Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) urge all Louisiana residents to have a family disaster plan this hurricane season and be ready when severe weather approaches.
Everyone, including residents of any travel trailer or mobile home, should closely monitor and heed the warnings of state and local emergency officials when severe weather threatens.  Know what to do and be ready to leave when an evacuation order is given, and leave the trailer behind.
Mike Hall, the pre-designated Federal Coordinating Officer for the Louisiana Warm Cell hurricane planning team in Baton Rouge said, “Travel trailers and mobile homes are not as heavy and stable as permanent houses and are more vulnerable during severe weather. FEMA housing units are intended to provide temporary housing, and in the case of approaching severe weather, should not be moved from their assigned locations.”
GOHSEP director, Mark Cooper, reminds fellow Louisianans, “We’re in the midst of an already active hurricane season and residents of temporary housing units are advised to be sure they know what to do when severe weather is on the way.  There is no substitute for individual preparedness when it comes to your safety and that of your familiy.”
FEMA has distributed weather radios to those residents still residing in travel trailers, so that during a weather emergency, they can access the most up-to-date information. If a severe weather warning is issued and local officials advise evacuation, residents should carry out their family’s disaster plan. This should include gathering belongings and emergency supply kits, locking the unit’s doors and windows, closing valves on propane tanks, turning off the electricity at the connection box and evacuating—preferably to a pre-determined destination.
Here is a sampling of things to do to be aware and stay prepared:
- Pack important items including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, medicines, non-perishable food, manual can opener, utility knife and first aid supplies.
- Copy and store, in a waterproof bag, your important documents such as medical records, contracts, deeds, leases, banking records, insurance records and birth certificates.
-  Secure your unit, shut off the gas and leave your trailer in place.
- Keep your vehicle fueled and pack some cash and a credit card. Gas pumps and ATMs may not be working.
- Know where you are going. Have confirmed hotel reservations, make arrangements to stay with your friends and family or know where your nearest shelter is located.
- If your household includes a person with a disability, you may need to take special steps to assist them. Remember their medications and travel requirements as you make your plan to evacuate.
- Know where you will board your pet if there is not room where you are going.  They sometimes become agitated during the onset of a storm, so a pet carrier is a must when you travel.
For more information on local hurricane preparedness, visit the State of Louisiana’s website at www.getagameplan.org.
FEMA’s website,  www.fema.gov , also features a series of links that provide information about what to do when severe weather approaches. Homeland Security’s www.ready.gov website is another valuable resource when preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm.
FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.