JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
Ascension
Everything Good Is In The Gumbo
2021 Hurricane Season What is the forecast? —Page 6
Family Disaster Plan Planning them is a must —Page 14
Plan for your pet "No pet left behind" —Page 18
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JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
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JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021 • VOL. 13
BUSINESS MANAGER K Stephanie Schexnaydre EDITOR K Scott Anderson GRAPHICS K Liz Arceneaux • Shaun Hebert • Brittney Naquin MULTIMEDIA SALES EXECUTIVES K Martine Duhe INSIDE CLASSIFIED SALES REP K T’Shanda Baldridge Published by GANNETT Ascension Gumbo Magazine
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231 W. Cornerview, Gonzales, LA 70737 K Phone: 225-644-6397 ©2021 GANNETT Ascension Gumbo Magazine must give permission for any material contained herein to be reproduced in any manner. Any advertisements published in Ascension Gumbo Magazine do not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s services or products. Ascension Gumbo Magazine is published quarterly by GANNETT
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K–On the Cover:
Hurricane Katrina made landfall Aug. 29, 2005, in Plaquemines Parish as a category 4 storm. Louisiana has been hit by 10 major hurricanes since 2000. Preparation is the key to surviving these storms, experts say. --File photo
K–Table of Contents: 5—Editor's Note 6—Look at 2021 Hurricane Season 8—More Than Just Winds 12—Prepare Your Home 14—Make a Family Plan 15—Get Your Smartphone Ready 15—Grab-and-Go Box 16—The Odds 17—Multiple Dangers 18—Plan for Your Pet 19—Storm Vocabulary JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
Market on the Avenue .........................................July 3 300 block of Railroad Avenue, Donaldsonville
NOLA Zydeco Fest ...............................................July 3 Pointe Coupee 4th of July Celebration .................July 3 Old River Landing in Batchelor, LA
Gonzales Gun and Knife Show ......................July 10-11 Lamar Dixon Expo Center
Market on the Avenue ....................................... Aug. 7 300 block of Railroad Avenue, Donaldsonville
Gem and Mineral Show ...............................Aug. 14-15 A Louisiana Saturday Night Concert ..................Aug. 21 Lamar Dixon Expo Center
52nd Annual Jambalaya Festival ..................Aug. 27-29 210 S. Irma Boulevard, Gonzales
Acadia Music Fest ............................................Sept. 18 Percy Brown Road, Thibodaux
Rock'n The Bayou Concert ...............................Sept. 25 Lamar Dixon Expo Center
For more visit visitlasweetspot.com/events — 4.—
K–From the Editor: Hurricane season’s battle cry Scott Anderson
J
immy Buff e t t w ro t e a song a b o u t “ Tr y i n g t o Reason with Hurricane Season.” A noble idea, for sure. But how do y o u re a s o n w i t h something that has been so unreasonable for so many years? Ka t r i n a . R i t a . G u s t a v. I k e . I s a a c . Laura. Zeta. Eta. And that’s just since 2 0 0 5 . T h e n t h e re a re t h e h i s t o r i c storms: Audrey in 1957, Betsy in ’65, Camille in ’69 and Andrew in 1992. Here in Louisiana, we all have our favorite seasons, whether it’s football season, crawfish season or festival season. I know a few folks who might enjoy any those seasons with a hurricane in their hand, not on their doorstep. No, I don’t think I have every heard anyone say hurricane was their favorite season. But just like the Grinch and Christmas season, we have yet to find a way to stop hurricane season from coming. Like many, I am fascinated by the
weather. I lived many years in Colorado, Kansas and Tennessee. I used to sit on the patio in Colorado and watch thunderstorms roll in over the mountains. I stood at a window and watched as a tornado ripped through the University of Kansas campus – probably not the smartest moment in my college career. And I was part of a team that covered a massive F5 tornado that devastated the town of Jackson, Tenn. I g re w u p h e a r i n g f a m i l y s t o r i e s about Betsy and Camille. But I didn’t experience a hurricane first-hand until 2005, when the newspaper I was working for then sent me to Pensacola to help the paper there cover Hurricane Charlie. I remember standing on the loading dock and watching as the eye of the storm passed through the city. Later that year, I watched from north Louisiana as Hurricane Katrina pummeled New Orleans, south Louisiana and the entire Gulf Coast. The tragedy was unprecedented. We barely had a moment to breathe before Rita came barreling in behind Katrina. Six months later, I was sent around the state to record the recovery efforts. New Orleans was like a ghost town. Big Charity looked like the place where all those ghosts came out at night. South Louisiana had always been about lively
noise to me – jazz and Zydeco and festivals and avid sports fans. But in the wake of those two storms, the region had grown strangely, eerily quiet. Mo re re c e n t l y, w e h a v e w a t c h e d Lake Charles and the surrounding area ravaged by Laura and Delta in 2020. Yes, hurricane season has definitely tested our mettle in south Louisiana. And we have passed the test. The storms brought their relentless water and damaging winds. But we fought back. Led by the Cajun Navy and a collective spirit of resilience, south Louisiana is rising up like a phoenix from the ashes. Not just rebuilt or renewed. No, we are reinvented, recreated and reborn. No, there is no reasoning with hurricane season. But we aren’t about to board up the windows and lock ourselves inside every June through November. We will roll up our sleeves and prepare for battle. Then, when a storm rolls in from the Gulf, we will stare it in the eye and defiantly declare, “You will not beat us!” --Scott Anderson is the interim Editor for Gumbo magazine. –C–
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JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
A look at the 2021 Hurricane Season The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was one that will be hard to forget. There were 30 named storms — from Arthur to Iota — that blew through the list of available names and dipped well into the Greek alphabet. A typical season sees 12 storms. It was the fifth consecutive season with above-normal activity, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. Here are some of the most common questions about the 2021 hurricane season: What is the 2021 hurricane forecast? Meteorologist Phil Klotzbach JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
and other experts from Colorado State University — among the nation's top seasonal hurricane forecasters — predict 17 named tropical storms will form during the 2021 season, eight of which could become hurricanes. An average season has 12 tropical storms, six of which are hurricanes. In 2020, there were 30 named storms, 13 of which were hurricanes. AccuWeather is predicting 16 to 20 named storms will form, of which seven to 10 could become hurricanes. The firm said three to five storms are likely to hit the U.S. What are the 2021 hurricane names?
There are six lists of predetermined names — used on rotation — for identifying Atlantic hurricanes each season. The lists are maintained and updated by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. Names alternate between female and male names alphabetically and are not named after any particular person. There are no names that begin with Q, U, X, Y or Z. This season, hurricanes will be named: • Ana • Bill • Claudette • Danny
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• Elsa • Fred • Grace • Henri • Ida • Julian • Kate • Larry • Mindy • Nicholas • Odette • Peter • Rose • Sam • Teresa • Victor • Wanda What if they run out of hurricane names again? If this year is anything like
2020, there could be more storms than the list of 21 names. Unlike last season, though, any additional storms will not use the Greek alphabet. This is because the use of Greek alphabet names "creates a distraction from the communication of hazard and storm warnings and is potentially confusing," the WMO said. In 2020, Greek storm names included Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, Theta and Iota. If the season goes over the 21 names, the following names will be used:
• Adria • Braylen • Caridad • Deshawn • Emery • Foster • Gemma • Heath • Isla • Jacobus • Kenzie
• Lucio • Makayla • Nolan • Orlanda • Pax • Ronin • Sophie • Tayshaun • Viviana • Will
Where do hurricane names come from? Naming tropical cyclones dates back to the 1800s. Hurricanes originally were labeled by latitude-longitude numbers. The list of 21 Atlantic season names are recycled every six years, repeating every
seventh year — unless the name has been retired. An international committee of the WMO maintains the list of hurricane names. In 1953, the NHC began using a preselected list of female names for storms in the Atlantic Basin. The naming convention was changed again in 1979, when male names were added to the lists. Here's why some storm names are retired • The only time there is a change to the list of names is if a name is retired, a decision made by WMO's hurricane committee, which includes representatives from 28 nations. • The WMO’s hurricane committee met in March and retired four storm names, including 2019’s Hurricane Dorian, and hurricanes Laura, Eta and Iota from the 2020 season. • Countries can petition the WMO each year to erase the names of particularly heinous hurricanes from the six-year rotating list. • When replacing a name, the WMO tries to select storm names relevant to the storm's geographical location. What is the 'cone of uncertainty'? The size of the hurricane forecast cone is adjusted each year before June 1 based on the error rates of the previous five seasons, so this year's cone builds on forecasts made
between 2016 and 2020. The cone, which covers days 1 through 5 of a forecast, is made up of circles sized so that 66% of the time the center of the storm stays inside that area. A smaller cone means less uncertainty on where a tropical cyclone is headed but notably does not forecast impacts outside of the cone such as storm surge, flooding rains and damaging winds that can occur in surrounding areas. Recap of 2020 hurricane season The 2020 season began early when Arthur formed May 16. The extremely active season quickly went through the predetermined list of 21 names, ending with Wilfred on Sept. 18. Then for only the second time in history, the Greek alphabet was used for the remainder of the season as Alpha formed the same day. Nine Greek alphabet letters were used, up to Iota. Laura was the USA's deadliest hurricane of the season. The storm killed at least 40 people after roaring into Louisiana on Aug. 27 with winds of 150 mph. It also was the most destructive, causing at least $14 billion in damages in the United States.
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JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
Be aware of more than just winds in hurricanes GANNETT Hurricanes are a known threat along the Gulf Coast, but that threat can be broken down into several specific hazards, not just wind. A hurricane is categorized based on its wind speed. A hurricane is born when wind speeds reach 74 mph. A major hurricane, with winds of 111 mph or higher, can bring major and up to catastrophic damage to a community. While the category of a hurricane depends on its wind speed, wind is only one of the many hazards posed by a storm. Here are the major hazards associated with a hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center: Storm surge and storm tide Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane, according to the NHC. In the past, large death tolls have resulted from the rise of the ocean associated with many of the major hurricanes that have made landfall. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 is a prime example of the damage and devastation that can be caused by storm surge. At least 1,500 persons lost their lives during Katrina, and many of those deaths occurred directly, or indirectly, as a result of storm surge. Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds. Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline. Storm tide is the water level rise during a storm due to the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide. This rise in water level can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas, especially when storm surge coincides with normal high tide, resulting in storm tides reaching up to 20 feet or higher in some cases. The destructive power of storm surge and large waves can result in loss of life, buildings destroyed, beach and dune erosion, and road and bridge damage along the coast. Much of the United States' densely populated Atlantic and Gulf Coast coastlines lie less than 10 feet above mean sea level. Storm surge can travel several miles inland. In estuaries and bayous, salt water intrusion endangers public health and the environment. Heavy rainfall and inland flooding Tropical cyclones often produce widespread, torrential rains in excess of 6 inches, which may result in deadly and destructive floods. Flooding is the major threat from tropical cyclones for people living inland. Flash flooding, defined as a rapid rise in water levels, can occur quickly due to intense rainfall. Longer term flooding on rivers and streams can persist for several days after the storm. When approaching water on a roadway, experts agree motorists should turn around and not to try driving through a flooded street. Rainfall amounts are not directly related to the strength of tropical cyclones but rather to the speed and size of the storm, as well as the geography of the area. Slower-moving and larger storms produce more rain. Mountainous terrain enhances rainfall from a tropical cyclone. High winds Tropical storm-force winds are strong enough to be dangerous to those caught in them. For this reason, emergency managers plan on having their evacuations complete and their personnel sheltered before the onset of tropical storm-force winds, not hurricane-force winds. Hurricane‐force winds, 74 mph or more, can destroy buildings and mobile homes. Debris — such as signs, roofing material, siding and JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
small items left outside — become flying missiles during hurricanes. Winds can stay above hurricane strength well inland. In 2004, Hurricane Charley made landfall at Punta Gorda in Southwest Florida and produced major damage well inland across Central Florida with gusts of more than 100 mph. Atlantic and Eastern Pacific hurricanes are classified into five categories according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which estimates potential property damage according to the hurricane's sustained wind speed. Rip currents The strong winds of a tropical cyclone can cause dangerous waves that pose a significant hazard to boaters and coastal residents. When the waves break along the coast, they can produce deadly rip currents — even at large distances from the storm. Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from shore, usually extending past the line of breaking waves, that can pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore. In 2008, despite the fact that Hurricane Bertha was more than a 1,000 miles offshore, the storm resulted in rip currents that killed three people along the New Jersey coast and required 1,500 lifeguard rescues in Ocean City, Maryland, over a one-week period. In 2009, all six deaths in the United States directly attributable to tropical cyclones occurred as the result of drowning from large waves or strong rip currents. Tornadoes Hurricanes and tropical storms can produce tornadoes. These tornadoes most often occur in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands well away from the center of the hurricane. However, they also can occur near the eyewall. Usually, tornadoes produced by tropical cyclones are relatively weak and short-lived, but they still pose a significant threat. Find out more about tornadoes from the NWS Storm Prediction Center.
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At The Baton Rouge Clinic we understand that healthcare for children takes a special touch that includes compassionate care and attention to their unique needs and concerns. Our pediatricians and staff are dedicated to providing personalized, gentle care in partnership with parents to ensure that the best possible treatment is provided for the children.
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Parents, rest assured that our physicians are all board certified in pediatrics and will treat your children with kindness as well as the latest medical procedures – as will all of our nurses and support staff.
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JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
Preparing for a hurricane Fill swimming pools a foot below their edge. Cover the filter pump and turn off the electricity. Add additional chlorine.
Anchor secure outdoor items.
Set the refrigerator on maximum cold. Do not open unless necessary.
Lower antennas.
Insert wedges in sliding patio doors.
Stay in a central room or on the downwind side of the house. Prune dead or dying tree limbs. Park your vehicle against the garage door and make sure you have a full tank of gas.
Secure garage and porch doors. Bring all pets indoors.
Move furniture away from exposed windows and doors.
Fill bathtubs and sinks with water in case water supply is interrupted; turn off main water to the house.
Install storm panels or shutters over windows and openings. Tape exposed glass.
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Federal Emergency Management Agency
GANNETT
After a record-breaking season in 2020, it's no wonder the thought of this year's season generates anxiety and questions. Top hurricane forecasters said we should expect another active, above-normal season again this year. If the prediction holds true, it JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
will be the sixth consecutive above-normal season. Whether you're new to hurricanes or just need a refresher, here are several suggestions of things yuo can do to prepare your home for a hurricane. Here's what you can do well in advance of a storm to protect your home
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Turn off the main gas valve and electricity before the storm hits. Use flashlights.
AP
• Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed. • Remove any dead trees or limbs now. • Clean rain gutters and downspouts. • Make sure your insurance is up to date and you know what your policy covers. Learn whether your property is in a floodprone area. If so, look for flood insurance. • Prepare a detailed inventory of all
personal property, including invoices for large purchases. • Take a photo of all personal property and store on a flash drive or in the cloud. • Check your hurricane shutters. Make any needed repairs. And don't forget to make sure you have enough wing nuts now. (and know where they are) • If you don't have shutters, purchase plywood in advance and cut them to fit your windows and doors. You'll be glad you did. • Another option to shutters or plywood is to consider installing impact glass. • Stock up on propane cylinders (or charcoal) if you have a grill. • Consider purchasing a generator. If you do, install battery-powered, carbonmonoxide detectors inside your home. • Learn how to shut off your utilities. • Prepare a safe room, such as an interior bathroom or bedroom, and put your emergency kit there. • If your house is made of wood, check its structural connections. The roof, walls, floor and foundations must be joined by metal anchors. If you can’t use anchors, then install straps, tensioning cables or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame. • Install surge protectors to avoid overloading electronic equipment and
protect them from power fluctuations. A hurricane is approaching; here's what you should do for your home • Bring in all patio furniture, garbage cans, toys and anything else that is loose. • Tie down or remove anything that remains outside that could become a deadly missile, including yard debris, solar panels, satellite dishes, antennas and water systems. • Place valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home. • Cover windows with hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood. • Remove blades from exterior ceiling fans. • If you need sandbags, get them now. • If you have a generator, make sure you have plenty of gas. Same thing if you have propane cylinders. • Empty your freezer and refrigerator of all perishables. Cook all raw meat. • Fill containers or freezer bags with water and freeze them to help keep food cool after power goes out. Last-minute things to do before a storm arrives • Wash all dirty laundry and dishes. • Clean your home. • Enjoy a hot shower.
Ascension
• Take all garbage to the closest landfill or recycling center. • Turn off your icemaker and empty the tray. • Set your freezer and refrigerator to their coldest settings. • Turn your air conditioner down low. When power goes off, turn off your a/c. • Fill your bathtubs with water (can be used to flush toilets, and to wash floors or clothes). • Charge all mobile devices and computers and put them on low battery mode. • Pull your car into the garage and gently back it touch the garage door to help prevent it from buckling or failing. If you don't have a garage, park your vehicle in a safe area and, if necessary, take it to another location away from possible flooding and falling debris. • Lock the garage from inside using the safety latch and put it on the manual setting. • Turn off the hot water heater. • Put all hurricane supplies in one place off the floor. • Unplug all small appliances to reduce potential damage from power surges. • Close all interior doors and make sure all exterior doors are locked.
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1776 N. Airline Hwy Gonzales, LA 70737 — 13.—
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
How to make a
FAMILY
DISASTER
PLAN
Melissa Erickson More Content Now/USA TODAY NETWORK Disasters strike quickly and without warning. They can push you from your home or force you to shelter in place. Having a family disaster plan can make coping with whatever situation arises easier to handle. JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
“Emergencies are more common than we think. They can happen anywhere at any time,” said Marilyn Jimenez Davila, American Red Cross spokesperson, Los Angeles Region. From natural disasters to chemical accidents, the American Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 emergencies nationwide each year, and the majority of those are home fires, she said. The Red Cross responds to an emergency every eight seconds. Because disasters happen more frequently than people think, planning for them is a must, Jimenez Davila said. Americans are more concerned but less prepared for future crises, according to the fifth annual National Domestic Preparedness Survey from Healthcare Ready, a national nonprofit focused on health-care preparedness and response. The poll found that less than half of those surveyed have an emergency plan in place or are likely to create one this year. This is a big concern from a public safety standpoint, said Daniel Barnett, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. While Americans can count on help arriving after an emergency or disaster, there is a window of selfsustainability that people need to be prepared for, Barnett said. In a largescale natural disaster that window can be 72 hours or longer, he said. For crisis recovery, the best defense is a good offense. Families should have an emergency kit, make a plan and stay informed, Jimenez Davila said. Know what type of disaster to expect “Download the Red Cross emergency app — the one with the exclamation point — to learn what your risks are depending on where you live,” Jimenez Davila said. In addition to alerts about possible emergencies and places to shelter, the app’s map feature allows users to set up alerts for their home as well as those of family members in other parts of the country. Establish meeting places, family contact “Make two meet-up points: one outside the home in case of something like a home fire and another further out if family members are not able to come back to the area,” Jimenez Davila said. Chose an out-of-area contact person like a relative or family friend because in an emergency phone lines will be overloaded and possibly down, she said. Texting will usually work better than calling. Pack a go-bag; create an emergency kit If you have to leave your house in a hurry you will need an easy-tocarry go-bag filled with essential items such as water, nonperishable food, medication, first aid kit, clothing, flashlight, phone chargers, important paperwork and some cash in smaller bills to buy necessities, Jimenez Davila said. “Prepping for emergencies now is a little different. Update kits with COVID-19 supplies such as masks, hand sanitizers and wipes,” she said. Add in small comfort items such as a book or a teddy bear, and don’t forget to plan for your pets, too. A home emergency kit is just a more comprehensive version of a go-bag with additional items based on disasters common to your area. Visit redcross.org/get-help/how-toprepare-for-emergencies/ survivalkit-supplies for a complete list. Practice your plan; keep it up to date “Preparing for an emergency isn’t a one-time thing. You’ve got to keep in practice,” Jimenez Davila said. “Your plan will evolve. Families will need to reassess over time.” –C–
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Get your smartphone rady for an emergency When disaster strikes, emergency kits and evacuation plans are essential, but people also need to be able to communicate. Your cellphone will be key to staying connected in an emergency, said Marcella Wilson, a professor of information systems and computer science at the University of Maryland. “When things happen people will go with what they know. They will reach for their phones. It’s important to be able to connect, to be able to check in and make sure everyone is OK,” Wilson said. The question is, will you be able to get service? “Call volume can be a tricky thing,” but communication networks are getting better at weathering major storms, Wilson said. Get charged: Because high winds and other bad weather can knock out cellphone towers, be sure your phone is charged and protected from the elements. Buy an extra battery and keep that fully charged, too. Get a landline: Invest in an inexpensive (about $10) phone that jacks directly into the wall. Since they don’t need a base or a charger, the phone will still work if the electricity goes out, Wilson said. Text instead of calling: “Most people will think to make a call and try to talk to someone, but texting is better because it uses less bandwidth and is more likely to get through,” Wilson said. A call may fail and a text message may get stuck in a network jam, but a text will more likely eventually get
through. Have an extra: In case something happens to your phone, Consumer Reports recommends having a prepaid cellphone in addition to your personal mobile device. An emergency radio is also helpful to keep track of weather alerts. A portable battery charger or booster or a battery with a hand crank are
also great backup power solutions. Turn to social media: Check in with friends and family through social media. “Let people know you’re OK by connecting on Facebook or Twitter. Use it to share your whereabouts, immediate needs or to look up where local shelters are. Create a family page (or Facebook group) just for this purpose,” Wilson said. Use Wi-Fi: If you’ve got Wi-Fi but not cellular service, you can use apps like Facebook Messenger, Google Duo, Viber and Fring to make phone calls, but you’ll need to set up some of these services beforehand. Skype is an inexpensive way to call. Apps for emergencies: GroupMe is a free app that lets up to 25 people text, talk and share locations. The Silent Beacon is personal emergency alert system for both wearable and wireless that connects to an app. The American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency both have apps for iPhone and Android devices with real-time information and alerts before, during and after emergencies. Questions to ask carriers: Ask your carrier if its website allows customers to view maps that show where signal strength is high or low, if it will bring in portable cellphone towers to areas where bad weather is predicted, and if it has an emergency plan online. –C–
How to build a grab-and-go box It’s possible to replace birth and death certificates, tax records, banking information, wills, medical information, deeds and other important documents should they be lost or destroyed. But it’s a lot easier to protect them instead. The LSU AgCenter has developed a guide to building a collection of records and documents — a “grabandgo box” — modeled off similar suggestions from other Gulf Coast states. Place paper records in portable boxes that are durable, sealed, fireproof and waterproof. Papers in the box should be sealed in waterproof plastic bags. The AgCenter also recommends a backpack, preferably waterproof, for easier carrying. As a backup, put copies of these records on a USB thumb drive or upload them to the cloud using a service like Dropbox or Google Drive. Unless you absolutely need paper copies, this can not only save plenty of time as you evacuate but make your go box more manageable. Gathering and storing personal records also can help you recover in case of other disasters, such as fires. Your box should
include the following: • Traveler’s checks or cash. • Rolls of quarters. • Emergency phone numbers including family members, doctors, pharmacies, financial advisers, clergy and repair contractors. Keep those in your cellphone too. • Copies of important prescriptions such as medication and eyeglasses. • A cellphone charger and cable. • Copies of children’s immunization records. • Copies of health, dental and prescription insurance cards and phone numbers. • Copies of auto, flood, renters and homeowners insurance policies or at least the policy numbers. • Insurance company telephone numbers, including numbers for local agents and company headquarters. • Copies of real-estate deeds, vehicle titles, wills, durable power of attorney, health care directives, stock and bond certificates and birth, death, adoption, citizenship and marriage certificates. • Copies of a home inventory. • Copies of passports.
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• Copies of employee benefit documents. • Copies of the first two pages of the previous year’s federal and state income tax returns. • Keys to any safedeposit box. • List of numbers for Social Security, bank accounts, loans, credit cards, driver’s licenses and investment accounts. • Usernames and passwords. • Photocopies of the front and back of all credit cards. Store the box or backpack in safe, out of sight spot in your home. When evacuating, keep the box with you all times and avoid leaving it in unattended vehicles. It’s a good idea to k eep originals of personal documents in the grab and go box with a trusted friend or relative who lives outside the hurricane zone. Having access to personal information can help you avoid extra hassles following disasters, such as missing payments and damaging credit ratings. The records also can make filing FEMA claims easier. Replacing most personal information is doable but can take months. –C– JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
Here are the odds a hurricane will hit us this storm season Keith Magill Houma Courier-Thibodaux Daily Comet USA TODAY NETWORK Forecasters predict an above average number of storms this hurricane season for the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic. Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project predicts 17 named storms f or the six month season that starts June 1. Of those, eight will be hurricanes, including four that will reach Category 3 strength or higher. The forecast is almost the same as last year, one of the busiest on record in which seven named storms affected Louisiana. The r esearch team, led b y Philip J . Klotzbach, Michael M. Bell and Jhordanne Jones, says there’s a 44% chance a major hurricane, Category 3 or stronger, will hit some where along the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle to Brownsville, Texas. The average odds over the past century are 30%. The forecast, released in early April, is similar to one issued by the commercial weather agency Accuweather. It predicts 16-20 named storms, including seven to 10 hurricanes, three to five of them major. A key to this year’s above average predictions, Colorado State researchers say, is the likely absence of El Niño. The weather pattern, based in the Pacific Ocean, sends strong trade winds across the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic that tend to disrupt and weaken hurricanes. In addition, the winds’ absence is expected to help keep waters in the Gulf and Atlantic warmer and more conducive to hurricanes during the season’s midsummer peak. A typical year, based on records from 1981 to 2010, brings 12 tropical storms. Of those, six are hurricanes and three are Category 3 or greater, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. About two hurricanes hit the U.S. during a typical season. NOAA updated those averages this year, something it does routinely once every decade. The agency is now basing the norms on a new 30 year timeframe from 1991 to 2020. Over that period, the yearly average increased to 14 named storms and seven hurricanes. The average for major hurricanes remains unchanged at three. “These updated averages better reflect our collective experience of the past 10 years, which included some very active hurricane seasons, ” Matt Rosencrans, seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said in a news release last month, when the figures were updated. “NOAA scientists have evaluated the impacts of climate change on tropical cyclones and determined that it can influence storm intensity.” But he said further study is needed to better understand climate change’s impact on the number of storms that form in a given year. Collaborative research by the Colorado State team and the GeoGraphics Laboratory at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts uses records dating back to the late 1800s to determine the odds a hurricane will hit a given state, parish or county. Based on that data, here are the odds Louisiana will get hit on any given year: Louisiana: The state a 30% chance of being hit by a one or more hurricanes and a 10% chance of being struck by a Category 3 or or higher. The team had not issued specific odds for this season by mid JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
A satellite image shows Zeta as it makes landfall around 4 p.m. Oct. 28, 2020 in Cocodrie, Louisiana. —NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
May, but the percentages have been consistently higher in years like this one, when forecasters are projecting more storms than normal. Experts acknowledge that forecasting the number, severity or location of hurricanes before a season begins is an inexact science. Most use historical data and seasonal weather conditions to make an educated guess. “It takes only one storm near you to make this an active season,” Bell said. –C–
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Storms pose multiple dangers All tropical storms and hurricanes pose a variety of hazards; knowing them can help you avoid or minimize damage. Storm surge and large waves produced by hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property along the coast. Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds. Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline. Storm tide is the water level rise during a storm due to the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide. The destructive power of storm surge and large battering waves can result in loss of life, buildings destroyed, beach and wetlands erosion and road and bridge damage along the coast. Storm surge can travel several miles inland. In local estuaries and bayous, saltwater intrusion endangers public health and the environment. HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING Tropical storms often produce widespread rain in excess of 6 inches, which may result in deadly and destructive floods. Flooding is the major threat from tropical cyclones for people living inland. Flash flooding, defined as a rapid rise in water levels, can occur quickly due to intense rainfall. Longer term flooding on rivers and streams can persist for several days after the storm. When approaching water on a roadway, always remember, “turn around; don't drown.” Rainfall amounts are not directly related to the strength but rather to the speed and size of a storm, as well as the area’s geography. Slower-moving and
An aerial photo taken Oct. 11 shows homes washed were away by Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla. Michael made landfall near the community the day before as a Category 4 hurricane with 155 mph winds and a storm surge of 9 feet..
—AP PHOTO/CHRIS O’MEARA
larger storms produce more rain. HIGH WINDS Tropical-stormforce winds are strong enough to be dangerous. That’s one reason local emergency managers plan on having evacuations complete and their personnel sheltered before the onset of tropical storm-force winds, not hurricane-force winds. Hurricane-force winds, 74 mph or more, can destroy buildings and mobile homes. Debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding and small items left outside become flying missiles. Winds can stay above hurricane strength well inland. In 2004, Hurricane Charley made landfall at Punta Gorda, on the southwest Florida coast, and produced major damage well inland across central Florida
with gusts of more than 100 mph. RIP CURRENTS The strong winds of a tropical cyclone can cause dangerous waves that pose a significant hazard to mariners and coastal residents and visitors. When the waves break along the coast, they can produce deadly rip currents — even at large distances from the storm. Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from shore, usually extending past the line of breaking waves, that can pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore. In 2008, despite the fact that Hurricane Bertha was more than a 1,000 miles offshore, the storm resulted in rip currents that killed three people along the New Jersey coast and required 1,500 lifeguard rescues in Ocean City,
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Md., over a one-week period. In 2009, all six deaths in the U.S. directly attributable to tropical cyclones occurred as the result of drowning from large waves or strong rip currents. TORNADOES Hurricanes and tropical storms can also produce tornadoes. These tornadoes most often occur in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands well away from the center of the hurricane; however, they can also occur near the eyewall. Usually, tornadoes produced by tropical cyclones are relatively weak and short-lived, but they still pose a significant threat. --Source: National Hurricane Center –C–
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
Melissa Erickson More Content Now
Experts agree that “no pet left behind” is the best policy, so making pets a part of your emergency preparation is crucial. “The first step to preparing your pet for a disaster is to make sure that he or she is wearing a securely fastened collar with uptodate identification including your cell phone number in case you become separated,” said Dr. Kurt Venator, chief veterinary officer at Purina. Confirm that your pet’s microchip information is up-to-date with current address and cell number, particularly for indoor cats, who may be less likely to wear a collar regularly, Venator said. “Cat owners should have easy access to their pet carrier to avoid hunting for it in an emergency,” he said. Make a kit “Prepare an emergency kit for each animal. It should include a one week supply of food and water, medications, photos of you with your pets, proof of vaccinations, collar, leash/harness, crate or carrier, identification tags, food and water bowls, blanket, toys and cleaning supplies such as paper towels, plastic bags or cat litter and litter tray,” sid Nicole Forsyth, president and CEO of RedRover, a national animal welfare nonprofit that brings animals out of crisis to care. “Assemble the kit in easy-to-carry, waterproof containers,” said Michael San Filippo, spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association. Store in an easily accessible location away from areas with temperature extremes. “Replace the food, water and medications as often as needed to maintain quality and freshness and in accordance with expiration dates. If medications are stored elsewhere due to temperature requirements such as refrigeration, indicate the name of the medication and its location,” he said. Prepare pet for travel “Preparing your pet for traveling in the event you need to evacuate during an emergency can be a life-saving first step,” said Tim Perciful, ASPCA disaster response manager. “Because disaster situations are stressful, animals may become skittish, which increases the likelihood they will escape and get lost. To prepare your pet for a potential evacuation, get them comfortable with a travel carrier in advance.”
Gradually acclimate them to their crates, Perciful said. First, place their food inside an open crate, and eventually have them eat their meals in the crate with the door shut. Try carrying your pets around the house in the crate or taking a short drive. Help your pets develop a positive association with the crate by providing treats and playtime at the conclusion of crate time. Get backup “It’s a good idea to have a backup caretaker for your pets such as your professional pet sitter or a neighbor who could care for your pets if disaster strikes when you are away from home or if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from returning home to rescue your pets,” said Beth Stultz-Hairston, president of Pet Sitters International. “This person should be aware of your disaster plan and know where to access your disaster supplies kit.” Put this plan in writing in case the caretaker needs to show proof of permission to access your home in your absence. “Be sure your emergency backup caretaker also knows of each pet’s favorite hiding spot,” she said. Bring pets in “Outdoor pets should be sheltered indoors during storms and disasters for their physical and emotional safety,” Venator said. “During storms, especially tornados or hurricanes, high winds and flying debris could displace or injure a pet. Loud noises and unpredictable sounds can also cause anxiety and fear, which can be difficult for pets to overcome. Chances are, if you don’t want to be outside in the elements of a disaster, your pet doesn’t either.” Alert authorities Use a window decal to let people know that pets are inside your home. “Make sure the decal is visible to rescue workers. We recommend placing it on or near your front door and that it includes the types and number of pets in your home as well as the name and number of your veterinarian. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write ‘EVACUATED’ across the stickers,” Perciful said. To order a free ASPCA sticker, visit secure.aspca.org/take-action/order-yourpet-safety-pack. –C–
Plan for your
pet
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2021
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Know your storm vocabulary Tropical disturbance: An area of thunderstorms in the tropics that maintains its identity for at least 24 hours. Tropical cyclone: a generic term used by meteorologists to describe any rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low level circulation. Tropical depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained surface winds of 38 mph or less. Tropical storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained surface winds of 39-73 mph. Tropical storm watch: Tropical storm conditions are POSSIBLE in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours. Tropical storm warning: Tropical storm conditions are EXPECTED in the specified area of the warning, usually
within 24 hours. Hurricane: An intense tropical system with a well-defined circulation and a maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or greater. Hurricane season: June 1 through Nov. 30. Hurricane watch: Hurricane conditions are POSSIBLE in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours. Hurricane warning: Hurricane conditions are EXPECTED in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24 hours. Invest: An ocean weather system forecasters have designated as important to monitor. The designation does not correspond to any particular likelihood the system will develop or strengthen. Major hurricane: Forecasters sometimes use this term to refer to Category 3 or hurricanes. Small-craft advisory: When a hurricane moves within a few hundred miles of the coast, small-craft owners should not
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venture out into the open ocean. Storm surge: Water level rise caused by hurricane winds and low pressure. However, when surge levels are combined with the already-present tide, “storm surge” becomes “storm tide.” If storm surge hits a coastal area during its high tide, it can cause even more damage. El Niño: A 12- to 18-month period during which unusually warm sea surface temperatures occur in the eastern half of the equatorial Pacific. Moderate or strong El Nino events occur irregularly, about once every three to seven years on average. La Niña: Unusually cold ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific that often occurs between El Nino events. Because there’s only so much energy available in the tropics, La Nina usually means more active hurricane season in the Atlantic. Source: National Hurricane Center
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