Earlier this month the World Meteorological Organization retired the names of Gustav and Ike, the back-to back storms that wreaked havoc on Louisiana last year. The fact that our state was hit twice within a matter of weeks truly made the 2008 hurricane season one for the record books.

Early forecasts predict this year’s hurricane season, beginning June 1 and lasting through November 30, might be calmer than originally expected. Renowned hurricane forecast predictors Philip Klotzbach and Professor William Gray of the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project foresee average activity for the 2009 hurricane season. They anticipate twelve named storms and six hurricanes, with two of the six hurricanes becoming major hurricanes.

Their earlier predictions in December called for 14 named storms, twelve hurricanes and three major hurricanes. The adjustments to the original forecast were caused by cooler water in the Atlantic and a weaker El Niño weather pattern.

That being said, Sheriff Wagner reminds residents, “It only takes one storm to have a bad season. With our close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, it’s important that we keep vigilant this hurricane season. Knowing your vulnerability and the proper actions to take can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.”

The week of May 24-30, 2009 has been declared Hurricane Preparedness Week by the National Hurricane Center. Sheriff Wagner joins the National Hurricane Center in urging Louisiana residents to make hurricane emergency preparedness a priority this hurricane season.

“With the 2009 hurricane season upon us, the most important thing to do is to get you, your family, and your home ‘hurricane ready.’ Start early. Start now.”

Prepare yourself and your family for any situation by assembling and maintaining a Disaster Supply Kit. Your Disaster Supply Kit should include:

  • Can Opener
  • Three Day Supply of Non-Perishable Food
  • Bedding or Sleeping Bags
  • Fire Extinguisher (small canister ABC type)
  • Bleach (no lemon or other additives)
  • Mosquito Repellent
  • First Aid Kit
  • Water (One gallon per person per day)
  • Eating Utensils
  • Tarp, Rope, and Duct Tape
  • Toiletries
  • Toilet Paper
  • Battery-Operated Radio
  • Flashlights
  • Extra Batteries
  • Extra Keys
  • Sunglasses
  • Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person

    Special Items--Remember family members with special needs such as infants, elderly and disabled persons, and pets.

    For Baby —Formula, diapers, wipes bottles, powdered milk and medications.

    For Adults —Heart and high blood pressure medication, Insulin, prescription drugs, denture needs, contact lenses and supplies and extra eye glasses.

    For Pets —ID tag, photo of pet for identification purposes, weeks supply of food, medications, veterinarian’s phone number. Do not leave your pet behind. Transport pets in secure pet carriers and keep pets on leashes. Most emergency shelters do not admit pets. Check with hotels in safe locations and ask if you can bring your pet. Call family, friends and boarding kennels in a safe location to arrange care if you and your pet cannot stay together.

    Entertainment —Books for adult readers and for children, board games and/or other games that do not require batteries or electricity.

    Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

  • Inventory of valuable household goods and important telephone numbers
  • Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
  • Important Papers including Insurance, Account Numbers, Money, Checks or Credit Cards
  • Name, Address and Telephone Number of your selected Out-of-Area Contact Person

    Finally, Sheriff Wagner said, “Time is on your side right now. Take advantage of it. Get ‘hurricane ready.’ Call the Sheriff’s Office if you need further information. We’re here to help you. Don’t get caught unprepared in the rush of a hurricane warning. Act now; you’ll be glad you did.”


    On the Net
    http://tropical.atmos.colostate.edu/
    http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/hurricanerelated/hurricaneindex.htm
    http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml






    © 2010 by The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office. All rights reserved.

    		•