While this year’s forecast may call for fewer hurricanes than usual, citizens are still urged to stay prepared. It is important to review your evacuation plans and be ready to take the necessary steps to minimize damage from a major storm.
In an interview with The Times-Picayune, Evacuteer.org founder Robert Fogarty stated, “Every year we go without a storm is another year that we kind of move into this stage where it’s not on everyone’s mind.”
Evacuteer.org is a program that helps to train volunteers of the city-assisted evacuation program that New Orleans has in place.
Even though Hammond is a bit further away from large bodies of water, it is still important to stay vigilant and prepared. There are certain things that people should have on hand for any kind of emergency, not just for the hurricane season.
“Citizens need to have emergency supplies such as flashlights and a portable generator for immediate needs,” said Hammond Mayor Mayson Foster. “The City’s water supply has backup systems, so the water will continue to flow and sewer systems will be operational.  We suggest that citizens have canned goods available in case of an extended power outage, especially if they do not have a generator.  If they have a generator fueled by gasoline, they need to be sure that they have a supply of fuel. They should have a portable radio to monitor the conditions of the city.”
Mayor Foster also suggests that citizens pay attention to their surroundings. High wind speeds could pose a serious threat to large trees and other structures and it is up to the individual to determine whether they should evacuate or move to a shelter. There is less of an issue when it comes to flood waters.
“The City of Hammond does not have a major flooding issue, so there is no need to be concerned about the inundation of houses,” said Foster. “However, if someone is in a low-lying area and is prone to flooding, the city does have sandbags available to them; they can be picked up at our 190 facility near the Hammond Airport.”
Again, it is important for communities to assess their situations. The City will not order a mandatory evacuation. For students, emergency information updates can be found on the top of the page on the university’s website. University residents are provided with emergency procedures in the Resident Guidebook which they are given when they move in. Students are urged to review the guidebook for all emergency situations. Copies of the guidebook can be obtained from the University Housing main office, located in Pride Hall.