NEWS & UPDATES

• FEMA Clean and Sanitize Assistance Available in Louisiana After Hurricane Francine
• Your FEMA Grant is Solely for Disaster Expenses; Use It Well and Wisely
• Mold Safety
  - If the moldy area is more than about 10 square feet (more than roughly a 3-foot-by-3-foot patch), consider hiring a mold remediation professional.
  
  - Protect Yourself: Always wear rubber gloves, goggles and boots when cleaning areas with mold. If you plan to be inside the building for a while or you plan to clean up mold, you should buy N95 masks (or a respirator with a higher protection level) at your local home supply store and wear one while in the building. Follow the instructions for using the mask. Personal protective equipment can increase your risk of heat-related illness. Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. People with breathing problems like asthma or who have weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy sites.
  
  - Household materials: For areas that have been exposed to water, such as in a flood, it is important to remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected. These include porous or rough surfaces such as carpet, drywall, upholstered furniture, mattresses, books or other paper products. Discard/remove, bag and throw out porous materials that have visible mold growth (i.e. ceiling tiles, leather, drywall, plaster, paneling, wood products, paper, carpet, padding, etc.).
  
  - Cleaning hard surfaces: To remove mold growth from hard surfaces scrub with soap and water, and dry completely.
  
  - To clean air ducts: You should consider having the air ducts in your home cleaned professionally if there is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced.
  
  - HVAC systems: Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be accessible for a visible inspection. Check with a heating and air specialist to show you any mold that might exist.
  
  - Fans and dehumidifiers: These can be used to remove excess moisture. Fans should be placed at a window or door to blow the air outwards rather than inwards, so not to spread the mold.
• Floodwater Safety
  

  Stay out of floodwaters. They can be contaminated with hazardous materials, sewage and harmful bacteria. Even if the water appears calm, it may be deeper or swifter than it seems, posing a serious risk to your safety. Never drive through flooded roadways — you do not know the road conditions beneath the water. Turn around, don’t drown.

  Watch out for fallen power lines. Call the electric company to report them.

  Follow evacuation orders promptly. Evacuating to higher ground reduces the chances of encountering floodwaters and ensures your safety. Monitor news updates and official instructions from local emergency management agencies.
  
  Practice personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating or preparing food, and after using the bathroom. If clean water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

  Prevent waterborne illnesses. Avoid swallowing or consuming floodwater, and use only clean bottled or boiled water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene. Boiling water for at least one minute or using water purification tablets or filters can help ensure its safety.

  Protect yourself during cleanup. Wear rubber gloves, waterproof boots and protective clothing to minimize contact with floodwater. Avoid injuries by using caution around debris, sharp objects and downed power lines.

  Avoid electrical hazards. Do not touch electrical equipment or outlets if you are standing in water or on a wet surface. If you suspect damage to electrical systems, contact a qualified electrician for inspection and repairs.

  Prevent mold growth. Dry out affected areas as soon as possible and remove any wet materials. Use fans, dehumidifiers and open windows to promote air circulation and aid in drying. If mold growth is extensive, seek professional help for remediation.

  Seek medical attention for injuries or illness. If you experience injuries, wounds or signs of illness after exposure to floodwater, seek medical attention promptly. Inform healthcare providers about your exposure to floodwaters to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment.

  Take care of mental health. Flooding and the aftermath of a hurricane can be distressing. It is important to prioritize your mental health and seek support if needed. Connect with family, friends or local support services to talk about your experiences and emotions.

  Stay updated and informed. Pay attention to your local news, radio and official sources for
  updated information on safety instructions, road closures and recovery efforts. Follow guidance from the Louisiana Department of Health, local authorities, CDC and FEMA for the latest recommendations.

• How HOMEOWNERS/RENTERS can obtain RELIEF after a disaster
• White House Approves Governor Landry’s Request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Louisiana
• Beware of Contractor Scams

  "Beware of contractor scams. Only hire licensed, insured contractors to make repairs, and always check references. Scammers often target vulnerable homeowners after disasters, so take your time to make informed decisions."

  After a storm, it is imperative that you use a licensed arborist to cut or remove downed trees around your property because they are trained and must maintain liability insurance. Hiring a licensed arborist protects you. Ask to see a license issued by LDAF before allowing any work to be done on your property. Also, be sure to get a written estimate and never pay for the job upfront.

  Refer to the LDAF website (https://www.ldaf.la.gov/licensing-permits) or the LDAF Business App for mobile devices to verify the current license status of an arborist. The app, called LDAF Business Search, may be downloaded for free at the iTunes and Google Play stores.

• LDH - Be Aware of Hazards During Cleanup

  Even once a storm has passed, you are STILL at risk for injury or illness.

  ⚠️Be sure you are up-to-date on your tetanus shot, as getting a tetanus shot before an injury is ideal. For those with an injury or wound who have not had a tetanus shot in more than five years, you should get a tetanus shot within 48 hours of an injury.

  ⚠️ Identify which jobs need to be done by professionals, including any jobs that require climbing.

  ⚠️Wear sturdy gloves, boots, and protective clothing when handling debris.

  ⚠️Stay away from potentially contaminated standing water, and if you do come into contact, wash thoroughly with soap and clean water.

  ⚠️Promptly dry out, ventilate and clean any water-damaged areas or materials to prevent mold growth.

  ⚠️Seek professional assistance with removing mold from your home and HVAC system.

  ⚠️Be cautious of wildlife. If you encounter injured or distressed wildlife, contact local animal control or wildlife agencies.

• American Red Cross - Hot Meal Locations 9/13/2024
• Louisiana VOAD - Crisis Cleanup

  Crisis Cleanup is activated for Hurricane Francine so if you know of someone needing assistance with debris cleanup, gutting, downed trees, or tarping please have them call the hotline at 800-451-1954 to register. Services are not guaranteed but are provided by voluntary agencies free of charge.

• Louisiana 988

  Need emergency emotional support?

  Call, text or chat online to connect to a 988 specialist who can help. 988 specialists provide free, confidential support 24/7. https://louisiana988.org/

• FEMA - Protect Yourself and Loves Ones While Your Power is Out

  Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages.

• Safety Tips During Power Restoration
• Terrebonne, Lafourche cancel schools for Friday, set to resume Monday
• LDVA Offers Financial Assistance to Veterans in Wake of Hurricane Francine
• Statewide Disability Resources
• The Governor's Office of Disability Affairs - Francine Updates
• Hurricane Guidance Information
• Road Safety When Traffic Lights Are Out

  Remember the rules!

  When traffic signals are out, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.

  When all signals are flashing red, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.

  When signals on one side are flashing yellow and the signals on the other side are flashing red, yellow may proceed with caution while red stops and gives yellow the right-of-way. Please visit www.511la.org for the latest information.

• Help Prevent New Communication Outages While We Recover - Don't Cut The Fiber

  Download English Version

  Download Spanish Version

• FEMA Urges People Along the Gulf Coast to Remain Safe, Biden-Harris Administration Makes Emergency Federal Assistance Available to Louisiana 
• Louisiana State Fire Marshal - Generator Safety
• Stay Safe as Hurricane Francine Makes Landfall this Evening
• La. National Guard mobilized, ready for Hurricane Francine 
• President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Louisiana
• LDH Guide to Hurricanes
• Determine Your Risk

  Storm Surge – Storm Surge is water moving rapidly inland from the shore. It can damage buildings and sweep away vehicles.

  Fresh Water Flooding – Heavy rain can lead to additional widespread flooding.

  Damaging Winds – Hurricanes have sustained winds of at least 75 mph. The stronger the winds, the more damage they can inflict.

  Tornadoes – Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, causing additional wind damage to buildings and infrastructure.

• Flooding at Night

  Flooding at night poses a significant risk due to the difficulty of seeing rising water levels, hidden road damage, or strong currents. Driving or walking in flooded areas after dark can be extremely dangerous, as water may be deeper and moving faster than it appears. Avoid traveling at night in areas prone to flooding, and never attempt to cross flooded roads or walkways. Remember, "Turn around, don’t drown." It only takes a few inches of water to sweep away a vehicle or person.

• Severe Weather Possible Overnight - Prepare Before You Go to Bed

  Maintain multiple ways to receive alerts and warnings Know the safest part of your dwelling are essential to maintain you and your family's safe.

• Ways to Receive Weather Warnings

  Predictions of significant weather still remain active, especially throughout the night. Be sure to maintain charges to multiple devices to receive weather alerts AND be sure to get settled this evening as this weather at night is very dangerous.

• Registered Sex Offender Shelter

  Louisiana law and GOHSEP regulations prohibit sex offenders from evacuating to any shelter that also houses non-sex offender evacuees, or any shelter or lodging operated or funded by FEMA. A designated shelter has been established by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections for any actively registered sex offender in this state at the David Wade Correctional Facility in Claiborne Parish. All registered sex offenders must report any changes in their location or residence, even if temporarily, to the sheriff’s office where they reside AND where they are seeking shelter, if in a different parish than where they reside, per La. R.S. 15:542 et seq. In the event that an offender cannot reach their appropriate law enforcement agency to report such information, they may contact the State Police Sex Offender Registry Hotline at 1-800-858-0551 to leave a message. This is an unmonitored line and messages will not be retrieved until State Police offices are operational once again.

• Be Aware of Price Gouging! - Price Gouging Information

  The prices charged for goods or services sold cannot exceed the prices ordinarily charged for comparable goods or services in the same market area at - and immediately before - the state of emergency, unless:

  1. the price increases are attributable to verifiable regional or national market trends and fluctuations; or
  2. the price increases are attributable to additional supply costs.

  If someone believes price gouging is occurring, please call our Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-351-4889 or head to our website at www.aglizmurrill.com

• LDH Avoiding Risks: Important Tips for Using Generators at Home
• Louisiana State Police - Weather/Travel Advisory 

  LSP urges citizens to be PREPARE before you travel.   Check out these great tips to make sure you and your family stay safe and weather aware.   Citizens evacuating ahead of the storm should travel NORTH, not east or west.  Also check out www.511la.gov for DOTD latest on road closures and conditions.

• LSU AgCenter - Hurricane Food Preparation on Non Perishable, Shelf-Stable Foods

  LSU Ag Center has great tips on Hurricane Food Preparation on nonperishable, shelf-stable foods. Have at least 72 hours of food on hand. 

• Download the Red Cross Emergency App - Weather Alerts, Safety Tips, and Shelter Locations
• LDH Hurricane Checklist
• Grand Isle - Tropical Storm Francine Press Release