Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) is reminding Lafayette Parish residents to be prepared now that the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season is officially underway.
LCG is encouraging residents to consider picking up sandbags at the parish sandbag stations which are open year-round.
“If you get them before hurricane season, demand is low, but when a storm is imminent, wait times can be more significant," said Traffic, Roads and Bridges Director Warren Abadie. "Also, having sandbags on hand early allows time to prepare your home in other ways should a hurricane or flood event approach.”
SANDBAG LOCATIONS
Lafayette
- North District site at 400 N Dugas Road (located off North University Avenue)
- South District site at 1017 Fortune Road in Youngsville.
(Both sites are open during daylight hours.)
LCG says bags and sand are available at no cost to residents and that both sites are self-bagging. Residents must bring their own shovel and manpower.
MUNICIPALITY SANDBAG LOCATIONS
Broussard
- 310 E. Main Street (behind City Hall)Deer Meadow Subdivision (corner of Deer Meadow Boulevard and Myette Point Street)
LCG says proof of residency required and both stations are self-bagging. Residents must bring their own shovel and manpower.
Carencro
- Community Center, 5115 N. University Avenue
Sand and bags are located behind the Community Center and a proof of residency is required. The site is self-bagging and residents must bring their own shovel and manpower.
Duson
- Call Duson Town Hall at (337) 873-6754.
Scott
- Sandbags are available when predicted heavy rainfall has the potential to be a flooding event.
Youngsville
- South District site at 1017 Fortune Road
BAGS PER HOUSEHOLD
- Please limit sandbags to four bags per exterior door.
- Maximum of 20 sandbags per household.
- Store sandbags away from direct sunlight.
- After initial use, store sandbags to use throughout the storm season.
TIPS TO PROTECT PROPERTY IN THE EVENT OF EXTENDED HEAVY RAINFALL
- To reduce flood damage, clear debris from ditches and culverts near your home. Common causes of blockage include trash can lids, buckets, balls, and yard waste (grass, leaves, tree limbs).
LCG says that while drainage crews regularly maintain ditches, culverts and coulees, sometimes loose items on properties unintentionally end up blocking drainage.
“Our crews cover a large area, and we will always respond to requests for blockage removal when called upon," said Director of Drainage Brian Smith. "But assistance from residents to reduce flooding in neighborhoods is appreciated.”
- While clearing debris can help reduce flooding, it should be expected an unusual amount of heavy rain or flash flooding can overwhelm drains and drainage channels, causing them to reach capacity and temporarily flood roads and adjacent properties.
DANGERS OF DRIVING THROUGH FLOOD WATERS
- Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.
- One foot of rushing water can carry away most cars.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.
- HEED THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SLOGAN: TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!
- Do not drive through or walk through flood waters; stay off roadways until all water recedes.
- Pay attention to barricades. Signs and barricades indicate flooding is ahead. Use an alternate route.
To see more from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Hurricane Center on the latest tropical developments, click here.
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