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Preparing for Hurricane Season

August 27, 2008

As we recognize the 3-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, it is important to remember that being prepared is vital during this season. Tropical Storm Gustav is a serious threat to our region and weather trackers have predicted it could be in Southeast Louisiana by Monday morning.

The following is a list of ten tips I have compiled to help you prepare for the potential threat of Tropical Storm Gustav and tropical storms that may approach in the future.

Ten Tips to Be Prepared

• Talk to your family about the dangers hurricanes. Plan a place to meet your family in case you are separated from one another in a disaster. Choose an out-of-state contact for everyone to call and check in.

• Determine the needs of family members who may live elsewhere but need your help in a hurricane. Consider the special needs of neighbors as well.

• Make plans to protect your property such as storm shutters or plywood for windows. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Bring things indoors including lawn furniture, toys, trash cans, hanging plants or anything that could fly through a window.

• Know how to shut off utilities. Know where gas pilots are located and how the heating and air-conditioning system works.

• Keep your automobile fueled; if electric power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days.

• Learn evacuation routes and contraflow procedures. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate. You can get information from the Hurricane Evacuation Routes by clicking https://www.dotd.state.la.us/maps/.

• Gather personal documents, including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, will, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc. Make a record of these documents and your valuable possessions.

• Prepare to survive on your own for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Include a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, blankets, clothing, food and water, prescription medications and medical supplies.

• If you are receiving Social Security or Veterans Benefits make sure you have direct deposit. This will ensure you receive all of your benefits. The Social Security Administrations telephone number is 1-800-772-1213 or go to the website at www.ssa.gov. The Veterans Administrations telephone number is 1-877-222-8387.

• Stay tuned for updates

The American Red Cross has suggestions on what to do after a Hurricane. https://www.prepare.org/basic/afthurr.htm

*This list was compiled using multiple sources including, GOHSEP, DHS and FEMA.

Please stay alert and feel free to contact my office with any needs or concerns you may have. In the case of an evacuation, you can always reach me and my staff in my Washington, D.C. office.

Congressional Offices:


Washington, DC
(202) 225-3015

Metairie
(504) 837-1259

Mandeville
(985) 893-9064

Hammond
(985) 340-2185

Take Care,

Congressman Steve Scalise