Preparing for Tropical Storms
From the Red Cross of Louisiana Communications Director:
We are directing everyone to follow our social media, to stay up to date with their local media outlets, and of course to listen to emergency officials. If they need assistance, they should call 1-800-Red-Cross or can visit our website. They can also call their local Office of Emergency Preparedness if they need assistance or have questions.
Stephanie Wagner
Helpful links
Parish Emergency Numbers
Red Cross of Louisiana Facebook
Fort Johnson Red Cross Facebook
Red Cross of Louisiana Twitter
Monitor the weather:
The Weather Channel
KPLC TV, Lake Charles
KALB TV, Alexandria
If you experience issues with your on-post residence please contact: (866) 436-2047.
Know your area’s risk of hurricanes:
• Sign up for the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for emergency alerts.
• If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
• Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds, such as a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
• Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.
• Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route and shelter locations.
• Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
• Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. De-clutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies.
When a hurricane is 36 hours from arriving:
• Turn on your TV or radio to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
• Restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash and first aid supplies.
• Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media.
Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
• Review your evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations. Plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.
• Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
When a hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving:
• Bookmark your city, county and the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson website at www.home.army.mil/johnson for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
• Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
• 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 inch exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
When a hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving:
• Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county/JRTC website every 30 minutes to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
• Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
When a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving:
• If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
• Close storm shutters and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
• Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
• Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county/JRTC website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Survive during the storm:
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
• If sheltering during high winds, go to a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor that is not subject to flooding.
• If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater.
• Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors only and away from windows.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
Be safe after:
• Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
• Be careful during cleanup. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
Fort Johnson is a StormReady community, which means it is prepared for severe storms. For more information on surviving hurricanes visit www.Ready.gov.
Click here for a downloadable and printable hurricane tracking map from the National Hurricane Center.
