Ouachita Parish Homeland Security provides hurricane season safety reminders

OUACHITA PARISH (KTVE/KARD) – As Northeast Louisiana enters the peak hurricane season, the area could see heavy rain and strong winds associated with tropical storms. Staying vigilant during the remainder of the season and having a safety plan is key.

Hurricane season begins in June and lasts until the end of November, with August, September, and October being the most active months. With it being the beginning of September, KTVE/KARD spoke with the Ouachita Parish Homeland Security about how residents can stay prepared.

Associated with hurricanes you’re normally going to have high winds and rain. So with the winds you might want to make sure that you have dead limbs cut out of your trees already, anything that can be blown around as a projectile you might want to make sure those things are secured.

Rodger McConnell | Director, Homeland Security Ouachita Parish

Heavy rainfall can quickly turn into flash flooding, creating danger for drivers and residents. McConnell gave KTVE/KARD flooding safety tips.

With the rain aspect of it, you want to make sure your ditches are clear, your gutters are clear. And there’s no. Let water flow because flash flooding is probably going to be the biggest thing we have to combat.

Rodger McConnell | Director, Homeland Security Ouachita Parish

McConnell also advised that residents prepare for severe weather by purchasing food and supplies prior to a storm and remain off the road during the weather event.

We’ve got a lot of trees up here so power outages are a big thing up here. Make sure you’ve got candles or kerosene lamps or flashlights. Just in case the power goes out and you’re in the dark. Make sure you’re phones are charged prior to a storm coming or keep them plugged up as long as you can to try and keep power to them. That way if something does go wrong you’re able to call nine one one and get somebody headed your way.

Rodger McConnell | Director, Homeland Security Ouachita Parish

Although there is currently no risk of severe weather due to a tropical storm, it is important to always remain prepared and weather-ready for when a storm strikes.