Prepare now for storm season

As all of us in Louisiana know, this week marks the start of hurricane season, and we’re acutely aware of how dangerous and damaging these storms can be. It’s very important that we’re all informed and prepared, and that you and your family have a game plan. It’s impossible to predict when disaster will strike, so making preparations early is the best way to keep your family safe.

For those living in coastal and other vulnerable areas, the first step you should take is an evacuation plan. It’s a good idea to have an out-of-state friend or family member serve as a contact for your entire family. In the event that you and your family become separated, you’ll have a common point of reference and a means to communicate with each other. Since cellphone communication can be spotty during a storm, this contact is essential to giving you the peace of mind that everyone is safe.

But preparation should not be limited to those in the most vulnerable areas. If you do not live in the coastal regions, you may have family or friends there. Consider inviting friends and family from the southern part of the state into your homes, since vacant hotel rooms are scarce during evacuations. Such generosity and a little southern hospitality is crucial to those that must evacuate on short notice.

Even homes in northern parts of Louisiana can be vulnerable to damage. Tornadoes, widespread rains and flooding can occur anywhere. So if you live away from the coast, you should still be mindful of these threats and can benefit from taking the necessary precautions to protect your home.

The National Hurricane Center recommends that you take steps such as: creating a plan for your family, locating a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard, making a plan for your pets, and taking first aid, CPR or disaster preparedness classes.

There are also precautionary measures we can take at the federal level. Incredibly important legislation called the Water Resources Reform & Development Act (or WRRDA) just passed in both the Senate and House of Representatives and is heading to the president’s desk to be signed in to law. WRRDA is a coastal restoration, hurricane and flood protection bill, and as the top Republican on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I was the lead negotiator.

Passing WRRDA was a huge win — not just for Louisiana, but for every state that faces the threat of flooding. I’m not promising that this exact bill will get all of the projects completed immediately, but we’ll be far better prepared for any storms that may come in future hurricane seasons. And some of the most important provisions will help speed up and reform how the Army Corps of Engineers does business. We all know how challenging they were to deal with following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but I think we’ve corrected those errors.

Hurricanes are part of life every year in Louisiana, but advance preparations can help reduce their impact on your family. I urge you to take hurricane watches and warnings seriously and please plan ahead for your family’s safety, and encourage your neighbors to do the same.