Governor Edwards discussed preparations for this year's hurricane season.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Edwards went over preparedness basics for the public and discussed how COVID may impact hurricane season. May 1 kicked off Hurricane Preparedness Week.
Each year, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness hosts a Rehearsal of Concept drill in advance of the start of hurricane season. The Governor and cabinet officials spoke following this drill in the state’s Emergency Operations Center.
“While we always hope and pray for the best, when it comes to hurricane season, everyone in Louisiana should prepare for the worst,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “Each person and family should be reviewing their plans for what they will do and where they will go if their community is affected by a hurricane this year. We know some people are still in the process of rebuilding their homes following the previous two hurricane seasons, which may mean their evacuation plans need to change, unfortunately. In addition, all Louisianans are affected by COVID. While the current risk level in Louisiana and hospitalizations are both low, it’s important that people get up-to-date with their COVID vaccinations so that they are better protected if they must evacuate or host others because of a storm.”
“This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week. It’s a time when we ask everyone to review their personal emergency plans, insurance coverage and restock their emergency supplies,” said GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle. “We hope you stay weather aware if we face a tropical threat and develop a communications plan with family members and co-workers before any storm approaches the state. The steps you take now could keep you and your family safe and speed up recovery after a storm. Find more preparedness information at GetAGamePlan.org [gov.louisiana.gov].”
Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and runs through November 30.
Louisiana has experienced five hurricanes over the course of the past two seasons, including the two strongest to make landfall in Louisiana history. Forecasters from Colorado State University are predicting 19 named storms, of which they believe nine could become hurricanes and four could reach major hurricane strength, with sustained winds of 111 miles an hour or greater.
Louisianans can visit GetAGameplan.orgfor information about how to prepare for hurricane season.
National Hurricane Preparedness Week week is sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) before the June 1 start of the Atlantic hurricane season, the week raises awareness of the hazards posed by hurricanes. See more from FEMA here
See the press conference below:
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