NEWS RELEASE
JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA
June 1, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JEFFERSON PARISH OFFICIALS URGE CITIZENS TO PLAN, PREPARE AND STAY WEATHER AWARE DURING HURRICANE SEASON, WHICH STARTS TODAY, JUNE 1, 2020
JEFFERSON, LA – Today, Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng joined other Parish leaders and partner agencies for a press conference to discuss preparations for this year’s hurricane season, which takes place from June 1 to November 30, 2020. CLICK HERE to watch the full press conference.
According to Parish President Lee Sheng, “Now is the time to be vigilant. Now is the time to prepare. We are still in the midst of dealing with COVID-19 in our community so planning is going to be different this year. With the start of hurricane season upon us, all Jefferson Parish citizens are encouraged to plan, prepare and stay weather aware."
Jefferson Parish is ready and prepared to respond to any severe weather threat or hurricane. According to the Jefferson Parish Department of Public Works Director Mark Drewes, “The Department of Public Works is in excellent shape with regard to maintaining critical infrastructure during a storm. Our Drainage Department has 17 safe houses spread out on the East Bank and West Bank and we have a total 71 pump stations throughout the Parish. All major drainage and pump stations, in addition to our water treatment plants and sewerage plants, have back-up generators incase power goes out with a five-day supply of fuel onsite. Our Streets and Parkway Departments have proper equipment to clear streets after a storm and our Traffic Division is ready to respond as needed."
As Jefferson Parish stands ready to respond, all Jefferson Parish citizens should be ready as well. Citizens should have an evacuation plan in place and should inform their family and friends, advising them of the importance of preparing their own plan. There are basics that every individual should stock for his/her disaster supply kit: water, food, clothing and bedding, first aid supplies, tools, emergency supplies and special items. Keep these items in a waterproof container that can be easily transported. All citizens should assemble his/her kit now to allow for immediate action during an emergency. This year, everyone should also keep COVID-19 in mind and pack face coverings/masks, hand sanitizer and soap.
The Jefferson Parish Emergency Management Department works together with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to raise awareness and save lives during the event of severe weather. For more resources from the Jefferson Parish Emergency Management Department, visit www.jeffparish.net/departments/emergency-management.
For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JeffParishGov). Citizens can text JPALERT to 888-777 for regular updates in English or JPNOTICIAS for regular updates in spanish.
###
|
Jefferson Parish Public Information Office 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 1002 Jefferson, LA 70123 |
JPALERT – SIGN UP TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERTS |
Gretchen Hirt Gendron, PIO Office: 504-736-6410 |
