Monday, August 4, 2008

Tropical Storm Edouard Update-8/4/08

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) activated its Crisis Action Team early Saturday, August 2, 2008 to monitor Tropical Storm Edouard. Governor Bobby Jindal said today “After hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated Louisiana, we must take every storm threat seriously. We will continue to closely monitor this storm and take every precaution to ensure the safety of Louisiana citizen’s across the Gulf.”

As a precautionary measure, these parishes have been declared or are in the process of declaring a State of Emergency: Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, St. Martin, Vermillion, Jefferson Davis and St. Mary. Furthermore, Governor Jindal is declaring a State of Emergency for all of Louisiana.

There are about 1,800 FEMA trailers still located in the Southwestern Louisiana coastal area. Cameron Parish is ordering a voluntary evacuation in the lower portion of the parish. It is recommended for those who live in travel trailers and/or mobile homes because of the potential for high winds. Calcasieu Parish officials say they are prepared to assist in sheltering those who evacuate.

State officials say it is important for all residents along south Louisiana to have a plan and know what to do in case of a locally ordered evacuation. They recommend those in the currently affected storm areas stay tuned to local media for updates and contact local Emergency Operations offices for further information.

For additional updates on Edouard, visit www.ohsep.louisiana.gov.

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