Storm preparedness: Better safe than sorry

The American Press

<p class="indent">With Tropical Storm Gordon slowly making its way down the Gulf Coast, we thought this would be a good time to remind our readers that it’s never too early to get a storm game plan ready.

<p class="indent">The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storm, which made landfall Monday near Key West, Fla., is expected to reach coastal Mississippi and Louisiana later today.

<p class="indent">As of Monday afternoon the storm was lashing South Florida with high winds and heavy rains as it moved west-northwest at 16 mph. In Tallahassee, city officials offered sandbags to help homeowners prepare for potential flooding, and red flags flew over Pensacola-area beaches, where swimming and wading in the Gulf of Mexico was prohibited.

<p class="indent">At a news conference Monday afternoon, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell urged residents within the levy protection area to stock up on supplies and shelter in place.

<p class="indent">She also issued a voluntary evacuation order for residents outside the levy protection system, including the Venetian Isles, Lake Saint Catherine and Irish Bayou areas. Grand Isle also issued a voluntary evacuation order.

<p class="indent">Should the storm make its way to Southwest Louisiana, here are some helpful preparation tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

<p class="indent">• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

<p class="indent">• Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.

<p class="indent">• Make plans to secure your property:

<p class="indent">• Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.

<p class="indent">• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.

<p class="indent">• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.

<p class="indent">• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

<p class="indent">• Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.

<p class="indent">• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

<p class="indent">When the inevitable does strike, it’s best to be as prepared as possible.

<hr />

This editorial was written by a member of the <em>American Press</em> Editorial Board. Its content reflects the collaborative opinion of the Board, whose members include <strong>Crystal Stevenson</strong>, <strong>John Guidroz</strong>, retired editor <strong>Jim Beam</strong> and retired staff writer <strong>Mike Jones</strong>.””Storm Prep

SportsPlus

life

McNeese president’s honor list announced for fall 2024 semester

McNeese Sports

Selling a winning pitch

Local News

House committee address citizen concerns over carbon sequestration in Louisiana

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Don’t worry. Trump is fixer

Local News

Mayor talks progress, what’s ahead for the city

Local News

EMS Academy, Acadian Ambulance will be offering EMT classes in LC

Local News

City Council candidates for District C state their views

Local News

Capstone at the Oaks senior living complex nearing completion

Local News

FBI says it found 2,400 new JFK assassination records

McNeese Sports

Baseball Preview: Putting pieces in place

McNeese Sports

Shumate rallies Cowboys by ETAM

Business

Trump raises tariffs on aluminum and steel to 25%

Crime

Sheriff issues warrant for Texas man accused of theft

Local News

Parish facility management team strengthening building infrastructure

Crime

LC woman killed in crash with intoxicated driver

Local News

If FEMA didn’t exist, could states handle the disaster response alone?

life

Program uses locally grown produce to help students with healthier eating habits

Crime

2/10: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

Local News

Eagles deny Chiefs a three-peat

Local News

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state

Business

Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

Local News

Crime & punishment: Amendment would allow more juveniles to be tried as adults

Local News

Guest commentary: Executive orders pivot US energy workers from defense to offense