Gov. John Bel Edwards encouraged Louisianans Wednesday to start preparing for this year’s hurricane seasons. Louisiana is expected to experience another active year.
Edwards’ cabinet members highlighted the importance of generator safety and sheltering while urging the public to take action to ensure they are prepared. Southeast Louisiana will enter the season with the painful memories of Hurricane Ida last year, which was one of the most powerful storms to hit the state.
Hurricane season starts June 1 and ends November 30,
Edwards said at a conference that the state should not be left in charge. “Quite frankly, we cannot go out and ensure that you have your supplies on-hand, that your plan has been formulated, and that you are prepared for any natural disaster.
Benjamin Schott, National Weather Service meteorologist said that this season is expected see an above-normal amount of activity. The effects of La Nia are still being felt in the Pacific Ocean, which suggests that storm activity will be higher in the Atlantic Ocean.
Schott stated, “In the end there could 10, 20, or however many storms being formed.” “But unfortunately, as the past two years have shown, it only takes one.”
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Residents were reminded by Fire Marshall Butch Browning to practice generator safety to avoid burns or carbon monoxide poisoning.
He stated that “we have some major concerns about the dangers from carbon monoxide.”
Portable generators should be used outdoors and kept at least 20 feet from your home. To prevent carbon monoxide leaking into your home, they should not be placed near cracks or openings. To prevent gas leaks and possibly burning yourself, they need to cool off for 20 minutes before being refueled.
In-home generators have been known to cause carbon monoxide poisoning in past. Browning requested that those who use them be inspected to ensure they are properly installed and maintained to avoid leakage.
Marketa Walters is the secretary of the state Department of Children and Family Services. She advised residents to plan where they can shelter and how they will get there. She advised residents to check if their shelter is available, as they are usually open earlier than state shelters.
Walters stated, “All disasters start locally.” “Your first stop is your local emergency preparedness officer.”
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