BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana emergency leaders are urging residents to monitor weather forecasts over the weekend due to possible tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico.
Gov. John Bel Edwards office said it will begin hosting conference calls with leaders in coastal parishes and the National Weather Service starting Thursday. The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has also activated its Crisis Action Team to help requests for support from any parishes.
“Because of the uncertainties with this system, it is important for you to stay informed and stay prepared,” GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom said. "Keep your emergency supplies stocked. If you are traveling for Labor Day, modify your emergency plans to deal with the current threat. Make sure your family and business communications plans are in place to stay connected should conditions change."
Louisiana emergency leaders urge residents to check their emergency supplies and restock them if necessary. An emergency kit should include these items:
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Bottled water (At least three gallons of water per person)
- Battery-powered radio
- Battery-powered lantern
- First aid kit and essential medications-prescription medications and list of medications for each person
- Form of Identification
- Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide (Download at getagameplan.org)
- Canned food and non-electric can opener
- Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
- Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- High energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers, etc.
Leaving mercifully little damage in its wake in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, a strengthening Hurricane Dorian posed an increasing menace to Florida on Thursday as it swirled toward a possible direct hit on the state over Labor Day weekend.
Forecasters said the Category 1 hurricane is expected to bulk up into a potentially catastrophic Cat 4 with winds of 130 mph before broadsiding the U.S. on Monday somewhere between the Florida Keys and southern Georgia — a 500-mile stretch that reflected the high degree of uncertainty this far out.
President Donald Trump said Florida is "going to be totally ready." He tweeted: "Be prepared and please follow State and Federal instructions, it will be a very big Hurricane, perhaps one of the biggest!"
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