If you live in a coastal area that is NOT in a hurricane evacuation zone, it is important to make plans for surviving without electricity for a week or more, according to state and federal emergency management officials. Most serious storms will knock out electricity and scatter debris across widespread areas. Trees and power lines will be down.
Once the storm has passed, it can be three or more days before supplies of food, water and ice can be moved to distribution areas. Depending on storm damage, it may take much longer to restore electric power. Retail stores cannot re-open until roads are cleared and electric power restored.
Make sure you have AT LEAST three days supply of food, water, medications and other necessities. These supplies should be in containers that are water proof and easy to carry. This preparation will serve you well in any disaster or emergency.
Restoring electricity neighborhood by neighborhood may take days or even weeks. It is crucial for coastal residents to learn about preparedness for hurricanes and tropical storms and to make emergency plans now. Any time there is a storm in the Gulf of Mexico, residents of coastal and inland counties should monitor radio and TV broadcasts and listen for instructions from local officials.
Louisianans everywhere would do well to monitor weather reports when a storm is in the Gulf. A hurricane evacuation will result in heavy traffic on Louisiana highways and increased demand for hotel and motel rooms in cities throughout the state. Hurricanes can cause severe flooding and tornadoes miles away from the coast.
For more information, go to :
Get A Game Plan Web page: www.GetAGamePlan.org
FEMA Hurricane Preparedness Web page: www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_season09.shtm
Denton, TX —
