Authorities: Now’s the time to prepare for storm

With forecasters predicting over a dozen storms that will become a threat to land as the 2010 hurricane season nears, local law enforcement emphasizes the need for residents to prepare early.

This week has been declared Hurricane Preparedness Week by the National Hurricane Center, and Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois of Terrebonne Parish stresses making hurricane preparations are priority.

“As always, the hurricane season in Louisiana is a time for vigilance, but with notice of an even more active season, we all need to take even more precautions,” Bourgeois said.

These precautions will inevitably combat the possible 16 to 18 named storms predicted by Accuweather’s meteorologists. Fifteen of these storms would likely develop in the western Atlantic or Gulf Coast of Mexico. Accuweather’s Chief Long-Range Meteorologist, Joe Bastardi, predicts seven landfalls – five of which will become hurricanes.

“With hurricane season upon us, the most important thing to do is to get you, your family, and your home ‘hurricane ready,'” Bourgeois said. “Start early, start now.”

In order to inspire residents to jumpstart their hurricane preparations, the 2010 Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will take place on Saturday and Sunday. This exemption from sales tax will allow shoppers to purchase emergency supplies free from the four-percent Louisiana state sales tax.

Some of these items include self-powered life sources, such as flashlights and candles; portable self-powered radios; tarpaulins or other waterproof sheeting; ground anchor systems; various batteries; cellular phone batteries and chargers; non-electric food storage coolers; portable generators; storm shutter devices and carbon monoxide detectors.

“Preparation and planning are key elements in protecting lives and staying safe,” Bourgeois said.

In addition to these emergency supplies, law enforcement officials also advise residents to create a Disaster Supply Kit. The kit should include: a can opener, three-day supply of non-perishable food, bedding or sleeping bags, fire extinguisher, bleach, mosquito repellent, first aid kit, water, eating utensils, tarp, rope, duct tape, toiletries, battery-operated radio, flashlights, batteries, extra keys, sunglasses and change of clothes.

“Don’t get caught unprepared in the rush of a hurricane warning,” Bourgeois said. “Act now; you’ll be glad you did.”

Early storm preparation is critical as the 2010 hurricane season begins June 1. Local authorities are urging residents to begin gathering supplies and developing evacuation plans. * File photo / Tri-Parish Times