 Over the last week, many Louisianans have been watching another part of our country flood. We've been there, as some of y'all might remember. Images like the one to the right are all too familiar to Louisianans ...
Bloggers up and down the Mississippi River basin have been wondering just when the BSM would come to the realization that all that water has to go somewhere ... called the Mississippi River.
FEMA finally admitted that they are concerned about downriver sites, like Quincy, IL and St. Louis, MO today. That link will bring you to a press release that FEMA sent out highlighting all the things they are doing to get ready to help the folks deal with the flooding. Woulda been nice to see that kinda preparation 3 years ago. Must be something about an election coming up in 5 months, I guess.
I wonder when they'll tell us to start getting ready. The day before, perhaps? Let's not wait for them, Louisiana. Hopefully, the flooding won't be as bad it was in the Upper Midwest when it gets down here, and the Corps will open up the Bonnet Carre Spillway and the Atchafalaya Basin Spillway prior to any flooding, however minimal, occurs. But it doesn't hurt to be prepared. So, if y'all don't have a plan, go to the FEMA Red Cross site to come up with one. Better yet, follow these common sense recommendations from a disaster preparedness/homeland security consultant who diaried over at Daily Kos under the user name Deep Harm:
Plan Ahead
For anyone living along the Mississippi, this is a good time to test the family emergency plan. Don't have one, yet? Then, prepare one now. There's plenty of guidance on the Internet, from FEMA, the Red Cross and others, and I won't duplicate all of it here. However, I would plan to have on hand a week's worth of food and water, not just the three days some sources recommend. Even those not threatened by floodwaters may find their utilities interrupted and shipments to stores may be affected by closed transportation routes.
Make contingency arrangements for shelter for yourselves and your animal friends. Ensure that each household member has a copy of the addresses and telephone numbers for the places where you can meet up if separated. If possible, include one location that is out of state.
If you may need to go to a public shelter, find out where you will go, how to get there, and what you can take along. Very likely, pets will have to stay at a facility designated just for them. Bringing along the pet's favorite food and toy (and any medicine) available will make the temporary separation easier.
If a member of your family is in a local nursing home, hospital or other full-time care facility, ask about the facility's evacuation plans. Knowing that loved ones are safe will make it easier for you to concentrate on other emergency tasks.
Shop Now
Many supplies will disappear when a disaster threat is imminent, so shop now for any items missing from your emergency kit. Buy that battery powered NOAA weather alert radio, lantern and flashlight you know you need. (I like the kind that include a hand-crank, as well.) And, don't forget the batteries! (Tip: get stuff that uses the same-size battery.)
Refill that prescription and the first-aid kit you've been depleting for everyday hurts. Gather critical papers, such as birth certificate, passport, citizenship or residency papers, insurance, photo IDs, deeds, car title, and documentation of local residency. Keep the car's gas tank about 3/4 full, make sure to keep some cash handy, and get a carrier for the cat or dog if you don't already have one.
Pack the Pics
Now's a great time to get out those family photos and take steps to keep them safe. If the photos are digital or you have a scanner, upload them to one of the free Internet photo sharing sites, like Picasa and PhotoBucket. Burn them to a disk that you can put with your critical papers. If that isn't possible, consider taking the pics down to a one-hour photo shop. Make copies of the best and mail the copies to family or friends who live out of the area. Whether or not you are able to take any of these precautions, you will still want to tuck some of your favorite photos next to the critical papers, and
keep them close at hand for the next few days.
Stow It
Some sources recommend plastic tubs, duffle bags, back packs, and other items for storying emergency supplies. But, a plastic cooler with a tight lid may be a better choice, because it will float if somehow it gets away from you. The waterproof, floatable bags designed for use by kayakers are good, too, and are available at many sporting goods stores. Where you stow the critical items depends on where you might be when an evacuation becomes necessary. Two options are the coat closet near the front door or the car trunk (or both).
If your home has an upper story, now would be a good time to move that heirloom bureau and other treasures upstairs until the threat has passed.
Reach Out
If you are disabled, have no transportation at hand for evacuation, or for other reasons cannot make the necessary preparations, now is the time to contact your neighbors, church members, local emergency management agency or social service agency to see what help can be provided. If you know someone who might need help, consider offering it, in case they are shy about asking.
Tune In
Begin following weather updates and listening for alerts on NOAA Weather Radio. If possible, check out NOAA's web page where you will find a map of current flood conditions and the areas where flooding is expected over the next 48 hours. The latter will give you a valuable heads up on what's coming your way. (Note: clicking on the maps will take you to a map with more detail.) [Especially, go to this link provided in the comments by billlaurelMD.) |
