WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022 C M Y K AMERICAN PRESS ReviewPreparedness WATCHHURRICANE 1243123 3 37 -4 78 446 6 INSURANCE | FINANCIAL SERVICES | RISK MANAGEMENT
The American Red Cross suggests you next prepare to meet your basic needs. In order to protect your household, it is important that you practice operating equip ment such as, generators, back-up batteries, and utilityLearninglines.
tems, such as your heat ing system, water heater, and electric panel. Other natural hazards include strong winds, tornadoes, dangerous waves, and rip currents.
holdCrosssite,theplatesContactinformationcardtemcanbefoundonAmericanCrosswebredcross.org.TheAmericanRedsuggestshousemembershavea C2 AMERICAN PRESS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022 C M Y K Thank You FOR YOUR SUPPORT! A Door Works A-Z BeauregardFenceElectric Cox, Cox, Filo, Camel & Wilson CSE Federal Credit Union DD Paintings & Drywall, LLC Del Mar HomeFarrisEntergyBuildersRoofingBuildingMaterialsInsuranceUnlimitedKennyFuselier L & S Tree Service/Leon Brydels LA Pipeline Rental & Industrial Supply , LLC Lake Arthur Butane Lake Charles Memorial Health System Lloyd Lauw Collision Repair Center Lyons Insurance Mallard SouthernQualityMercyMeadsMarketConstructionBasketAutomotiveContracting,LLCMossBluffMowerOverheadDoor&RepairRossByrleyShelterInsuranceSorted.MobileHome&RVSupplyTrahanSupply&HardwareTrouthPlumbing&HeatingUnitedWayofSWLAWelchTruckingWestCalCamHospital We would like to express our gratitude to the following businesses for helping us keep our community informed. 337-625-77994105 E Napoleon St., Sulphur, LA Services: • Body RefinishRepair Frame Repair • Great Customer Service Visit us on Facebook: Lloyd Lauw Collision Repair Center Officials stress importance of being ready
First Aid and CPR is also suppliesGatheringsuggested.criticalisavitalpart of preparing to meet your basic needs. The Amer ican Red Cross suggests you gather the following supplies: l Water: 1 gallon per tional Hurricane Center or the free Red Cross Emergency App. In order to remain in contact with your family unit in the event of an emergency, you should create a communication plan. The best way to do this is my creating contact cards for every member of your house hold. These cards should include important infor mation, such as, l phone number l home address l health care provider l local emergency services’
By Emily Burleigh American Press With hurricane season comes hurricane pre paredness. It is important now more than ever for family units to properly prepare for moredisastersrelentlesscludingclimatefrequentyears-longyear’snessCrossAlutiveforricaneanotherNOAA,“Accordingdisasters.tothewewillhaveveryactivehurseasonthisyeartheseventhconsecyear,”saidMustafaLami,AmericanRedinterimpreparedmanager.“Thisoutlookispartofatrendofmoreandintensedisasters,inhurricanes.Thispaceofseverehascreatedongoingemergency needs.”Atlantic hurricane season generally occurs from June through No vember but the Red Cross said due to the environ mental effects of the climate crisis, hurricane season has started to be gin as soon as early May. “Wherever you are in the world there will be a disaster,” Al Lami said. “It could be a natural di saster or a man-made di saster. It is important for family units to prepare for disasters throughout theTheyear.”American Red Cross’ Disaster Prepared ness program, “Be Red Cross Ready,” offers vital information for Louisi ana residents. As their motto, “Prepare so you can protect,” implies, preparation is the key to recovering from disaster. The program provides expert valuableinstruction,information and empowering experiences. It is important to be ready to help your house hold, neighbors, older adults and yourself. Due to the increase in natural disasters in recent years, the Red Cross wants locals to prepare to not receive help right away.
“During disasters, the local emergency services might be overwhelmed by the increased volume of calls,” Al Lami said. “As part of making a plan, the public should prepare for potential delays in receiving emergency services.”Hurricane prepared ness can be broken down into seven steps. It is first important to understand which hazards you are likely to face. It is suggested that residents research how hurricanes are formed and evolve, what effects they have on the envi ronment, and what dam age they can munity’sinformThesementlocalincludestandit”bestphysics“Understandingcause.thebehinditisthewaytoprepareforAlLamisaid.Stepstobetterunderpotentialhazardscontactingyourandstategovernemergencyagency.organizationscanyouofyourcomresponseplan.
Source: National Hurricane Center GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
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The Atlantic hurricane season begins today and runs through Nov. 30. Here is the list of names for 2022, as established by the World Meteorological Organization. Hurricane names are recycled every six years. Storm names are removed from the list if they’ve been exceptionally deadly. Ready and waiting for the 2022 season
Source: World Meteorological Organization Donna Price / American Press In the Atlantic basin, tropical cyclone names are retired if they cause a great deal of damage and/or many deaths. This is to prevent confusion with a historically well-known cyclone and a current one in the Atlantic basin. Sometimes names are removed for other reasons, such as cultural considerations or politics. The names below have been retired.
Hurricane Delta was the first time a mandatory evacuation has ever been ordered for Beauregard Parish.
Metro
gard“ThereParish.were such significant damages left from Hurricane Laura that we were still very much in recovery mode as Hurricane Delta approached. There was a large amount of debris and in fact we still had some people without water and power, so as that storm approached it was deemed necessary to issue the evacuation order,” Greenmun said. The lessons learned from that experience were useful in critiquing the parish’s response and highlighting areas of improvement should an evacuation be needed again, Greenmun said. Moving forward, he said parish officials will be able to andprovidepickuptheretion,eventpickupneedswithseniorevacuationthelearningwascyresidentsbuseslocationparish-operatedSchoolDeRiddertheofevacuations.agenciescoordinateeffectivelywithstateforspeedyIntheeventanotherevacuation,parishwillutilizetheJuniorHighgymnasiumasapickupwherestatewillthentransporttoanemergenshelter.WhatGreenmunsaidoneofthebiggestcurvesduringHurricaneDeltawasassistingcitizensandthosespecialmedicaltogettothatlocation.IntheofanotherevacuaGreenmunsaidthatwillbedesignatedpointstohelpthoseresidentsothersinmorere mote areas of the parish with transportation to the junior high school for stateGreenmunpickup. said the evacuations are a high-priority as Beaure gard Parish remains unable to provide such long-term shelters locally.“We are not a shel tering parish. We do not have the resources or manpower to provide those services, and what we experienced from Hurricanes Laura and Delta proves that we cannot establish a shelter here unless it is for an immediate, life-threat ening emergency situa tion,” Greenmun said. The parish’s expe rience from Hurricane Laura also led leaders to see another focus for improvement. Green mun said plans are now in place to offer “cool ing stations” if the area should lose power and water for another signifi cant amount of time, as it did in the weeks follow ing Hurricane Laura. “We had begins, leaders looks at lessons learned Creative Services
C4 AMERICAN PRESS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022 C M Y K STAY UP TO DATE ON STORM ISSUES "My experience with United Way of Southwest Louisiana during Hurricanes Laura and Delta were a life savor. Beyond proud of our United Way of SWLA Family, all the volunteers, and knowing how critical the services provided proved to be during such challenging times for our Community. Thank you all so very much." B e a u l a h G H u r r i c a n e R e l i e f C e n t e r V i s i t o r REGISTER FOR UPDATES UNITEDWAYSWLA.ORG/STORM FOR HELP: DIAL 211 OR TEXT 898-211 FOLLOW US Reliable Propane Delivery in the Lake Arthur & Lake Charles Region LAKE ARTHUR 801 N Hwy 26 Lake Arthur, LA 70549 (337) 774-2277 LAKE CHARLES 2329 E McNeese St Lake Charles, LA 70607 (337) 439-4051 Residential Agricultural Commercial Forklift Cylinder Refueling • Propane Tank Monitoring • Professional Services • High-Quality Propane • Honest Prices By Pamela Sleezer American Press Beauregard Parish leaders worked together this week to streamline evacuation procedures and other processes they believe the parish could benefit from in the event of another major storm event.Nearly 100 local and state leaders gathered on May 24 for the par ish’s annual Hurricane Workshop. In atten dance were leaders from Beauregard, Vernon and Calcasieu parishes as well as U.S. Congressman Mike Johnson, via Zoom. Special guest Roger Er ickson from the National Weather Service in Lake Charles helped to provide an overview of what forecasters believe can be expected from this year’s hurricane beentorythericaneLauraaftermathputuationreviewofmunparednessParish’sDirectorseason.ofBeauregardEmergencyPreScottGreensaidatopfocusthemeetingwastotheparish’sevacplans,whichweretothetestduringtheofHurricaneandaheadofHurDelta.HurricaneDeltawasfirsttimeamandaevacuationhaseverorderedforBeaure
rollbyaction,tothatanotheryouemergencyyouallnity.isgoalgetherisUnifiedgardweTheofthewillandwhatbestplanning.itshaslocalcommunicationsaidthephysicallydevastatingLaurauation.operatingcoolinginganderatorsarrangeMitigationworkingagain,”thatthingandourduringheat-relatedthreedeathsthattimewithinelderlycommunity,wewanttodoeverypossibletopreventfromhappeningGreenmunsaid.TheparishisnowthroughHazardProgramstoaplanforgentobebroughtinsetupatparticipatchurchestoallowforstationstobegininsuchasitWhileHurricanewasasfinanciallyasitwasdamagingforparish,Greenmunthatopenlinesofbetweenandstateleadershelpedtheparishinresponseandfuture“Wearealldoingthethatwecandowithwehaverightnow,Idobelievethatwecomeoutofitforbetterintheeventanothermajorstorm.communicationthathavehereinBeaureParishamongstourCommandGroupamazing.“Everyoneworkstowellandwithoneinmind,andthattohelpthiscommuThatalonemakesthedifferencewhenarefacedwithanandwhenareplanningforone.Wehopewewillnotneedputtheseplansintobutwearebetterhavingthemreadytoout,”hesaid. As storm season
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022 AMERICAN PRESS C5 C M Y K BE PREPARED DISASTER SUPPLY CHECKLIST EVACUATION “GO BAG” A backpack is perfect for a “grab ‘n go” situation. Here are some items to consider: PAPERS + VALUABLES • extra set of car keys • evacuation route maps • driver’s license or some form of identifcation • Social Security cards • passport • birth certificates • vehicle registration • proof of residence (deed or lease) • marriage records • death records • extra cash • credit cards • wills • insurance policies • household inventory (photo or video) • pet veterinary records PERSONAL ITEMS • 3 days of clean clothes • toothbrush, deodorant • hand sanitizer • eyeglasses and contact lenses • FOODmedication(3-DAY SUPPLY) • fruit: cups, dried, roll-ups • water: bottled • peanut butter • crackers • high-energy bars ENTERTAINMENT • coloring books • crayons • puzzles • books SHELTERING If you plan to stay in a shelter, keep in mind there will be limited space available for personal belongings. Make sure your valuables and important documents are locked up in a dry, safe place. PAPERS + VALUABLES • driver’s license or some form of identifi cation • take a photo of you with your children • Social Security cards • extra cash • pet identification records PERSONAL ITEMS • 3 days of clean clothes • toothbrush, deodorant, etc. • feminine hygiene items • eyeglasses and contact lenses • medication STAYING HOME It is recommended that all residents heed warnings from local officials, but for those who choose to stay home during a disaster there are a few things you can gather in advance to be prepared: SAFETY SUPPLIES • fire extinguisher • waterproof matches • insect repellents • work gloves • utility knife • shovel, hand saw, ax • hammer, nails, pliers, shut-off wrench • tarp, duct tape • generator/fuel • extra oil, gas • jumper cables FIRST AID SUPPLIES • first aid handbook • scissors • tweezers ••••••thermometerfirstaidtapegauzerollsbandagesice/heatpackslatexglovessafetypins EXTERNAL MEDICATIONS • antibiotic ointment • antibacterial soap • baking soda • hydrogen peroxide • calamine lotion • rubbing alcohol INTERNAL MEDICATIONS • aspirin/acetaminophen • •LIGHTINGeyedropsflashlights COMMUNICATION •EQUIPMENTbattery-operated radio • extra batteries • NOAA weather radio • cellular phone and charger COOKING EQUIPMENT • gas or barbecue grill • extra propane gas • lighter fluid/charcoal • cooking utensils • manual can opener • ice chest FOOD 7-DAY SUPPLY PER PERSON • canned meats, fruits, vegetables • protein or fruit bars • dry cereal or granola • peanut butter • high energy foods • food for infants • 1 gallon of water per person, per day 1257188 Li c e n sed & I nsu r e d 337.439. D OO R New Sales & Installation Panel Repair/Replacement Broken Spring Replacement Opener Replacement Complete Ser vice & Maintenance Free Estimate & Inspection 24 Hour Ser vice CONTRACTOR DD PAINTING & DRYWALL LLC Making your ideas come to life! AT DELMAR THERE IS NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL, WE DO EVERYTHING! AT DELMAR THERE IS NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL, WE DO EVERYTHING! Roofing Seamless gutters New home, add-ons & Remodel Construction Landscaping Storm Restoration Water Mitigation and much more..... 4275 HWY 27 S., Sulphur, LA 70665 • delmargroup.net • 833-858-7663 337-527-5287 The most complete hardware & lumber dealer in SWLA. • Residental • Commecrial • Industrial 337-249-6372 gateServingwww.mercycontractingllc.comLouisianaasafenceandcontractorforover20years.FENCING,GATES,ANDLAWNCARE Licensed & Insured COOKIN’ UP PERFECTION! 5507 COMMON•477-5627 TRAHAN SUPPLY & HARDWARE A Z F E N C E PRIVACY YOU CAN TRUST 337 802 9297 AZ Fence ServContact us at:
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Last year marked another active storm season for Louisiana. As always, our communities stood strong. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as our crews worked to restore power.
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Ella Stanley “It’s always worse than you would expect it to be. And don’t always trust everything you hear on TV. Unless it’s Ben Terry. He’s my favorite.”
We asked local residents what knowledge they would share with someone new to the area about to experience their first hurricane season. Here’s what they had to say.
By Price I Press to the American Press Way of South west Louisiana’s team has launched a new way for community members in Allen, the team with the latest storm-related toolkit for public sharing. Other collaborations are with volunteer groups, city governments and law enforcement agencies.
American
United
Joel Rivas “Just prepare. When they say ‘leave,’ then leave. And just be ready to be without lights and water.”
El Niño, La Niña affect hurricanes
Kashia Spears “Have insurance. And get flood insurance. Get a generator. Take advice from the media. It’s better to be over prepared than not prepared at all.”
Marlee Rogers “Get renter’s insurance. I lost my house last year and didn’t have it.”
Metro Creative United Way of Southwest Louisiana ‘s new storm information system will share resources with the community. UW launches new email and text system for storms How registerto Receive up-todate ingdisasterfollowingbefore,informationduringandanaturalbyregisteronlineat STORMEDWAYSWLA.ORG/UNIT or by tex ting “STORMSWLA” to 40403 El Niño is a warming of the equato rial Pacific Ocean waters. In years with an El Niño, there are typically fewer tropical storms and hurricanes be cause vertical shear increases during El Niño years. The vertical shear can prevent tropical cyclones from forming and can prevent storms from intensifying. La Niña is the opposite of El Niño and is characterized by cooler than normal ocean waters in the tropical Pacific. In years with La Niña, re searchers have found that there is an increased number of hurricanes and an increased chance that the United States and Caribbean will experience hurricanes.According to the NOAA in an April 2022 update, La Niña continues in the tropical Pacific. The current forecast favors the continuation of La Niña through the summer (59% chance), with a slightly lower chance into the fall (50-55% chance).
Donna
Melissa Buxton “Listen to the warnings and leave if they tell you to leave.”
At Entergy Louisiana, preparing for storm season is a year-round commitment. We’ve rebuilt and reinforced the grid, and our teams are ready to respond to whatever comes next. Learn how you can stay prepared at entergystormcenter.com
A message from Entergy Louisiana, LLC ©2022 Entergy Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Together, we weathered the storms. And we’re ready for the next one.
We are committed to excellence and have extensive experience and options.
Special
trationAtmosphericNationaldecision-making.partnershipsfederal,forwestdisaster.andsourcesformationreceivetotingORG/STORM orat UNITEDWAYSWLA.Byspecificter-relatedreceiveJeffCalcasieu,Beauregard,CameronandDavisparishestonaturaldisasinformationtotheregion.registeringonlineby tex“STORMSWLA”40403,anyonecanup-to-dateinfromcrediblebefore,duringfollowinganatural UnitedWayofSouthLouisiana’ssourcesinformationcontainsstateandlocalatlevelsofTheOceanicandAdminis(NOAA)supplied
“We have our 211 system that operates 24/7/365. Anyone can call or text for critical resources. This new system is another avenue to share planning tips, evacuation procedures and other types of in formation,” says Pres ident and CEO Denise Durel. “The community comes to United Way for information that we’re already receiving from our trusted partners. This is another great way to support our friends andPlansneighbors.”forthe system include a way to share food or shelter related information as it chang es during an emergency. Registrants will even tually be able to tailor the information to only receive what they are interested in. For more ways to receive timely informa tion from United Way of Southwest Louisiana, follow the social media channels or register for the email newsletter on line at org/newsletterunitedwayswla.
Billie Jones “It’s good to get whatev er personal items you’ll need ahead of time like water and flashlight bat teries. If you don’t have a generator I would advise getting one. If you have pets, take them with you.”
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022 AMERICAN PRESS C9
a
By Rita LeBleu American Press Matthew Topper is on a quest to help nonprof its, government entities and corporations prepare to assist after a disaster. He’s been in the industry for 17 years and during this time, frustrations at certain inefficiencies have added to the chal lenge of a profession that includes long hours and work that is hard — phys ically and emotionally. “To find it’s been re dundant or unnecessary is really discouraging,” Topper said. He wakes up every morning, he said, with a desire to see a complete paradigm shift when it comes to disaster assis tance and recovery. To achieve that end, Topper, Liz Abdalla and Braylon Harris have started the educational nonprofit, Stormwise. So far, Stormwise has facil itated 121,811 volunteer hours. It has served 379 groups in 594 locations and saved $3 million in laborAbdallacosts.and Harris are Southwest Louisiana natives. Topper is not. However, the team’s focus most recently has been in Louisiana and Kentucky. The founda tion exists to develop and proliferate best practices and technological in novations in the field of crisis management and community resilience through the education of public, private and social sectors.“We, as a culture, don’t do disaster re sponse well,” Topper said. “We can clone ani mals, we can find water on Mars, we can create a metaverse, but we can’t rebuild homes after a disaster. It’s not that we don’t have enough mon ey. We are the richest country in the world. It’s not that we don’t have enough experience or talent.”Making
701 Cypress St., wcch.comSulphur we’re rightyouwhereneed us when it matters most
ently than a nonprofit,” Topper said. “It sees thousands of homes and disasters across the Unit ed States through the eyes of a very complex process.”Achurch or non profit formed to assist after a disaster with no prior experience, on the other hand, might see the more human side of the problem. It might need a process in place and not have it. They do know others in their commu nity. Topper gave this example.“ThisMr. and Mrs. so-and-so may not only have a problem with their roof now because of the hurricane making their lives stressful, they also already had these other things going on in their lives.”It’s not that he hasn’t known FEMA employees with a genuine desire to help. He’s met them. Stormwise education enables groups who want to demonstrate their love for their neighbor after a disaster to do it more efficiently.“Theydon’t have to start from scratch,” Topper said. “They don’t have to go at it too hard tooHesoon.”noted that well-meaning volunteers — and there are never enough volunteers — often take vacation time to help disaster victims. Sometimes the work performed isn’t finished in that period of time. The homeowner might be left with work undone or work done far too quickly. In the case of a house that needs clearing out to be mucked out and gutted, homeowners have little time to make decisions, leaving them stressed and discouraged. Education and technol ogy that shares this in formation among groups could help in these cases.
Wanting to jump in and help and fix a prob lem as quickly as possible is human nature. How ever, across the board, around the planet, indi viduals— even individu als who want to make a difference and help — can be self-focused, accord ing to “YouTopper.aregoing to do your own thing. Not only will you want validation for your idea, but you are also going to expect ev eryone to love your idea.” And this idea might come from someone with no experience about what to expect, much less other resources for reducing andcouldfixdo-goodersend,”wantwherebuilding.interestedcreated.”that’spossible.isintion,“Ensuringnotupthisintentions,“Despiteinefficiencies.thebestthisperson,group,couldshowdoingthingsthatarehelpful,”Toppersaid.communicasharinginformationthemiddleofacrisischallenging,butit’sIt’slearned.AndwhyStormwisewasStormwiseisalsoinrelationship“Whenwegosomeelse,wedon’ttherelationshiptoToppersaid.“Evenwhostrivetotheproblemquicklymissthepersonjustseestuff.”
We’ve weathered many storms in our 69-year history. No matter what comes at us, we’re resilient, capable, and ready to respond. Our team of caring professionals is committed to providing exceptional healthcare to our community, every moment, every day.
declaredrespondsduresmiredadmissionees,language.are,thoughnotwithSometimesallowwisetheareandnology,ofgethelppeopletribution,donations,systemmuch.boardtentionedStormwise.antavailabletechnologicalimportantadvancesisoneimportaspectoftheworkofThewell-inwithawhitecanaccomplishButacomputerdesignedtotrackmaterials,disetc.,canallowwithahearttogetmoredoneanditdonewithlessriskburnout.InadditiontoitstechcommunicationrelationshipbuildingkeydistinctionsofStormwisegroup.ToppersaysStorm“bridgessilosthatresourcestoflow.”twogroupsgoodintentions,necessarilyatodds,theysometimesspeakadifferentFEMAemployhesaid,bytheirowncanbecomeinpolicy,proceandrestrictions.“FEMAlooksatandtoanationallydisasterdiffer
To find out more about Storm wise, what it is, how to benefit from its resources or how to help them help more people, call 1-225-892-9390 or visit stormwisefoundation.org.https:// management after disasters
Stormwisefoundation.org
Nonprofit aims to improve crisis
A Stormwise volunteer hands out dinners to a motorist after a recent disaster.
Equipment –
5.Look at the structur al integrity of your home and make sure you have all the shutter material and hardware you’ll need already on hand.
36.Close but don’t lock all your interior doors to limit flying de bris or wind flow should a window break.
Again, please remem ber that when we say “so and so hours out” we’re referring to the leading edge of the storm that will hit you first, and not the eye of the storm. 28.Bring the kids in the house and have them help you with last minute stuff. 29.Bring in all outdoor pets. If they can fit in the house they should be brought inside the house.
Make sure you per formed all the forenhancementsstructuralyoucouldyourhome.
By Paul Purcell Special to the American Press Under certain cir cumstances it is possible to ride out the storm safely, if you know how to R.E.A.C.T.: Reinforcement Have you prepared your home structurally in advance? Do you have all the supplies you’ll need on hand? Do you have a way to track the storm, and do you have a way for others to track you? Are you aware of the various risks involved in staying in place in a hurricane? You’ll need to do a few things as the storm approaches, and timing is a factor. With something as large and dangerous as a hurricane, there are always details that need to be tended to and you have to consider your timing in the process. These are presented in something of a chrono logical order and you’ll notice these also hap pen to be arranged in an “outside in” order, meaning that you want to do the things that are farthest away from home first and work your way in. Important note: When we say “out” referring to how close the storm is, we’re referring to the nearest edge of the storm that’s going to reach you first, and not the eye of the hurricane.
30.Start building a “nest” in the room that’s the safest area of the house. Put down a mattress (possibly with a heavy table over it as protective cover), have some snacks and water handy, make sure you have a radio and flash lights all with extra batteries. Also, be sure to have your pet carriers there for smaller animals. This keeps them protect ed and easier to move if needed. 31.Start filling your extra water containers (bathtub, etc.) in antici pation of a loss of water.
Cautions –
10. Make sure you have a good supply of non-perishable “comfort foods” on hand. Include treats for your pets. 11. Check your stock of all medications, both prescription and petsthe-counter. Includeover-yourheretoo.
Timeline –
Before 1.seasonhurricanestarts
One week out This is about as long a warning as we’d have that a hurricane was heading toward any par ticular region.
At this point, you’ll probably know whether or not the storm is going to be a direct hit for your area. 20.Take last minute photos of property and family members. 21.Recharge all your electronics (cell phone, laptop, etc.) while you still have power. 22.Turn your fridge and freezer down to their lowest setting to keep food colder longer should you lose power. 23.If your home might flood move your cars to higher ground and move your more valuable furni ture and possessions off the floor. 24. If flooding is not an issue, park your car in the garage or other protected area. 25.Brace your garage doors so they don’t cave in during high winds.
Timeline
C10 AMERICAN PRESS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022
Awareness –
6. If you have a gas-powered generator make sure it works. If it needs repairs you’ll want to know now. Three days out This is about the last day you want to be out and about running er rands or buying supplies. 8. Make sure your pan try is full as you’d like it to be. 9. Get longer shelf-life items like canned goods and have ways to cook such as charcoal, gas for your grill, etc.
12. Gas up all your vehicles and fill a couple of 5-gallon gas cans to keep on hand. Two days out At this point the weather forecast is going to be pretty accurate as to whether or not your vicinity will feel the ef fects of a hurricane. 14. Fill some empty milk jugs or plastic soda bottles with water and put them in the freezer (as many as you can fit). Let them freeze solid. If the power goes out, these will help keep your fridge and freezer cold longer. 15. Secure your more important household items such as backup computer disks, paper work, heirlooms, etc. by putting them in plastic tubs. One day out 17. Start doing some safety landscaping by removing dangerous tree limbs, loose yard furni ture, and so forth. 18.Put your storm shutters in place if you haven’t already. Six to hourseightout
32.If you can secure them (so they don’t blow away), your outside trashcans can be used as rain barrels. As the storm rolls in 34.If the kids have bike or skateboard hel mets have them put them on. 35.Unplug all the electronics you were charging and unplug any valuable electronics like your television, stereo, desktop computer, etc. to protect them against surge from lightning strike (and stay off cord ed phones).
2. First aid and CPR classes are great classes for the family to take. 3. Checking the originals and copies, and updating all family documentation should be a quarterly task.
37.Move to the “nest” you made in your safe area and stay put until the storm is over. Next, you’ll want to read the full version of this article. For the full article complete with free PDF download visit prep101.comwww.disaster and look for it on the “News and Articles” page. a Paul Purcell is a terrorism and natural disaster preparedness consultant in Atlanta, GA. He’s also the author of “Disaster Prep 101” found at prep101.com. www.disaster
26.Make sure the kids are home. Two or hoursthreeout
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Riding out the storm? Be as prepared as you can be before it hits.
Rick Hickman / American Press Archives Expect traffic congestion when evacuating.
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aMinimize the distance you must travel to reach a safe location; the further you drive, the higher the likelihood of encountering traffic con gestion and other prob lems on the roadways. aSelect the nearest possible orwithoutDoandwithindestination,evacuationpreferablyyourlocalarea,mapoutyourroute.notgetontheroadaplannedrouteaplacetogo.
Rick Hickman / American Press Archives
Evacuation tips
aPrepare your home prior to leaving by boarding up doors and windows, securing or moving indoors all yard objects and turning off all utilities. aFill your car with gas and withdraw extra mon ey from the ATM before leaving. aTake all prescription medicines and special medical items, such as glasses and diapers. aLeave early if your family evacuation plan includes an RV, boat or trailer. Do not wait until the evacuation order or exodus is well under way to start your trip. aExpect traffic congestion and listen for any advisories or specific instructions from local officials.
aChoose the home of the closest friend or rela tive outside a designated evacuation zone and dis cuss your plan with them before hurricane season. You may also choose a hotel or motel outside of the vulnerable area. If neither of these options is available, consider the closest possible public shelter, preferably within your local area. aUse the evacuation routes designated by au thorities and, if possible, become familiar with your route by driving it before an evacuation order is issued. aContact your local emergency management office to register or get information regarding anyone in your house hold whom may require special assistance in order to evacuate. aPrepare a separate pet plan, most public shelters do not accept pets.
Traffic has slowed to a crawl on Interstate 10 at U.S. Hwy 171 in Lake Charles on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, as residents evacuate ahead of Hurricane Delta.
What to do when ordered to evacuate
Special to the American Press
Rip currents: A powerful type of current where water flows away from the shore back towards the sea, cutting through the waves. People are at risk of drowning when the rip current carries them so far offshore that they are unable to get back to the beach. Rip currents and high surf can be deadly, even when storms are hun dreds of miles offshore, sometimes days before a hurricane passes. Pay attention to signs on the beach and guidance from local officials and lifeguards.
The National Hur ricane Center recom mends reviewing these common terms associat ed with hurricanes: a Eye: The calm, clear center of the storm, which is surrounded by the eyewall. The eye wall is where winds are strongest. Direct death: A death that occurs due to haz ards from physical forc es of a hurricane. Exam ples include deaths by flooding, flying debris, or collapsing buildings. Indirect death: A death that occurs after a hurricane as a result of hurricane damage. Indirect deaths can be hard to count and can happen days, weeks, or even months after a storm passes. Examples include deaths due to power loss, overexertion during cleanup, gen erator accidents, and water-borne diseases spread by flooding.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning Use generators, stoves and grills outside and away from windows and doors CS283357
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Prevent mold growth by airing out rooms and disinfecting Tap water may not be safe to drink Listen to local warnings
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Hurricane local information Know how to turn o your gas, electricity, and water in case you need to evacuate Secure outdoor items by moving them to the garage y k a shelter area if you can t evacuate Rooms without windows are best.
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Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
C12 AMERICAN PRESS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022 COX COX FILO CAMEL & WILSON Serving SWLA Since 1969 723 Broad St., Lake Charles, LA • 337-436-6611 • Toll free 800-836-3702
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hurricane vocabulary review
If your home has damage do not reenter until it has been examined by a building inspector for safety
Throw away food that may be unsafe
The Public Health Preparedness and Response team at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions on what to do before and after a hurricane. to do before and after the storm
BEFORE AFTER
