Hurricane Katrina

HURRICANE Alert: When hurricanes happen, the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) activates a toll-free number for citizen calls. Citizens may dial 866-288-2484 to listen to a recorded message with the most up-to-date information state officials have on the storm, preparations for it and response and recovery efforts. 
Those with Internet access may visit www.emergency.louisiana.gov for the latest information.

From June 1 to November 30 each year the people of south Louisiana face the possibility of hurricanes:

• WINDS up to 200 mph at ground level and more than 300 mph above ground
• TORRENTIAL RAINS, which cause flash floods and river overflows
• STORM SURGES from the Gulf and Lake Pontchartrain
• TORNADOES, spawned as a hurricane moves inland
• BIOLOGICAL and CHEMICAL HAZARDS dispersed by wind or water

A South Louisiana Guide to Living with Hurricanes will help you:

• Understand the risk
• Prepare yourself and your property to minimize hurricane damage
• Know when to evacuate, where to go and what to take with you.

The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and parish emergency managers have emergency response plans to help residents survive hurricanes. They can help you, but remember…

The person most responsible for your safety and well-being is YOU!

Parish Emergency Management Web sites Parish Emergency Contact Numbers Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Louisiana Extreme Weather 2008 Information Sheet (NOAA) Tracking Chart, Tips Evacuation Routes Preparedness Measures Weather Watch Hurricane Forecasts History of Hurricanes

Featured Links:

• LSU Hurricane Center
• LSU Center for the Study of the Health Impacts of Hurricanes