The below is a resource courtsey of the East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority.
BATON ROUGE, LA – As hurricane season peaks, the East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority (EBRPHA) urges families to follow essential preparedness steps to ensure their safety, protect their homes, and stay informed during potential emergencies.
Communication and staying connected are vital aspects of hurricane preparedness, emphasizes EBRPHA. It's crucial for all family members to know emergency contact information and have multiple ways to receive information during a storm to maintain safety.
Key steps to stay connected:
- Keep a list of emergency contacts.
- Charge all electronic devices and have backup power sources available.
- Use social media to stay informed and update others about your situation.
In addition to staying connected, EBRPHA strongly recommends assembling an emergency kit, which should include essential items to last at least 72 hours in case of power outages or displacement.
Emergency kit essentials:
- Non-perishable food and water for at least 3 days.
- First aid supplies and necessary medications.
- Flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio for updates during power outages.
Beyond physical preparedness, developing a family emergency plan is crucial, says EBRPHA. They advise residents to establish safe spaces within their homes and to designate specific evacuation routes and meeting points.
Family emergency plan tips:
- Identify the safest areas in your home, such as a windowless interior room.
- Plan evacuation routes and meeting points outside of your neighborhood in case of separation.
- Ensure all family members know the plan and practice it regularly.
Additionally, EBRPHA suggests that residents take measures to protect their homes when preparing for a hurricane; taking the time to secure one’s property by reinforcing vulnerable areas and removing hazards can further ensure the safety of those inside.
Home protection tips:
- Secure windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood.
- Bring in outdoor furniture, grills, and other loose items that could become projectiles.
- Trim trees and shrubs to minimize potential damage.
It is equally important to stay informed about the storm’s progress, EBRPHA says. Monitoring weather updates from reliable sources and signing up for local emergency alerts can provide real-time information to help guide decisions. EBRPHA also encourages residents to familiarize themselves with their community’s evacuation zones and routes.
For non-emergency services and general information, call 211 or visit www.louisiana211.org. Travel-related information and road closures can be accessed by dialing 511 or visiting 511la.org. In case of an emergency, residents should contact 911.
Additional disaster resources and assistance are available through:
- Capital Area United Way: (225) 923-2114
- American Red Cross: (800) 733-2767
- FEMA: (800) 621-3362
- Baton Rouge Food Bank: (225) 359-9940
Taking these measures will help ensure that families are fully prepared to face any potential storms during the hurricane season, says EBRPHA. For more information on hurricane preparedness, residents can visit Get a Game Plan, the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, or Redstick Ready.
EBRPHA is also taking significant steps to prevent future power outages in the Baton Rouge area. In collaboration with Entergy, a local power provider, they will soon introduce an emergency generator for the Cypress Pinchback community with the ‘Power Through’ initiative. This generator will supply power to the entire 99-room building and the surrounding neighborhood. This initiative aims to provide essential support during potential outages, ensuring that residents remain safe and comfortable, even during severe weather conditions.
For more information, visit EBRPHA.org.
For over 80 years, the East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority has served the needs of families by providing affordable housing opportunities. The EBRPHA ACCESS strategy impacts more than 14,000 residents across the Capital Region. Learn more about EBRPHA at ebrpha.org or by calling 225-923-8100.