should take.
“Your local emergency management officials will have the most up-to-date information for your area,” Skinner says. “Follow their recommendations before, during and after a hurricane.”
Or, if you’re evacuating, get the information from the officials nearest to you.
“Evacuation routes are lined with signs that tell you which radio stations to tune to for the emergency broadcasts in that area,” Skinner says. “Look for those signs so you can get the information for the area you’re in and instructions intended for people who are evacuating to or through that area.”
Skinner also points out your evacuation plans have to consider the state’s highway contraflow plan for evacuation of south Louisiana residents.
“Contraflow is still a relatively new development. Under the contraflow plan, each area of the coast has its own designated route, with all lanes of traffic heading away from the hazard,” she explains. “That means travelers have little choice of where they are going once they’ve entered the evacuation system.”
The latest evacuation maps and details on the highway contraflow evacuation plan can be obtained from Louisiana State Police or downloaded from www.getagameplan.org.
For more information on preparing for storms or a variety of issues related to your family’s health and safety, visit www.lsuagcenter.com. You can find a handy hurricane tracking chart and tips on preparing for storms by looking for “There’s a hurricane forming” on that site.
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Contact: Pat Skinner
Writer: Tom Merrill