Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and all City-Parish officials are closely monitoring a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Weather Service (NWS) in New Orleans is forecasting the disturbance to further develop into a tropical depression over the next day or two as it continues on a west-northwest track. This system will deliver an increase in rain and storm chances across the area. The NWS is also forecasting East Baton Rouge Parish to receive ½”-1” of rainfall from Thursday through Saturday.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (MOHSEP) urge residents to closely monitor the tropics.

“As we near the height of hurricane season, I encourage our community to monitor the tropical forecast and be mindful that we are in the midst of a pandemic. As we continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, it is important now more than ever to stock your disaster supply kit with face coverings, hand sanitizer, and other hygiene items,” said Mayor Broome.

Tips for Planning during a Pandemic: 

• Before
• Discuss the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it may affect your hurricane planning efforts.
• Develop a plan with your household members that outlines what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate if a hurricane strikes. Complete your household Emergency Plan at RedStickReady.com.
• Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan. Don’t forget to plan for your children, pets, and other vulnerable populations.
• Consider having enough supplies for each person in your household for at least three days to include but not limited to, medication, disinfectant supplies, face coverings, personal hygiene items, personal identification and pet supplies in your go-bag or car.
• Follow Red Stick Ready on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Download the free Red Stick Ready app on your smartphone.
• Visit www.redstickready.com for information and preparedness tips.
• Text “RedStickReady” to 225-243-9991 to opt-in to informational updates.
• 
  
• During
• Monitor your local weather radio and TV stations for the latest forecasts.
• Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
• Know the difference between a Hurricane Watch vs. Hurricane Warning - Hurricane Watch means conditions possible within the next 48 hours. Hurricane Warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours.
• Use the BuddySystem™ to virtually check on your neighbors, friends, and family.
• Have your safety items readily accessible such as flashlights, extra batteries, and a first-aid kit.
• Know the safe areas within your home.
• Remain indoors during the storm and stay off the roadways.
• 
  
• After
• Stay away from downed trees and power lines.
• Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
• Report power outages and downed power lines to:
• Entergy: 800-9OUTAGE (968-8243)
• DEMCO: 225-261-1160
• Report downed trees to:
• 3-1-1
• Document damages and notify your insurance provider.
• Practice electrical safety and proper ventilation when using extension cords and portable generators.

For more information contact MOHSEP at (225) 389-2100, follow us @RedStickReady on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and download the Red Stick Ready mobile application - free on Apple and Android devices by searching "Red Stick Ready". Text “RedStickReady” to 225-243-9991 to opt-in to informational updates.