“We want the citizens of the state not to panic, but to be prepared.”
Those are the words of Governor Landry during a Monday afternoon news conference, giving an update on preparations ahead of Francine’s arrival.
Francine is currently slated to make landfall in or near Vermillion Parish sometime Wednesday evening as a Category Two hurricane.
Landry says the state is coordinating efforts with local officials in the affected areas.
Landry says on Tuesday, the state will be at a Level Three activation, meaning GOHSEP will go to a 24-hour emergency support function.
And Landry is urging those in the affected areas to obey their local officials.
“Those people living along the coast should heed their local officials’ warnings and take the proper precautions necessary for high tides (and) for extreme storm surges,” says Landry. “By adhering to those warnings, then guess what — you end up saving lives as well.”
Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is urging people in the affected areas to start preparing now.
“If you haven’t done so already, please trim back any limbs or trees that are close to your home,” says Temple. “Secure your furniture and your windows and doors. You don’t want your furniture to become part of the debris that could damage your neighbors’ (home).”
Temple also urges those folks to go over their insurance policies.
“Read your insurance policy,” Temple says. “Go over it again. Look at your declarations page. Know what your insurance deductible — your named storm deductible — is. And at any time you have questions on your policy, call your insurance agent (or) call your insurance company.”
