Tuesday, June 7
June 7, 2011
Economic life of LA1 businesses in limbo
June 9, 2011Along with flashlight batteries, ready to eat meals, water and all the other necessities that fill hurricane kits, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Angelle offered a reminder that one would not get far in an evacuation without planning an early purchase of fuel for automobiles and generators.
In turn, Gov. Bobby Jindal established the Louisiana Fuel Team to plan ahead for hurricane season by working with oil producers and the federal government to maintain adequate fuel supplies for gas stations to continue operations under emergency conditions. The fuel team would also be responsible for keeping the public informed as to fuel availability.
“Tracking storms with the potential to strike Louisiana and purchasing fuel early will help residents be prepared and avoid being caught in a late rush or face potential local shortages,” Angelle said in a printed statement.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above normal hurricane season for 2011. NOAA officials expect to see up to 18 named storms between now and Nov. 30.
Although hurricanes generally give residents plenty of notice, precise locations and timing for landfall can remain uncertain. Angelle recommends adding fuel to the list of items to have available in a storm event.
“Although a busy hurricane season has been predicted, we should prepare in the same reasonable manner that we have in past seasons,” Angelle said. “Planning our fuel supply is an important part of protecting ourselves, our homes and our businesses.”
With Louisiana gasoline prices currently averaging $3.63 a gallon, being prepared ahead of time offers an edge, not only in securing supplies but making money spread in case of disaster.
To stay updated regarding emergency fuel information, residents can log on to a fuel station information database at www.dnr.louisiana.gov/fuelteam.
