As Remnants of Tropical Depression Five Move Toward Louisiana, State Prepares for Possible Severe Weather and Flooding

PRESS RELEASE

Baton Rouge (August 16, 2010) - The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is monitoring possible severe weather associated with the remnants of Tropical Depression 5, which currently is moving westward through the Gulf of Mexico and heading toward southeast Louisiana.

The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting heavy rainfall through Wednesday. Some parishes could receive up to eight inches of rain and should prepare for possible flooding. The ground is saturated in many areas because of heavy rain in recent days. The NWS has issued a Coastal Flood Watch and a Flash Flood Watch for parts of coastal and central Louisiana.

GOHSEP's Crisis Action team will continue to monitor the severe weather and stay in close contact with local governments. GOHSEP also has personnel in impacted parishes to provide support. Governor Jindal declared a State of Emergency on August 10, 2010, the first time Tropical Depression 5 was projected to impact Louisiana. This declaration remains in effect.

"It is imperative that Louisiana residents be ready in the event that flooding impacts their communities," said GOHSEP Director Mark Cooper. "We are in the most active part of hurricane season and this severe weather is an example of how a storm system can dissipate and then resurrect itself and quickly affect our state. This is why all families need a plan for protecting themselves when severe weather strikes."

The state offers the following safety tips for areas affected by flooding:

Do Not Walk through Flowing Water: Drowning deaths can occur during flash floods. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a pole or stick to make sure you are walking on ground if you must walk through flood water that is not flowing.
Do Not Drive through a Flooded Area: Do not drive around road barriers; a road or bridge may be washed out.
Stay Away from Power Lines and Electrical Wires: Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your utility company or local emergency manager.

IMPORTANCE OF BEING PREPARED

Throughout any tropical storm or hurricane, public information will be released through GOHSEP and the state Joint Information Center. A list of hurricane supplies, evacuation information and other critical information can be found on the www.getagameplan.org website.

Preparedness kits include:

A three to five day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil
One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person
A first aid kit that includes prescription medications
Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks
Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
And, important family documents in a waterproof container.

For more information related to the oil spill, visit http://www.emergency.louisiana.gov. Connect with us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GOHSEP and on Twitter as @GOHSEP at http://www.twitter.com/GOHSEP. View photos from the state's response efforts at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lagohsep.

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