Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD (R-Southwest Louisiana), today urged Louisiana residents to prepare for possible flooding from the Mississippi River. Forecasters warn rising river levels could top the levees in some of the worst flooding in decades.

“Our state is prepared for the worst, but I ask residents across Coastal Louisiana to remain vigilant,” Boustany said. “The vast network of levees, control structures, and floodgates has proven effective for our region of the state in the past. However, experts are predicting river levels to crest in mid to late May, so I ask everyone to be cautious and prepared in advance.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released the following information to stay safe in the event of flooding:

• Listen to local radio or TV stations for the latest emergency weather information.
• Always follow the instructions of state and local officials, evacuate immediately if advised to do so, and always heed road closure warnings.
• Never drive through floodwaters.
• Make plans with your family before flooding begins; create an evacuation plan and arrange a location to meet outside the immediate area.
• Keep an emergency kit on hand with supplies you may need such as non-perishable food, medicine, maps, a flashlight, and first-aid kit.
• For more flood preparedness information see FEMA’s Ready.gov website at http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/floods.html

Residents can also contact the following agencies for assistance:

·         Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness http://gohsep.la.gov/ (225) 925-7500

·         FEMA: www.fema.gov

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