PRESS RELEASE

Plan ahead, fuel up as you evacuate for Gustav
BATON ROUGE, La. (August 30, 2008) – As evacuations begin, Governor Bobby Jindal is urging travelers to be prepared by filling up their vehicles with gasoline as soon as possible and packing necessary supplies.

Hurricane Gustav is a major hurricane, with tropical storm force winds expected to be felt on Louisiana’s coast as early as Sunday evening. State, federal and local officials are preparing for landfall anywhere along the Louisiana coast.

For the latest information related to Hurricane Gustav, visit emergency.louisiana.gov.

Also, with the additional traffic on the road, it is important that people traveling have enough gasoline to get to their destination. There is a possibility that there will be temporary gas shortages as the volume of travelers increase. State and federal agencies are making every effort to increase the volume of fuel available.

To help ensure adequate supplies of vehicle fuel before and after the storm, the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) sought and received a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relaxing federal restrictions on the types of gas that can be processed and sold in the state. While the EPA waiver will help to alleviate fuel supply shortages at gas stations, the best way for citizens to make sure they have enough gas to get themselves out of harm's way is to fill up now.

When evacuating, residents should bring the following supplies with them:

• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Bottled water (At least three gallons of water per person)
• Battery-powered radio
• First aid kit and essential medications-prescription medications and list of medications for each person
• Evacuation route maps – see http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/
• Canned food and non-electric can opener
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
• Utility knife, shut off wrench, and pliers
• Tape
• Personal items
• Plastic garbage bag and ties
• Pet food
• Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes, footwear and a sleeping bag or bedroll
  and pillow for each household member

Important papers to take with you in a portable, waterproof container:

• Driver's license or personal identification
• Social Security card
• Proof of residence (deed or lease)
• Insurance policies
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Stocks, bonds and other negotiable certificates
• Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns

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