BATON ROUGE, La. – August 21, 2020 – Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and all City-Parish officials are closely monitoring two tropical disturbances approaching the Gulf of Mexico. The National Weather Service (NWS) New Orleans is forecasting both systems to begin affecting East Baton Rouge Parish over the weekend.
As the storms continue forward movement, tracks will further develop over the next 24-48 hours. Specific forecast details and impacts will be forthcoming; however, both storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall to our area. East Baton Rouge Parish is expected to see an increase in rain chances beginning overnight Saturday into Sunday.
Mayor Broome is urging residents to closely monitor the tropics and maintain a heightened since of awareness as we go into the weekend. “Remember as you begin preparing your home and family; be mindful that we are in the midst of a pandemic. I encourage each of you to do your part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by restocking your disaster supply kit with face coverings, hand sanitizer, and other hygiene items,” said Mayor Broome.
“Take time this weekend to strengthen your home, secure loose outdoor items, and clean any unnecessary debris. Ensure you have enough supplies for each person in your household, for at least three days, including but not limited to: food and water, personal hygiene items, medication and first aid supplies, hand sanitizer and face coverings, communication devices and extra batteries, personal identification, cash and important documents, as well as specific items for your pets and children. Do not forget to fill your gas cans, check your generators or other hurricane supplies, and make contact with your family, friends and neighbors. By preparing ahead of the storm, you are aiding our community’s preparedness and making us more resilient,” said Mayor Broome. “Stay Red Stick Ready during tropical weather by monitoring your local weather stations for the latest forecasts, adhere to emergency instructions from local officials, and limit outdoor activities to keep you and your family safe.”
For more information contact MOHSEP at (225) 389-2100, follow @RedStickReady on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; download the Red Stick Ready mobile application — free on Apple and Android devices by searching "Red Stick Ready"; and text “REDSTICKREADY” to 225-243-9991 to receive preparedness information.
The City-Parish Department of Public Works has made the following preparations:
1. Barricades will be staged over the weekend.
2. The warehouse is stocked with 3,695 yards of sand and 400,000 sandbags.
3. Community sandbag locations are being restocked with sand & sand bags, should they be activated.
4. Inspections are scheduled for the major drainage outfalls.
5. The storm debris collection contractor has been put on alert.
6. The back-up generator contractor has been mobilized to fuel up/top off the fuel tanks.
7. City-Parish building roofs, window wells, and drains are being cleared; sump pumps are being checked.
8. The 311 Call Center is ready with personnel on standby.
9. Capital Lakes is at 30 feet and will be lowered to accommodate the anticipated rainfall.
10. A contingency plan is in place with Republic Services for Tuesday/Wednesday if needed.