May 13, 2011 State Officials Remind Louisiana Residents to Pack Essentials When Preparing to Evacuate

- As areas in Louisiana prepare for Mississippi River flooding, state officials are urging residents in potentially impacted parishes to prepare today by gathering belongs and vital medicines and records.


The Louisiana Department of Health recommends that residents prepare the following items to maintain health while evacuating: 

Because of the amount of time it may take flood waters to recede, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) suggests that residents should be prepared to stay in alternative housing, either with family or friends, hotels or shelters, for an extended period of time. If you are planning to go to a shelter, please limit your belongings to one bag per person.

Include several days' worth of clothing for each family member. You should also pack hygiene supplies, including toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorants, shampoo, comb and brush and feminine hygiene products.

Additionally, bring your cell phone and charger, if owned, and bedding, including a sheet, blanket and pillow for each family member if utilizing a shelter.

It is vital to include important papers. (Bring all applicable):

If you are evacuating with children, be sure to include supplies for them, including extra clothing, diapers and wipes, formula or baby food, a comfort item, such as a favorite stuffed animal, and small games or toys, like a deck of cards or travel-sized game.

If you are evacuating, but not planning to go to a shelter, please see this Red Cross checklist for additional items that may be useful - www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Flood.pdf. Copies of this checklist in Spanish, French and Vietnamese can be found on the Louisiana Capital Area Red Cross chapter website - www.batonrouge.redcross.org.

If parish or state officials tell you to evacuate, adhere to the following guidance from Louisiana State Police: 

Make a personal and/or family plan by putting together the following items: 

For many, pets are integral members of the family unit, so it is also important to consider them when making evacuation plans. 

For assistance in evacuation planning, visitwww.getagameplan.org and www.lsp.org or local parish websites. To report stalled vehicles or unsafe roadway conditions, dial *LSP (*577) from your cellular phone to reach the State Police office closest to you. For road closure information, dial 511 or visit www.511LA.org. 

For emergency updates from the State of Louisiana, visit emergency.louisiana.gov or follow along on Twitter at @GOHSEP and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/gohsep.

 

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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