OFFICIAL START OF HURRICANE SEASON, PREPARE NOW TO AVOID LAST-MINUTE PREPARATIONS

Jun 1, 2023, 13:32 PM by Jennifer McCommons

OFFICIAL START OF HURRICANE SEASON, PREPARE NOW TO AVOID LAST-MINUTE PREPARATIONS

Lafayette, LA - Hurricane season has officially started. Compared to the past three years'

above- normal season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 40 percent chance of a near-normal 2023 season. The best time to prepare is now, not last minute.

DOWNLOAD THE 2023 LAFAYETTE UTILITIES SYSTEM HURRICANE HANDBOOK

• Download a copy at https://www.lus.org/storm-central/. Copies can also be picked up at Lafayette City-Parish Hall located at 705 West University Avenue or at Lafayette Public Library locations.

KNOW YOUR EVACUATION ROUTE

• Leaving from Lafayette Parish

http://www.lafayetteohsep.org/Pages/Lafayette-Hurricane-Evacuation-Routes

PREPARE A SUPPLY KIT

Basic Supplies Needed

• In case of power loss at ATMs, withdraw cash before the storm.
• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food), ready-to-eat canned meats, canned fruits and canned vegetables, bread, high-energy foods - peanut butter, nuts, trail mix, and dried fruits, for example
• Non-electric can opener
• Toilet paper, paper towels, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Battery-powered lantern
• Extra fuel for generator and car
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Paper, pens, pencils
• Soap, feminine supplies, and other personal hygiene items including denture needs
• Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes, footwear, and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
• Protective clothing, rainwear
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

Important Papers and Identification (store in waterproof container)

• Driver's license or personal identification
• Social Security card
• Proof of residence (deed or lease)
• Insurance policies
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
• Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns

Prescriptions and Non-prescription Medications

• Prescription medications for all family members (at least a 7 to 10-day supply)
• A list of all prescription medications, including dosage amounts and times
• Prescription eyeglasses, contacts, and contact lens solution
• Non-prescription medications - Acetaminophen and ibuprofen pain relievers, antacid, antidiarrheal medication, laxatives

First Aid Kit

• Band-Aids (assorted sizes)

• Antibiotic ointment
• Hydrocortisone
• Antihistamine for allergic reactions
• Epi-Pen for those with allergies
• Antiseptic wipes
• Disposable cold packs
• Gauze pads (assorted sizes)
• Roller gauze
• Surgical tape to secure gauze
• Elastic bandage (like an Ace bandage)
• Oral thermometer
• Cotton balls and cotton swabs
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant

Infants

• Formula
• Diapers, wipes, diaper cream
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Extra bottled water
• Medications
• Pedialyte
• Thermometer
• Portable Crib
• A wrap, carrier or stroller
• Extra clothes

Special Needs

• Glasses
• Hearing aids
• Catheters
• Augmentative and alternative communication devices
• Cane
• Wheelchair
• Scooter
• Walker
• Dressing aids
• Oxygen
• Tubing
• Feeding supplies
• Emergency health information and emergency contacts
• Also keep a list of the type and serial numbers of medical devices you need.

Pets

• Identification tag with name, phone number and medical needs. Have a picture of your pet in case you're separated.
• A week's supply of food, water, medications, cat litter
• Food and water bowls
• Pet carrier, leash, or harness
• Bags for pet waste
• Veterinarian contact information
• Ahead of time, find pet-friendly hotels in case of evacuation
• Locate nearby boarding facilities if you're evacuating to a shelter where pets aren't allowed. Bring medical records. Facilities may require proof of up-to-date vaccinations.
• Ask out-of-town family or friends if they'd be willing to care for your pets
• Treats and toys

ALERT NOTIFICATION APPS

• Connect Lafayette

Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts through Connect Lafayette. This service will share important information and updates from Lafayette Consolidated Government. Alerts include both emergency and non-emergency announcements specific to areas where residents live, such as sandbag information, road closures, construction, public works projects, special events, and more.

Residents who live outside Lafayette Parish, but work in the parish, can opt-in to receive alerts as well.

Sign up at lafayettecityparish.bbcportal.com.

• NOAA Weather Radar Live

Real-time radar images and severe weather alerts

• Way to Geaux App

The app provides drivers with around the clock, real-time traffic notifications and road condition updates. Set your destination and the app will automatically send alerts to your smartphone while traveling on interstates, U.S., and state highways.

• Alert FM App

ALERT FM aggregates state and local emergency alerts and messages, including National Weather Service warnings, evacuation information, and homeland security notices.

• Red Cross Hurricane App

Monitor conditions, find help and let others know you are safe

STAY UP-TO-DATE DURING STORMS

During storms, stay up-to-date with road closures, curfews, sandbag information, etc., by visiting Lafayette Consolidated Government's website, www.lafayettela.gov, following Lafayette Consolidated Government's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/lafayetteconsolidatedgovernment, or by visiting the 311 Lafayette Portal, www.311lafayette.services.