As I write this blog, South Louisiana is receiving upwards of 8 inches of rain, with more on the way. While that may not seem like much to some folks, especially those in drought stricken regions of the US, we Lafourche parish residents know that much rain falling as quickly as it is today can cause damage to property and sadly even lives. However, there are precautions you can take beforehand to ease the potential threats posed by the weather of South Louisiana.
One of the easiest things you can do is make sure you home and flood insurance is up to date and legally sound. The Louisiana Department of Insurance and the office of commissioner Jim Donelon have the most accurate information about what you need legally, as well as what you need to keep you and your family safe in the event of a weather-related disaster. You can access their webpage at www.ldi.la.gov.
Another useful website is FEMA.gov. This federally run agency provides citizen with tips for storm preparedness (any storm) as well as vital information for after a storm passes.
If you are a social media junky, some great Facebook and Twitter handles to follow include The National Weather Service New Olreans (@NWSNewOlreans), Lafourche Parish Government (@LafourcheGov), Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office (@LafourcheSO), and the Lafourche Parish Library’s accounts (@LafourcheLib). The library often retweets and shares information from these sites.
Finally, as we approach the most active portion of Hurricane Season, Lafourche Parish Government is asking all residents who need assistance with evacuation or actual transport during an evacuation to call and place their names on a list. You can reach ANN at 985-532-8174.
It is important that you not only stay weather aware during a storm or severe weather situation, but that you are prepared beforehand. For information and help finding the right source to keep you prepared, stop by any parish library. Speak with our librarians so we can help you find information, use our computers to do some research yourself, and utilize our fax, copier, and print services to make sure all your records are in order.
We are here for you!