[StBernard] HURRICANE SEASON IS APPROACHING - RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO HAVE A PERSONAL PLAN

[Westley Annis]

HURRICANE SEASON IS APPROACHING - HAVE A PERSONAL PLAN 

Storm Season Sales Tax Holiday is May 24th and 25th

 

With the start of Hurricane Season just a few weeks away Parish President
David Peralta is urging residents have a personal plan.   Hurricane Season
runs from June 1st thru November 30th and the parish has no shelter of last
resort so residents should identify a safe place to go in the event of a
storm.  Here are a few tips to follow:

Personal Readiness

*	Keep trees and shrubs trimmed.  
*	Clear drains, gutters and downspouts of debris to prevent drains
from breaking during heavy rains and water flooding into your home. 
*	Extend and re-direct the downspouts close to your home to move the
water away. 
*	If storms are forecast, secure lawn furniture and other objects that
could be moved by strong winds. 
*	Put together an emergency kit with a flashlight, batteries, radio,
first aid supplies, basic tools, and extra car keys.  
*	Take Inventory of your valuables, including approximate value and
date purchased. Pictures or videos are great. Go to
http://www.getagameplan.org/ for more formation.
*	Take photos and important documents with you such as mortgage and
insurance papers.  
*	Add your insurance company's claims number to contacts on your cell
phone. 
*	Read and understand your homeowner and auto insurance policies,
especially your deductibles. Talk to an agent to make sure you have the
appropriate amount of insurance coverage to protect what matters most to
you. 

President Peralta is asking residents to sign up for FIRSTCALL Alert System
where they would receive notification of severe weather alerts and other
emergencies.  Residents can register by phone at (504) 278-4268 or online at
www.sbpg.net <http://www.sbpg.net/> .  Residents who need assistance with
evacuating should contact the Office of Homeland Security at (504) 278-4268
or (504) 278-4322.   

There will be a joint press conference on Friday, May 30th at 10:00 a.m. at
the Port of New Orleans.  President Peralta and presidents from Jefferson,
St. Charles and Plaquemines, as well as Mayor Landrieu and other state
agencies will participate in the press conference.