Hurricane season runs June 1 - November 30 and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) are reminding area citizens to get ready by having a plan of action and supplies.

Hurricane Preparedness Week in SWLA starts the week of May 24 - May 30 and encourages residents to get ready early and create their family plan, put together an emergency disaster kit and stock up on non-perishable food items prior to the season kick-off.
 
One good way to make sure your up-to-date on local and surrounding area weather alerts, is to sign-up for CalcaShout at www.cppj.net/calcashout.  You can get local SWLA emergency alerts on your phone or email and the service is free.  Plus, in case you have to evacuate or re-locate it allows you to designate an alternate phone number or email address where news can be sent during an emergency.  If you have no internet access sign-up for CalcaShout by calling the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 337-721-3800.
 
Director of OHSEP, Dick Gremillion says, “We need to be constantly prepared and ready for hurricanes and other disasters.  We live in an area with a variety of potential hazards so we recommend getting plans in place.  Hurricane Preparedness week is a good time to create plans or update them.”
In case there's a shelter in place or you and your family have to evacuate, the Governor’s Office suggests the following preparations:
 
  • A three to five day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil
  • One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person
  • A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications
  • Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
  • An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler’s checks
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
  • An extra pair of glasses
  • Important family documents in a portable, waterproof container
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food and extra water
You more info about the Louisiana's program, “Get a Game Plan” at www.getagameplan.org and learn more about the different alert systems available in Calcasieu Parish at www.cppj.net/hurricaneseason.

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