2021 Hurricane Preparedness Week Of May 9-15th
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK MAY 9-15
BATON ROUGE (May 8, 2021) – The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1st. Governor Edwards and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) urge everyone to Get a Game Plan. GOHSEP and our partners with the National Weather Service (NWS) will be sharing preparedness information you can use May 9-15.
“The 2020 hurricane season presented unique challenges we’ve never faced,” said Gov. Edwards. “While recovery continues from hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta, we must be ready for any tropical threat this season. Some forecasts indicate an above average season for tropical activity, but as our partners at the National Weather Service often say, it only takes one storm hitting our coast to make it a bad year. We must remain vigilant. Your personal role in preparedness is just as important as the state’s role in preparedness. They both work hand in hand. That includes being aware of the risks you face and knowing what steps to take before, during and after an emergency.”
GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom said, “Maintaining you emergency supplies and planning for any potential evacuations are critical as we head into a new hurricane season. Also, try to maintain an emergency fund in case you are forced from your home with little notice. As we have seen with past storms, each event is different and includes different challenges. Being prepared means planning now and not waiting for an emergency. An emergency plan can help protect your family and make recovery easier if we do face a storm striking Louisiana.”
Daily topics will include, determining your risk, developing an evacuation plan, assembling disaster supplies, getting an insurance checkup, strengthening your home, helping your neighbor and completing a written plan.
During a tropical event, the state could be impacted by tidal surge, flooding and wind damage. It is important that you listen for crucial information from GOHSEP, other state agencies, local officials and your local weather experts.
A list of hurricane supplies, evacuation information and other critical information can be found on the www.getagameplan.org website. Here are some examples of what you and your family may need in the event you must evacuate or shelter in place:
- A three to five day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil
- Personal protective equipment/sanitizer
- One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person
- A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications
- Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
- An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks
- Sanitation supplies
- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
- An extra pair of glasses
- Important family documents in a portable, waterproof container
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water
Hurricane season ends November 30.
Find more tips on weather and preparedness on GOHSEP’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Listen to conversations on all aspects of emergency management by downloading GOHSEP’s The Get A Game Plan Podcast. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. The Get A Game Plan App is another resource available to help you and your family prepare for any type of emergency. You can download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.
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