Mandatory evacuation starts tomorrow. Buses will be available for those who have no transportation or need help. Bags are covering gas pumps-not a good sign. People are boarding their windows. There's such an eerie feeling already.
Mayors in Calcasieu Parish--the largest parish in Louisiana--are giving us encouragement and instruction as I type this.
Don't forget to take your pets! There are no public shelters for pets.
Ron LeLeux, poet/mayor of Sulphur, has spoken to Bayou Writers Group about poetry and inspiration.
Mayor Randy Roach, the son of my very good writer friend/critique partner Lena Roach, opened our BWG conference with encouraging words.
Our Calcasieu Parish leaders--our mayors, our police chief, our sheriff--are exceptional. They learned from Katrina and Rita. As efficient and prepared as they were three years ago, I'm glad to see that they seem even more prepared this go-around.
For anyone in the Calcacieu parish area, please sign up with http://www.calcashout.com/ for emergency information from parish officials. There's a place for several phone numbers and text messages.
The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness(GOHSEP) has activated a toll-free number citizens may call to get the latest information regarding Hurricane Gustav. Dial 1-866-288-2484 to listen to a recorded message with the most up-to-date information state officials have on the storm. Gustav is expected to impact Louisiana as early as Monday. Those with internet access can also visit this site for the latest information.
Take a tip from me, it's wise to clean out your 'frig before you leave town because if you come back home to a disaster. . . peeeeeeeeeee-U.
We've been told that southernly winds can cause us an 18 feet storm surge. Okay, I'm off to pick up everything I can and put it high. Don't know what that will accomplish, but at least I'll feel like I'm doing something.
Helpless--what a yucky feeling.
3 comments:
I'm sorry, Jess. You folks are getting more than your share of worry and grief. Be safe. You're in my prayers.
I feel for ya, Sweetie! When Rita came through, it hit us in Nacogdoches, too. We had Billy's brother and his family from Beaumont with us, so that made six adults, two kids, two dogs, and four cats. It was a scary, fun time.
Now, if Gus comes up as far as Nac, I won't be there. I'll be in Bryan with Mom, fretting and wringing my hands, just as my sis-in-law did during Rita.
I'll be praying for both our homes!
Actually, I'm praying Gus dissipates and dies in the Gulf . . .
Sending my prayers for the safety of all of you over there. We're staying here and hoping for the best. God bless.
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