Filed Under:  Environmental, Gulf Coast, Local, News, Regional, State, Top News

Louisianians urged to prepare as TS Isaac coasts into Gulf

27th August 2012   ·   0 Comments

After declaring a State of Emergency for Louisiana Sunday, August 26, Gov. Bobby Jindal is urging Louisianians to prepare for Tropical Storm Isaac and encouraging voluntary evacuations for those residing in parishes in the hurricane watch zone that are in low lying areas, areas South of the Intracoastal Waterway and areas outside of levee protection.

As TS Isaac continues its westward track, a hurricane watch remains in effect for 15 Louisiana parishes including Orleans, St. Bernard, Jefferson, Plaquemines and St. Tammany.

Graphic courtesy of National Hurricane Center at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

“Tropical Storm Isaac continues to track westward and a hurricane watch is in effect,” Jindal said. “This includes the New Orleans metro area and the parishes adjacent to Lake Pontchartrain.”

According to the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to reach hurricane strength with current forecasts showing it will become a Category 1.

“We are encouraging everyone to get prepared now to ensure that you have an evacuation plan in place, plenty of water, non-perishable food items, hygiene supplies, sufficient clothing, and any prescription medications you or your family may need in the event of the storm,” said Jindal.

Residents are also urged to stay alert and monitor local weather conditions, as well as news regarding calls for evacuation and evacuation routes.

Parishes in the Hurricane Watch area include Orleans, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. Charles, Lafourche, Terrebonne, Assumption, St. James, St. John, Ascension, Livingston, Tangipahoa, St. Tammany and Washington parishes. State of Emergency has been declared by Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Charles parishes.

Residents should make they are prepared and have stocked up on emergency items including:

  • Flashlights
  • Extra batteries
  • Bottled water (At least three gallons of water per person)
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Battery-powered lantern
  • First aid kit and essential medications-prescription medications and list of medications for each person
  • Form of Identification
  • Evacuation route maps (Official Louisiana Hurricane Survival Guide)
  • Canned food and non-electric can opener
  • Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members

More emergency preparedness information can be found at www.getagameplan.org or www.ready.gov. Sign up for local updates and alerts about TS Isaac and other area emergencies at http://new.nola.gov/ready.

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