It’s Hurricane Season: Prepare Now!

PREPARE A SUPPLY KIT NOW

It’s hurricane season. No one want to hear the words …”has formed in the Gulf of Mexico”, but this is the time to prepare before a storm hits. Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expect an above-normal hurricane season, with up to 21 named storms and as many as 10 hurricanes. The time to prepare is now.

Preparing now will save time and anxiety later. Prepare needed supplies ahead of time for you and your family. Hurricane season ends November 30th

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

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.

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, homeland security notices.

Red Cross Hurricane App

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

SANDBAGS LOCATIONS OPEN YEAR ROUND

North District site at 400 N Dugas Road (located off North University Avenue)
Picard Park at 130 Park Drive

These locations are self-bagging; bring shovel and manpower.

Bags Per Household

Please limit sandbags to four bags per exterior door.
Maximum of 20 sandbags per household.

Please note that sand bag locations within all municipalities will be announced ahead of a storm.

HOW TO 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, www.facebook.com/lafayetteconsolidatedgovernment, or by visiting the 311 Lafayette Portal, www.311lafayette.services.

SOURCE: Lafayette Consolidated Government.

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