(Washington, DC) – Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D., (R-South Louisiana) issued the following statement as Tropical Storm Isaac continues moving closer toward South Louisiana:

“As Tropical Storm Isaac churns in the Gulf of Mexico making its way toward South Louisiana, I strongly urge all residents of South Louisiana to take the necessary safety precautions to protect their loved ones and properties. While Isaac has not yet attained hurricane status, it is likely to develop hurricane force winds by the time it reaches land as early as Tuesday.

“Please make sure to listen for updates from the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness, the National Weather Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Making preparations now and planning for the storm could make all the difference during natural disasters like this.”

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For more information and resources on hurricanes, please visit the website for the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness. If you have an emergency, please call your local 911 emergency line. If you need to contact your local Office of Emergency Preparedness Center, you can look up the number here.  Additional resources may be found here.

Below are a few things to keep in mind when planning for a hurricane. 

 Collect and prepare supplies:

·         Important items to pack include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, medicines, non-perishable food, manual can opener, utility knife and first aid supplies. 

·         Copy and store in a waterproof bag your important documents such as medical records, contracts, deeds, leases, banking records, insurance records and birth certificates. 

·         Keep your vehicle fueled and pack some cash and a credit card. Gas pumps and ATMs may not be working. 

Develop a family plan:

·         Have confirmed hotel reservations, make arrangements to stay with your friends and family or know where your nearest shelter is located.

·         If your household includes a person with a disability, take special steps to assist them. Remember their medications and travel requirements as you make your plan to evacuate.

·         Pets also require special handling. They may become agitated during the onset of a storm, so a pet carrier is a must when you travel. Know where you will board your pet if there is not room where you are going.

After a storm, it is important to take certain precautions before returning back to your home or cleaning up after a storm:

If you and your family have not yet returned home, or you know someone who is returning home soon, please keep the following tips in mind:

·         Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.

·         Use telephone only for emergency calls. Keep phone lines open.

·         Wear protective shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirts and gloves to protect you from sharp edges and other hazards.

·         Avoid loose or dangling power lines, reporting them immediately to the power company, police or fire department.

·         Before entering, check the outside of your home for damage such as cracks in the foundation or broken utilities that make it too dangerous to enter.

·         Enter your home with caution. Look for sagging in the ceiling that may indicate water trapped there. Check for loose flooring.

·         Smell for gas. If you detect a natural gas or propane odor or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and contact the fire department or utility company.

·         Avoid using sinks, showers and toilets if you suspect sewage lines are damaged.

·         Beware of snakes, insects or animals driven to higher ground by floodwater.

·         Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.

·         Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to floodwaters and mud, including canned goods, capped bottles and sealed containers. When in doubt, throw it out.

·         Take pictures of the damage to the house and its contents for insurance claims.