PRESS RELEASE: Hurricane Shelter Update due to COVID 19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller

(985) 748-3211

AMITE—Hurricane season and “getting a game plan” will take on new meaning in 2020 as Tangipahoa Parish emergency response officials prepare for a hurricane season when storm shelters will be in short supply due to  the COVID 19 pandemic.

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said CDC guidelines for handling COVID 19 will mean a smaller number of beds in local evacuation shelters this year.

“Thanks to COVID 19, evacuation shelters are really going to be shelters of last resort in 2020,” Miller said. "Our evacuation shelters will have to follow the same spatial limitations as any other facility where large gatherings are held. As a result, we are urging our residents to prepare now to stay with friends or family in the case of a storm event instead of seeking shelter in one of our evacuation sites.”

Hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. Traditionally, the height of the season is mid-August to early October; however, parish officials say residents should not wait to make their plans until a storm is approaching.

“Talk to your family and friends. Develop a plan now so that if we are forced to respond to a storm this season, you will know how to proceed,” Miller said.

Additionally, residents are encouraged to check out the parish’s emergency preparedness website (https://tangipahoa.org/government/emergency-preparedness/hurricane-information) for information on how to prepare for a hurricane. Miller said now is a good time to build a disaster supply kit, gather batteries, and guarantee you have an emergency supply of non-perishable food in the event of a storm.

“While we cannot predict what this hurricane season will bring, we can make whatever comes a little easier to endure by making preparations now,” Miller said.