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Establish Hurricane Emergency Preparedness Plans
Before, during and after the storm
 Hurricane.
The mere mention of the word causes concern for
south Louisianans inland and those along the coastal
region of the state. And, it is with good reason,
too. A hurricane is an enormously powerful force of
nature, with winds as high as 160 miles per hour,
which can wreak havoc on anything that may chance
upon its path.
Even today, one needs only mention 'Audrey' or
'Hilda' in association with hurricanes, and south
Louisianan's are immediately taken back to the
horror and destruction of those deadly storms.
The hurricane season begins June 1 and ends
November 30.
Sheriff Wayne L. Jones said, "In spite of the fact
that hurricane forecasters are predicting a calmer
season for 2005, it is crucial that we do not let
our guard down when it comes to hurricane safety.
Good, sound emergency preparedness is perhaps the
single most important defense against these
potential killers. Preparation means learning the
hurricane warning messages and planning ahead to
help reduce the chances of injury and major property
damage."
High winds, torrential rains and storm surges are
part of the hurricane package, and attempting to
combat these forces at the last minute can be
deadly.
Sheriff Jones advises St. John Parish residents to
familiarize themselves with, and incorporate, this
basic safety information as part of their hurricane
emergency preparedness plan.
BEFORE A HURRICANE
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Plan an evacuation route. Contact the Sheriff's
Office for information.
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Have disaster supplies on hand (flashlights and
extra batteries; first aid kit
and manual; battery operated radio and extra
batteries; emergency food
and water; non electric can opener; essential
medicines; cash; credit
cards and sturdy shoes).
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Make arrangements for pets.
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Ensure that family members know how to respond
after a hurricane.
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Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1,
police or fire department.
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Protect windows.
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Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.
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Check into flood insurance.
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Develop an emergency communication plan so that
family members can
reunite if separated
Know the difference between a hurricane watch
and a hurricane warning. According to the Federal
Emergency Management Agency,
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a HURRICANE WATCH is issued when there is a
threat of conditions within 24-36 hours.
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a HURRICANE WARNING is issued when hurricane
conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or
greater, or dangerously high water and rough
seas) are expected in 24 hours or less.
DURING A HURRICANE WATCH
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Listen to a battery operated radio or television
for hurricane progress reports.
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Check emergency supplies.
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Fuel car.
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Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture
and anchor down larger or heavier items.
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Secure buildings by closing and boarding up
windows. Remove outside antennas.
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Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest
settings. Open only when necessary.
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Store drinking water in bottles, jugs, and in a
clean bathtub.
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Review evacuation plan.
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Moor boats securely or move it to a safe place.
Use tie downs or anchor to the ground.
DURING A HURRICANE WARNING
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Listen constantly to a battery operated radio or
television for official instructions.
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If in a mobile home, check tie downs and
evacuate immediately.
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Store valuables and personal papers in a
waterproof container on the highest level of
your home.
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Avoid elevators.
If at home:
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Stay inside. Keep away from windows or glass
doors.
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Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries
handy. Avoid open flames such as candles.
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If power is lost, turn off major appliances to
reduce power "surge" when electricity is
restored.
If you must evacuate:
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Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded road
and bridges.
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Unplug appliances and turn off electricity and
the main water valve.
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Tell someone out of the storm area where you are
going.
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Elevate furniture to protect it from flooding,
if time permits.
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Bring pre assembled emergency supplies and warm
protective clothing.
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Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
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Lock up home and leave.
Electrocution, clean up accidents, fires and other
recovery-related accidents can become part of the
aftermath of a hurricane and cause deaths. Don't be
lulled into a false sense of security just because
the wind and rain have subsided. Be on guard.
AFTER A HURRICANE
Remain where you are until you receive official word
from authorities that the storm has ended and it is
safe to leave. Remember, it is probable you will be
without power, water, and other services. Monitor
local radio and TV broadcasts for information
regarding emergency medical aid, food, and other
types of assistance.
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Avoid driving, as roads may be impassable. Also,
emergency vehicles and relief workers will be
able to respond more efficiently without
additional traffic congestion
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Stay clear of downed power lines.
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Look out for snakes, insects, and animals driven
to higher ground by storm surge and flooding.
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Beware of weakened tree limbs.
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Secure your pets to keep them safe.
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Clear your street, making a path for emergency
vehicles. Get neighbors to pitch in.
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Avoid the use of candles, matches, and other
open flames in your home.
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Open windows and doors for ventilation.
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Use your telephone only for emergencies.
Sheriff Jones concluded, "It's a fact. Hurricane
disasters have occurred in the past and will again
in the future. Our best defense against injuries and
property damage is to take precautions well in
advance of the threat of a hurricane. Don't delay.
It's never too early to devise an emergency
preparedness plan.
Vigilance is the key to securing the safety of your
family and your property."
Call the Sheriff's Office at (985) 652-9513 to learn
more about hurricane emergency management or click
on a related links below.
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