St. Mary readies for storm season

Looking at a storm through microscopic glasses will be step one for St. Mary Parish Emergency Preparedness Duval Arthur during Hurricane Season 2013.

Arthur said Hurricane Sandy was a reawakening for the National Weather Service. “Even though it did not hit the Gulf Coast, Sandy triggered us to take a more fastidious approach,” he said. “Now, more than ever, we’re going to look at size and speed as the main factors. It may be a Category 1 storm, but if it’s moving slowly, that could push a lot of water our way.

“Size and speed will mean whether we evacuate for a Cat 1 or a Cat 2. Regardless, we know we’re calling for a mandatory evacuation if we’re faced with a Cat 3.”

Arthur said the parish will also consider evacuation in the wake of a Category 1, 2 or 3 storm depending on its target proximity to St. Mary.

“If a Cat 3 would hit New Iberia, we would be in a lot of trouble,” he said. “It just depends on what kind of impact area it will strike. But, we’re ready.”

Arthur said the parish has two staging areas in the event of an evacuation – one at Morgan City Jr. High and the other at Franklin High for those who do not have their own transportation.

St. Mary Parish Community Action will assist in picking up those residents who have no transportation and bring them to the staging areas, where they will board a St. Mary Parish Public School bus bound for the Rapides Coliseum in Alexandria.

“In Alexandria, we’ve contracted with the Red Cross to provide three meals a day. St. Mary Parish has also ordered extra showers and restrooms, and contracted with a security service in the event we face an evacuation,” Arthur said. “And there is room for pets there as well.”

Special needs citizens will be transported to the Assumption Parish Community Center in Napoleonville, a brand new building with generator power, as well as nurses on staff, Arthur said.

“We have had people actually die while they were en route to Alexandria. This happened in the wake of Hurricane Gustav, and we don’t want to do it again,” he said.

For residents evacuating the parish by their own means, Arthur said the evacuation route from U.S. Highway 90 to Interstate 10 is functional.

“This is really a gift – this route can save you anywhere from one to three hours,” he said.

The route begins off La. Highway 182 at Ralph Darden Memorial Parkway, which is adjacent to Cypress Bayou Casino.

“Driving this route will allow you to bypass Lafayette and save an enormous amount of time should we have to evacuate. The whole trip is about 35 miles once you bypass the casino,” he said.

To take advantage of the timesaving route, Arthur said motorists should take La. Highway 182 as if they were going to the casino. Instead, he said, “bypass the casino.”

After passing the casino, the road’s name changes to Chitimacha Trail. Arthur said motorists should continue down Chitimacha Trail and cross over La. Highway 324 (also known as the Charenton Bridge). Shortly afterward, Arthur said motorists will approach La. Highway 87. Turn right onto the Charenton Beach Road.

“That road goes straight to the levee bordering the Atchafalaya River. At Levee Road at the river, motorists should take a left and proceed west to Henderson. Exit at Henderson highway and travel three miles to reach the interstate.

Arthur said the road would also be a viable option for Terrebonne and Lafourche residents if a storm is headed toward Houma.

“If you evacuate, pack at least enough food, clothing and medicine, in addition to a portable radio,” he said.

“It only takes one storm to have a bad season,” said St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert. “With our close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, it’s important that we keep vigilant this hurricane season. Knowing your vulnerability and the proper actions to take can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

“Preparation and planning are key elements in protecting lives and staying safe. So, start now and avoid the rush at home supply stores, supermarkets, and other businesses that get crowded as hurricane watches and warnings are issued. Don’t wait until the last minute.”

The sheriff said residents can call (335) 384-1622 or 828-0089 for further information.

“We’re here to help you. Don’t get caught unprepared in the rush of a hurricane warning. Act now, you’ll be glad you did,” he said.

Meanwhile, Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi III said “communication is the key.”

Marc Folse, the city’s chief administrative officer, will be the city communication leader during a weather event.

“No matter how minute the event is, prior to the storm getting here and it leaving, we will feed all information through Marc.”

Folse suggests that everyone document expenses, personal belonging, treasured items and the like by making copies, backing up computers and taking photos in advance of any possible insurance or FEMA claims.

Morgan City Police Chief Travis Crouch and Fire Chief Maurice Price advised if hurricane winds exceed 50 miles per hour, all police and fire protection personnel will be removed from the city streets until the storm passes.

“It’s just too dangerous otherwise,” Crouch said.

St. Mary Parish President Paul Naquin emphasized that those who leave should not attempt to return to the parish until 80 to 90 percent of the power is restored in the parish.

“We will issue passes to business owners to come back and check on their property, but it won’t be for his family – it will be for him only,” Naquin said.

“We recommend that if you have to leave, wait until it is safe to return. No water, no power, make for uncomfortable situations,” he added.

Arthur and Grizzaffi are also urging residents to follow their municipality’s Facebook page throughout a storm for the latest developments.

“It will be the quickest and fastest way to get information,” Arthur said.

Also, for smartphone customers, St. Mary Parish is now part of ALERT FM. In the event of an emergency, a message will also be sent through the alert FM-EMERGENCY ALERTS.

The ALERTFM app is free and available for iPhone and Android devices.

More information is available at http://www.stmaryohsep.org.

In the event of a mandatory evacuation, Arthur said the Morgan City Auditorium, Berwick Civic Center, Franklin Recreation Center and the West St Mary Civic Center will be considered as shelters of last resort “depending on which direction a storm is approaching.

“However folks, we’d like you to remember, that if we call for a mandatory evacuation, please leave. That’s for your benefit, and your safety. If these shelters are opened, that’s what they will be – shelters, not a cruise ship,” Arthur said.