2011 HURRICANE GUIDE Page 8 Complacencythe biggest threat
Page 18 Will the levees hold?
Page 24 Evacuating with your pet DIXIE ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION
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Evacuation Map / Emergency Numbers Evacuees need to consider the projected path of the hurricane when choosing an evacuation route and destination. Evacuation studies estimate that it takes between 18 and 30 hours to evacuate the coastal bend in advance of tropical storm force winds. This underscores the need for coastal residents to have an evacuation plan. When evacuating, be sure to check local weather and highway conditions before departing. When local authorities order an evacuation of your area, leave immediately! National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ 504.522.7330 National Weather Service http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ 504.522.7330 Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/ 800.621.FEMA (3362) Capital Area United Way http://cauw.org/ 225.923.2114 or toll-free 877.923.2114 to get help American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/ 800.REDCROSS [733.2767]
Important Numbers Police 225.389.2000 Fire 225.354.1400 Acadian Ambulance 800.259.3333 Animal Control 225.774.7700 Baton Rouge General Hospital (Mid-City) 225.387.7000 (Bluebonnet) 225.763.4000 Lane Regional Medical Center 225.658.4000 Ochsner Medical Center 225.752.2470 Emergency Preparedness Off. 225.389.2100 Our Lady of the Lake Reg. Medical Center 225.765.6565 Sheriff’s Office 225.389.5000 Waste Management 225.664.8802 Water 225.925.2011 West Baton Rouge Sheriff 225.343.9234 Woman’s Hospital 225.927.1300
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City Town Web Sites Baker - www.cityofbakerla.net Baton Rouge - www.brgov.com DENHAM SPRINGS - www.denhamsprings.us Gonzales - www.gonzalesla.com Hammond - www.hammond.org Lafayette - www.lafayettela.gov New Orleans - www.cityofno.com Opelousas - www.cityofopelousas.com Slidell - www.slidell.la.us Zachary - www.zacharyla.com For more tips on how to plan for an emergency visit the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at www.getagameplan.org.
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Definitions To Know
Facts About Hurricanes Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters, like those found in the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane season starts June 1 and ends November 30th. The peak threat for Louisiana’s coast exists from August through September. Decrease in wind shear from July to August produces a significant increase of tropical activity. The peak of the hurricane season occurs in September and corresponds to low wind shear and the warmest sea surface temperatures. The month of September sees an average of 3 storms a year. By September 24, the average season sees 7 named systems, 4 of which are hurricanes. In addition, two major hurricanes occur on average by September 28. However, hurricanes can and have struck Louisiana during every month of hurricane season.
TROPICAL STORM: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a well defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph. TROPICAL DEPRESSION: An organized system of persistent thunderstorms with a closed low-level circulation and maximum winds of 38 mph or less.
Above: High resolution satellite image of Hurricane Ike over the northwest Gulf of Mexico. Image--NASA
HURRICANE: An intense tropical weather system with a well defined circulation and sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.
Hurricane force winds of 74 mph or more can destroy buildings, mobile homes, trees and power poles. Debris such as signs, roofing material, siding, and small items left outside become flying missiles in a hurricane. The strongest winds occur in a region of the hurricane called the eyewall. Wind gusts in the right side of the eyewall are the most destructive. Hurricane force winds can be felt as far as 150 miles from the coast.
TROPICAL CYCLONE: A term used to describe a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane. HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM WATCH: Hurricane or Tropical Storm conditions are possible in the watch area within 36 hours. HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM WARNING: Hurricane or Tropical Storm conditions are possible in the warning area within 24 hours. hours.
destructive winds
It is imperative to ensure your home or business is well constructed to minimize the damage from the wind. See page 10 in this guide for cost effective home improvement tips that can help you reduce your damage from a hurricane. No mobile home or manufactured home - no matter how new it is - can provide safe shelter from hurricane force winds. Straps or other tie-downs will not protect a mobile home from the high winds associated with a hurricane.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale Category 1
Winds 74 to 95 mph
Category 4
Winds 131 to 155 mph
Category 2
Winds 96 to 110 mph
Category 5
Winds greater than 155 mph
Category 3
Winds 111 to 130 mph
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Preparations for People with Special Needs
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reparation in advance of hurricane season is essential, especially for people with special needs. It is essential that a destination is identified ahead of time that can accommodate people with special needs. Shelters should be considered as a last resort because many cannot provide the attention required. Assisting elderly neighbors and acquaintances with pre-hurricane preparations is encouraged.
Important Special Needs Tips
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Identify with whom you will stay in the event an evacuation becomes necessary.
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Make arrangements for transportation in the event you must evacuate. Make sure that your transportation can accommodate any equipment or other supplies that need to be taken with you. Make sure you have the following items that should be stored in advance: copies of your prescriptions in case your Extra physician’s office is damaged and not operational.
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Hurricane Myths Debunked: A Category 1 or 2 hurricane shouldn’t do much damage because the storm surge won’t be too high. FALSE: Don’t always look at only the category when planning for a hurricane. Always look at how intense the storm was at a certain time in its life. Just because a storm may not be a “major” storm at the time of landfall that does not mean it’s not bringing the surge of a “major” storm. Two great examples are Hurricane’s Katrina and Ike. Katrina was a Category 3 at landfall, but it brought the surge of a Category 5 storm. Just because the winds died down in the storm, does not mean the surge goes down instantly along with it. Also, Ike was a Category 2 storm at landfall, but it brought the surge of a Category 4 storm. The forecast cone is 100% accurate, so if I’m not in it I can stop watching the news. FALSE: The forecast cone is nowhere near 100% accurate. Just because your city may not be in one forecast cone, that does not mean in the next update you will not be in the dead center. The cone is a way to give the viewers a general direction in which the storm will be moving. It’s important to monitor every update from the National Hurricane Center and your local news to see if the cone has shifted one way or the other. Remember, Louisiana was not even in the forecast cone for Katrina at the beginning of the forecast. Crisscrossing your windows with masking tape is a great form of protection. FALSE: It’s a waste of time when you could be spending your time doing something that might actually protect your home. All you will get for your troubles is windows covered with hard-to-remove gunk. Tape does NOT protect your windows. The best protection is to cover the windows with 5/8” plywood or special hurricane shutters.
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Complacency is your greatest threat By Jesse Vinturella STORMTRACKER33 Meteorologist For South Louisianans, every summer is a roll of the dice. That’s when hurricane season is in full swing. Each day the threat of a storm is present as families go about their day-to-day lives. Although Louisiana has witnessed direct hits several times in the past, many still do not heed the warning from officials when an evacuation order is given. Betsy, Andrew, Rita, and Katrina. Those four names will make any person from Louisiana anxious as they are the names that evoke the most powerful memories. Ivan, Georges, Opal, and Isidore. Those are four names of storms also remembered, but not in the way meteorologists,or officials, hope. The Near-Miss Dilemma is the feeling people get when they evacuate for a big storm spinning their way, but the storm either shifts away from their city, or does not do much damage at all. This will give people the idea that evacuating for the next storm is not necessary, creating a sense of complacency. Every storm has its own story, identity,
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and unfortunately, its own damage path. Although Hurricane Rita was tragic for Louisiana, it was a welcomed miss to Galveston, TX. That miss, however, spawned The Near-Miss Dilemma in residents, creating greater devastation just three years later. In 2005, Hurricane Rita churned her way towards Galveston, and mandatory evacuations were issued. Toward the end of the forecast period, it became clear that Rita was not going to directly impact the area. Although some fringe effects were felt, the true damage was brought about by the fact that many felt as though the evacuation was a waste of time and money. In 2008, once again a major hurricane, Ike, was churning its way toward Galveston. Once again the mandatory evacuation was issued, but this time, the reaction was much different. Despite warning from the National Weather Service saying that residents living in single-family homes in some parts of coastal Texas faced “certain death” if they did not heed orders to evacuate, many stayed, fearing it was going to be a replay of Rita. Sadly, 112 people lost their lives and 23 are still missing to this day. Most
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of that loss could have been avoided had people evacuated in time. For Louisiana, the game changer was Katrina. The devastation caused by the storm surge/levee failure is etched into the collective minds of not only the nation, but the entire world, as the media documented the torture experienced by those who stayed behind in the inundated city. Not only do many compare future storms to Katrina, but some are unwilling to evacuate unless the storm is expected to be as bad. This can be a dangerous proposition. You’ll hear people make comments about potential storms such as, “Is it as bad as Katrina?”, or “I made it through Katrina, I can make it through this one.” Although many people will stay behind for any number of reasons, it is important to always remember that every storm is unique, and comparing one to another can cost you greatly. Remember, it is better to lose some money on an evacuation that may not have been necessary, than to lose your life.
Hurricane Myths Debunked (continued): Once a hurricane passes, the worst is over. FALSE: Survivors of Hurricane Katrina will beg to differ with you on this. Sometimes the worst is just beginning once the storm passes. The strongest winds may have died down, but there can be tornadoes, rain and flooding after a hurricane. It may be days, weeks, even months before the power comes back on and your home is repaired and life returns to normal. Only coastal areas are at risk from hurricanes. FALSE: While the drama of a hurricane crashing into a coastal area makes compelling front page news, the effects are felt far inland. In fact, strong winds, heavy rain, tornadoes, and inland flooding can spread hundreds of miles from the coast, leaving extensive damage and death in their wake. Estimates by the National Hurricane Center of the effects of Tropical Storm Allison on the city of Houston, far removed from where the storm made landfall, is estimated at $4.8 billion.
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Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six month season, NOAA is predicting the following ranges this year:
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• 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)
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New Tools for Forecasters Help Keep YOU Ahead of the Storm By Jesse Gunkel STORMTRACKER33 Meteorologist
W
hen it comes to hurricanes, most people believe the strong winds that come along with it will produce the most damage. However, it is usually the storm surge, the wall of water produced by a hurricane, which does the most harm. In recent years, most hurricane forecasters used satellite imagery and other storm data collection technology to predict the storm’s path and intensity. Now, forecasters have a new tool in the belt.
of Louisiana versus the sandy shoreline of the Florida Panhandle by being fed the parameters of a specific location. The model understands and recognizes jagged bay and river basins, water depths, bridges, roads, levees, and other physical features. This state of the art model is fittingly called SLOSH.
High resolution modeling has become an integral part in providing better accuracy of strength, intensity, and landfall of hurricanes. Researchers at Louisiana State University and the National Weather Service have teamed up to create a computerized numerical model that estimates the storm surge heights by using historical, hypothetical, or predicted hurricanes.
The SLOSH model has been used in recent years and proved to be a valuable asset in the proper evaluation of the need for a hurricane evacuation. Ahead of a hurricane, decision making in a timely manner is invaluable. Since every second counts, it is important that emergency and government officials make the decision quickly.
It takes in account a variety of atmospheric variables including hurricane pressure, size, forward speed, winds, and track data. The ingenious model also takes into account the unique features of coastlines that make one place different from another. In other words, the model is able to differentiate between the marsh-like shoreline
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SLOSH is an acronym for Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes.
To make better evaluations, quick and accurate information is needed. However, at the time the decision is made, the error in the hurricane’s track and intensity may be large. So to aid emergency managers in planning for hurricanes, the potential surge for an area is computed. This is done by running SLOSH with hypothetical hurricanes with various landfall directions and locations, Saffir-
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Simpson categories, forward speeds, sizes, and tide levels. Each individual run generates an example of a possible hurricane storm surge, providing government officials, first responders, and emergency management the necessary information when planning an evacuation. They can use current hurricane information and compare it with past storms to find the best answer. The best answer may save millions of people from packing up their belongings and leaving town. It also saves millions in evacuation costs. The SLOSH model has been applied to and encompasses the entire U.S. coastline from northern Maine to southern Texas. In addition, the coverage extends to Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. By covering the entire coastline, it becomes much easier to prepare for any storm track and its intensity. The best part about the computerized model is its proficiency. “The SLOSH model is computationally efficient; resulting in fast computer runs which makes it an ideal operational system. It is able to resolve flow through barriers, gaps, and passes and
2 0 11 H u r r i c a n e Tr a c k e r 2 0 11 H u r r i c a n e Tr a c k e r models deep passes between bodies of water. It also resolves inland inundation and the overtopping of barrier systems, levees, and roads,” says the Storm Surge Unit, a department of the National Weather Service. The SLOSH model is also accurate to within plus or minus 20 percent, which is extremely rare in long range modeling. To put that into perspective, the model calculates a peak 10 foot storm surge, you can expect the observed peak to range from 8 to 12 feet. When understanding the power of a storm surge, a few feet of water can make a huge difference. A foot of water can sweep away a car, while a few feet of water can sweep away a house. However, the model does have a few limitations. The Storm Surge Unit notes, “The SLOSH model does not explicitly model the impacts of waves on top of the surge, it does not account for normal river flow or rain flooding, nor does it explicitly model the astronomical tide.” In addition, the point of a hurricane’s landfall is crucial to determining which areas will be inundated by the storm surge. When the hurricane forecast track is inaccurate, the SLOSH model results will be inaccurate, too. T he SLOSH model, therefore, is best used for defining the potential maximum surge for a location. Future advancements for the SLOSH model are already in progress and will patch up some of these limitations. As we all know, preparation is the best policy. You can never be over prepared. The SLOSH model helps to reduce error estimates and gives a high resolution snapshot of possible flooding dangers. It has become a great tool in the fight for hurricane safety.
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You Can Count On
w w w. G
GerryLane.com
2011 ATLANTIC HURRICANE NAMES
Arlene Bret Cindy Don Emily Franklin Gert Harvey Irene Jose Katia Lee Maria Nate Ophelia Philippe Rina Sean Tammy Vince Whitney
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Will The Levees Hold? Flood prevention 2011
Fears of catastrophic flooding due to record breaking water levels in the Mississippi kept one question in the minds of Louisianians throughout the month of May; “Will the levees hold?” Although Hurricane Season just began on June 1, parts of Louisiana are still working to repair damage made from the record snow fall and rains. The melting snow and rainwater was collected in The Missouri Valley, Ohio River Valley, and the Tennessee Valley, which all funnel into the Mississippi River. That caused the water levels to rise to a degree comparable to the Great Flood of 1927. The current levee system did not truly exist in 1927. A vital component of the system, the use of spillways, is spillways is what saved us from witnessing a landscape lost. But the opening of the Morganza and Bonnet Carre Spillways would cause their own damage, so the decisions to open them were not taken lightly by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Governor’s Office. However, it was a necessary call to avoid the possible over-topping or breach of levees surrounding major cities, affecting hundreds of thousand of people. In the
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days following the opening of those spillways, the forecast improved, but the crisis was far from over. “This is a serious water event,” Governor Jindal said during a press conference. “Even though the forecast has gotten modestly better for Louisiana, they’re still setting records that have been in place since 1927 in many communities. There’s still an awful lot of water headed our way and it’s going to be in many cases for weeks, not just a few days.” Still, thousands have been affected. From homes and property swept under water, to crops and seafood lost to flooding and fresh water incursion from the opening of the spillway, Louisiana is facing yet another tough road to rebuild and recover. The one positive note to come from this devastation is that people in the flood path heeded the warnings, and consequently, the damage was reduced in lives saved human. To learn more about the impact of the flooding, log on to www.nbc33tv.com and look for the “Mississippi Rising” tab.
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Boom, such as wh at was used durin g the BP oil spill cleanup, was utilized on the lev ee in Baton Rouge for the first time.
shed Wildlife was pu due ts ta out of habi s. In er at w od to the flo nal io at N s, se ca e som d ha en Guardsm ue sc re rm rfo to pe operations to prevent animals from drowning.
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Above and Below: Flooding in the lower portion of St. Francisville is a yearly reality for residents, but this year, the waters were higher than has been seen in years, due to the high level of the Mississippi River.
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A new product called R.I.B.S. was used for the first time to combat the flood waters caused by the Mississippi River. The product used soil rather than sand and is put in place 10 times faster than the average sandbagging effort.
The opening of the Morganza Spillway flooded several small towns in the Atchafalaya Basin. Just two days after the spillway opened, homes in Butte La Rose began seeing fast-approaching water.
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Early predictions: the transition from La Niña to neutral By Jesse Vinturella STORMTRACKER33 Meteorologist
T
he 2011 hurricane season has arrived, and just like the forecasters predicted, we have transitioned from a La Niña to a neutral phase. So what does this mean as far as activity is concerned? It would seem that a neutral phase would mean fewer hurricanes this season, but this may not be the case. It’s important not to put too much stock in numbers predicted in the early season. Rather, it’s the time to prepare for the upcoming season regardless of preseason forecasts. La Niña is characterized by cooler ocean waters located in the Central and Eastern Pacific. This is due to stronger easterly trade winds pushing the warmer water toward the west, allowing the cooler waters to rise to the surface. This creates less of a gradient between the cold air and water to the north and the now cooler water temperatures and air to the South. Therefore, in the middle of
the two will be weaker upper level winds moving toward the Atlantic basin, which is conducive to tropical development. El Niño is basically the total opposite. The easterly trade winds become weak which keeps the warm ocean water in place in the Central and Eastern Pacific. Therefore, there is a significant gradient between the cold air and water to the north and the warmer water temperatures and air to the south. This creates a gradient between the two, and can create very high winds in the upper levels moving toward the Atlantic basin which can rip off the tops of developing tropical systems. A neutral is located somewhere in the middle, creating a normal weather pattern with no significant affects from ocean currents. El Niño will definitely decrease tropical activity in the Atlantic Basin, but how much of a difference is there between
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a La Niña year and a neutral phase? A valid question for sure, since La Niña has faded and has been replaced by a more neutral phase for this year. “La Niña, which causes more hurricanes, had turned into a neutral phase for this season. This means fewer hurricanes”, is a quote you may hear during this season. As a meteorologist, I do not agree with this statement, because it gives a false sense of security. There are a few things to consider as we journey through the 2011 hurricane season. Let’s examine some storm numbers by season from 1995-2005. You can also reference the bar graph image for a more detailed view. During a La Niña phase there was an average of about 4 major storms formed during those seasons. Shockingly, there were actually more storms during a neutral phase, which we are currently in,
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2 0 11 H u r r i c a n e Tr a c k e r 2 0 11 H u r r i c a n e Tr a c k e r than there were during the dreaded La Niña years, about 4.5 on average. There was a slight drop off for a Weak to Moderate El Niño phase. The biggest and most noticeable drop came during a Strong El Niño phase, which we are certainly not going to experience this season. The second thing we need to understand
is each season has a mind of its own. Each storm has a respective life journey. No one could have predicted the ridiculous activity during the 2005 season, or the incredible luck that the U.S. experienced during last year’s season. Nineteen named storms formed across the Atlantic in 2010. Twelve of those were hurricanes, and yet the U.S. was not affected by any of them. So although
2010’s prediction of being the one of the worst seasons in history was in fact true, as far as people affected by the systems it was over hyped. In 1992 only seven storms formed, and only one land falling hurricane. However, that hurricane was Andrew. Although the numbers were down that year, it was one of the most devastating seasons in history as far as Louisiana and South Florida are concerned. The same can be said for 2005, which was quite a year as far as storms go. Twentyeight storms made their journey across the Atlantic, a staggering record that probably won’t be touched anytime soon. Remember that La Niña is one of the causes of increased hurricane activity. 2005, however, was not a La Niña year. Although it can be entertaining to read preseason predictions when it comes to each hurricane season, always remember prediction is not an exact science. Every season has a different story. Every storm has a unique lifespan. And these story lines cannot be written before June arrives. We must all just sit back, and watch how each
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Pet Evacuation Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to make important decisions concerning the care and well being of your pets. From livestock to the family pet ... plan, preapare and protect all of the animals in your care. No one disputes that the human devastation as a result of Hurricane Katrina was anything less than catastrophic. But there were other victims, too – those of the four-legged variety. Alongside the humans unable to evacuate were the pets left behind. No one could have predicted the massive damage Katrina would cause, but many also underestimated the unpredictable nature and ferocity of a hurricane. Images of people and pets stranded on rooftops for days on end are burned into the nation’s memory. Thousands of beloved pets either
EVACUATING WITH PETS • Plan for your pet needs. Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics, friends and relatives are potential refuge during a disaster. • Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations, since pet shelters may require proof. • Have a current photograph of your pet, keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash to control your pet when making stops. • Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal, enough for the animal to stand in and turn around. • Be prepared with the following for a kennel - Proper identification collar and rabies tag, identification on all belongings, a carrier, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any medications, specific care instructions and newspaper or bags for clean-up.
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died or were lost because of the sudden evacuation and also because many shelters would not allow pets. Five years later and animal shelters are still trying to place rescued pets. Although the water is gone and the city is nearly repaired, the animals still waiting for the owners who may never return serve as a constant reminder of how important it is to have a solid evacuation plan. What’s more, that plan should include every member of the family – especially the ones who cannot ask for help.
PET CARE AFTER THE STORM •Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm, reassure them and help them remain calm. • Walk pets on a leash until they become reoriented to their home, often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals. • After a disaster animals can become aggressive or defensive monitor their behavior and keep them on a leash until they are settled. • If pets cannot be found or run off after a disaster, contact the local animal control to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring a picture of your pet if possible.
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“WHEN EVERY SECOND COUNTS, YOU CAN COUNT ON US” EMERGENCY VETERINARIAN AND STAFF ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES ULTRASOUND, ENDOSCOPY AND DIGITAL RADIOLOGY FULL IN-HOUSE LABORATORY AND PHARMACY PLASMA AND BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS TOTAL O2 ENVIRONMENT CAGES EMERGENCY SURGICAL SUITES 24 / 7 EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE WHOLE BUILDING BACKUP GENERATORS VETERINARY SUPERVISED PET BOARDING FACILITIES
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3803 S Sherwood Forest Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (225)293-7747 www.nbc33tv.com
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WEATHERING THE STORM WITH YOUR PETS -Carrie Schultz, DVM, “The Housepet Housevet”
Assembling and maintaining a pet emergency supply kit and making evacuation arrangements in advance can make sure that our animal family members don’t get ignored or lost in the shuffle or cause unnecessary anxiety for you when the unexpected does arise.
IN CASE OF EVACUATION What is best for you is almost always going to be what’s best for your pets as well. If you evacuate, take animals with you if you can. Identify friends or family members that are willing to take in you and your pets – if you go to a public shelter, your animals may not be allowed inside. Research ahead of time to find pet-friendly accommodations (www.petswelcome.com) and the names and contact information of veterinarians and emergency clinics (veccs.org) near your route and destination. Put contact information for these in a waterproof container or plastic bag in your pet’s kit as well. Look in to having your pets implanted with a microchip. It is an inexpensive, indisputable and permanent form of identification that can be obtained through your veterinarian. If you have a microchipped pet, make sure you are enrolled in a national recovery database with current contact information, including cell phone and secondary contact number for someone outside of the area. www.petmicrochiplookup.org is a national registry of most available databases, and is most likely to be consulted by someone who has found an animal with a microchip. The site has a listing of all participating companies – prices range from $10-$20 for lifetime registration, including a variety of additional services. Most allow information updates at no additional cost. Utilize a “buddy system” with friends, family or neighbors to make sure someone will tend to your pets if you can’t. Talk to your buddy about your evacuation plans and preparations. Explain any special needs your pet has. Show them where the relevant information and your pet’s emergency supply kit is located Designate specific locations where you will meet up with them (have one location in the neighborhood and another farther away) CREATING YOUR PET’S EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT Consider making two kits – in one place, put supplies your pets will need if you stay where you are and lose power. In another kit, pack a lightweight, smaller version that you can take with you if you and your pets have to evacuate. Review contents regularly to ensure that everything (especially foods and medicines) are fresh PHONE NUMBERS: MY VETERINARIAN: MY EMERGENCY CLINIC (see list of local facilities): ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER: 1-888-ANI-HELP (888-426-4435) (there may be a fee for calls to this number) FOOD AND WATER – Stock enough for at least 3 days per pet. Make sure you have water for your pet in addition to the water you stock for family members. Several companies offer collapsible travel bowls that can be included in the kit as well. CRATE OR OTHER PET CARRIER- If you evacuate, you will need a way to safely confine your pet, in the car as well as at evacuation facilities or boarding facilities that are likely to already be overflowing with boarders. EXTRA LEASH AND COLLAR with ID tag for each animal (In addition to their regular collar and tags, which should be kept on them at all times) PET SANITATION SUPPLIES: Litter box and litter (small portable ones that already contain litter are available), newspaper, trash bags, odor neutralizing spray or wipes, and bleach that can be mixed with water will make weathering the storm safer and more bearable for everyone. A PHOTO OF YOU AND YOUR PET TOGETHER to help locate pets if they should get lost, as well as to confirm ownership.
MEDICATIONS: Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes regularly. Also include flea and heartworm preventation for each pet, including cats you ordinarily keep indoors – fleas can run rampant in pet-friendly hotels. With the heat, moisture, and less-than-ideal living conditions, mosquito and intestinal parasite exposure is almost certain to be higher in a post-hurricane situation. VACCINATION AND MEDICAL RECORDS: Keep copies of vaccination records, medical records, adoption papers, and current registration papers in a plastic bag or other waterproof container. East Baton Rouge Parish requires that all dogs and cats have a current (within one year) registration tag and associated Rabies vaccine) Particularly if your pet has a chronic illness that is being managed by a veterinarian, have copies of recent blood test results and a copy of the actual medical record including doctor’s notes and disease, NOT just an invoice). Your veterinarian’s office can provide this on request. Through many clinics, you can now access to your pet’s records on the internet – if this is an option, learn how to log in and access the information, but have a printed copy in your kit as well.
FIRST AID SUPPLIES: Keep your pet’s first aid kit fully stocked and next to your family first aid kit.Talk to your veterinarian about any additional items you should have for your pet’s specific circumstances. Basic supplies should include: • gauze pads and rolled gauze • nonstick bandage pads (eg Telfa™ pads) • adhesive bandage tape • tweezers • milk of magnesia • hydrogen peroxide • a digital thermometer Other helpful items would include a muzzle, extra leash, elastic bandage material, tongue depressors or other material that could act as a splint, topical antibiotic ointment, instant cold pack activated charcoal, an eye dropper or large syringe without needle to clean wounds or administer medication, and something that could be used as a stretcher (depending on size, an extra blanket or sheet may suffice) . Also, consider taking a Pet First Aid training class, offered through some groups or businesses. Pet first aid kits can also be purchased pre-assembled from a variety of online shops; however, you may already have these supplies in your family kit, or ned only a few additions.
Preparation is Your Best Defense! LOCAL VETERINARY EMERGENCY CARE FACILITIES BATON ROUGE LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital (S. Stadium Dr. Between Nicholson & River Rd) 225-578-9600 Sherwood South Animal Emergency Center 3803 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. (south of I-12) 225-293-7747
LA PLACE Riverlands Animal Hospital 1112 W. Airline Hwy. 985-652-6369 METAIRIE Southeast Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care 3409 Division Rd. (Just behind Barnes & Noble) 504-219-0444
Baton Rouge Pet Emergency Hospital 1514 Cottondale (off of Airline, north of I-12) 225-925-5566
Metairie Small Animal Hospital 101 Metairie Rd. 504-835-4266
MANDEVILLE Louisiana Veterinary Referral Center 2611 Florida St. 985-626-4862
Animal Emergency Clinic 1955 Veterans Memorial Blvd 504-835-8508
LAFAYETTE Lafayette Animal Emergency Clinic 206 Winchester Dr. 337-989-0992
Items to Keep Safe to Assure Your Financial Life is Not Disrupted: • Cash, Checks, Debit and Credit Cards • Id Cards, Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, and Insurance Papers • Safe Deposit Box Key
Financial Services Checklist to Make Life a Bit Easier During an Emergency: • Direct Deposit • Online Banking and Bill Pay • Mobile Banking • e-Statements • Service Center Locations and ATM Access • Automated Account Telephone System
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Though it may knock the wind out of us, we’re never down for long. Cox is prepared to meet the full force of a hurricane with our own full force. If one threatens, we will monitor its every move. If one hits, crews in our service area will switch into overdrive, maintaining our systems to minimize outages. You can expect a swift and forceful response from us. Remember, in the event of an evacuation, make safety your response: unplug all electrical appliances including your cable receiver and cable modem, then monitor cox.com for updates. You can count on Cox to keep you connected, locally and around the world. cox.com
Hurricane Quiz Test Your “Storm Sense”
Just ask
Jesse
1. What is a hurricane? A) wind storm with a funnel B) severe thunderstorm with wind C) storm with winds of 75 mph or more
Got a weather question? email me and I’ll be sure to answer. Jesse.gunkel@nbc33tv.com Jesse Gunkel Chief Meteorologist
HURRICANE CROSSWORD
2. What areas of the world have the most hurricanes? A) Areas near the poles B) Areas near the Pacific Ocean C) Areas near the equator 3. When is the main hurricane season in the North Atlantic? A) June to November B) May to September C) July to December 4. What is the name of the scale used to rank hurricanes and measure their damage potential? A) Fahrenheit Scale B) Saffri-Simpson C) Beaufort Scale 5. What are hurricanes called in the western Pacific Ocean? • Cyclones • Western hurricanes • Typhoons 6. What causes the most deaths from a hurricane? A) Strong winds B) Storm surge C) Falling trees and buildings 7. What is a major cause of hurricane formation? A) Changes in barometric pressure B) Bad thunderstorms C) Warm ocean water 8. What does a hurricane hunter do? • Watches for a hurricane to form • Flies a plane into a hurricane • Follows a hurricane 9. What is a storm surge? A) Spiraling air which creates rainbands B) Strong winds and heavy rain C) Severe flooding caused by high tides 10. Where are the worst winds in a hurricane found? A) The eyewall around the eye of the hurricane B) Inside the eye of the hurricane C) Around the outside edges of the hurricane Quiz Answers: 1.C, 2.C, 3.A, 4.B, 5. C, 6. B, 7. C, 8.B, 9.C, 10.A
Across: 1. Eye, 3. Storm, 5. Light, 7. FEMA, 8. Power, 9. Generator, 11. Radio, 12. Candles, 14. Bathtub Down:1. Emergency, 2. Shutters, 3. Shelter, 4. Five, 6. Africa, 13. November, 15. Water
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