My deepest concerns are with those who have been impacted during this flood event.  Rest assured that I will be here every step of the way to ensure that all available federal resources will be deployed to the effected areas and assist in recovery efforts once the waters have receded.  I have already had the opportunity to speak with senior Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials, and have sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate requesting that he expedite any requests for public or individual assistance.  I have also invited Administrator Fugate to witness the devastation first hand.

All of that, however, is for another day.  Today is a day to ensure that all of our loved ones are safe and that they have shelter.  Governor Edwards has declared a State of Emergency in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Livingston, St. Helena, St. James, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, Lafayette, St. Martin and West Baton Rouge.  Federal, state and local officials are working together to ensure that those who need rescue are rescued.  FEMA has full confidence in the state’s initial response and plans moving forward.  Should you or someone you know need evacuation from an area, call the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at (225) 925-7500 and that office will coordinate a local response.

Here's what you can do to stay safe during a flood:

  ·   If flooding occurs, go to higher ground and avoid areas subject to flooding.

  ·   Do not attempt to walk across flowing streams or drive through flooded roadways.

  ·   If water rises in your home before you evacuate, go to the top floor, attic, or roof.

  ·   Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.

  ·   Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if advised to do so.

  ·   If you've come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.

The American Red Cross has opened shelters throughout the area for those who are unable to remain in their homes.  If you or someone you know is in immediate need of shelter, you can report to the locations listed below.  If possible, please bring toiletries, food, medicine and any necessary supplies.

East Baton Rouge Parish

  ·     Baker Civic Club - 2640 N. Magnolia Drive, Baker

  ·     BREC Park at Hamilton Avenue - 16200 Hamilton Ave., Baton Rouge

  ·     BREC Park at Flannery - 801 Flannery Road, Baton Rouge

  ·     Clinton Fire Station - 5567 Highway 67, Clinton

  ·     Fellowship Church - 9414 Plank Road, Clinton

  ·     Rock Church - 20810 Plank Road, Zachary

  ·     Zoar Baptist Church - 11848 Hooper Road, Central

Iberia Parish

  ·   Cyr-Gates Community Center - 300 Parkway Drive, New Iberia

Lafayette Parish

  ·   Heyman Center - 1373 S. College Road, Lafayette

Livingston Parish

  ·  Bethel Baptist Church - 2149 Circle Drive, Livingston

  ·  First United Methodist Church - 316 Centerville St. NW, Denham Springs

  ·  Riverside Baptist Church - 36890 Highway 16, Watson

St. Helena Parish

  ·  St. Helena High School - 14340 Highway 37, Greensburg

Tangipahoa Parish

  ·  Mike Kenny Center - 601 W. Coleman, Hammond

  ·  Amite Community Center - 101 W. Chestnut, Amite

  ·  Kentwood High School - 603 Ninth St., Kentwood

Vermillion Parish

  ·  Abbeville Boys and Girls Club - 301 A.A. Commix Memorial Dr., Lafayette

Washington Parish

  ·  Franklinton High School - 1 Demon Circle, Franklinton