August 2012

Vol 1, Issue 1

In preparation for the potential arrival of tropical storm Isaac, it is imperative for each and every one of us to be fully prepared in the event of a hurricane. I would like to strongly encourage you and your family to develop your family plan. Be sure to watch and listen to your local news or log on to the National Hurricane Service's website, if possible, both will have regular updates.

My Capitol and District Offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday and we expect to be back to normal business hours on Thursday morning, depending on the effects of Isaac. My staff and I will continue to access e-mails remotely. However, please don't hesitate to contact us during this time, all calls will be automatically forwarded to voicemail and someone will respond accordingly.  

Please take a moment to review the information to help you before, during, and after the storm. Let's continue to keep the lines of communication open.

Thank you and stay safe.

Sharon Weston Broome

Senate District 15

   STEP 1: Put Together An Emergency Kit

• Cash (ATM machines might not work)
• Flashlight Extra batteries
• Bottled water (At least three gallons of water per person)
• Battery-powered radio
• Battery-powered lantern
• First aid kit and essential medications-prescription medications and list of medications for each person
• Form of Identification Evacuation route maps (Official Louisiana Hurricane Survival Guide)
• Canned food and non-electric can opener
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• High-energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers
• Vitamins
• Utility knife, shut off wrench, and pliers
• Tape
• Compass
• Paper and pencils
• Extra pair of glasses and sunglasses
• Plastic sheeting
• Soap
• Personal items
• Plastic garbage bag and ties
• Pet food
• Protective clothing, rainwear
• Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes, footwear and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
• Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend's or relative's home)
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

Important papers (Take these with you in a portable waterproof container)

• Driver's license or personal identification
• Social Security card
• Proof of residence (deed or lease)
• Insurance policies
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Stocks, bonds and other negotiable certificates
• Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns

 STEP 2: Make Preparations

• Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places- a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter.
• Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
• Listen to NOAA (www.noaa.gov) Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

 STEP 3: Stay Informed

• Listen to your local news and radio stations.
• Citizens can get the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions by using the 511 Traveler Information System simply by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511LA.org.
• Twitter and Facebook for latest updates from Louisiana GOHSEP.

MAYOR'S OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS (MOHSEP) 

GET A GAME PLAN

NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS (GOHSEP)

EMERGENCY.LOUISIANA.GOV

Pre-Apply Online now for Disaster

Food Stamps

All low- to moderate-income Louisianians may be eligible for Disaster Food Stamp benefits in the event of a natural disaster and should pre-apply now for benefits online or by phone. Current Food Stamp recipients do not need to pre-apply and would receive disaster benefits automatically. Click here Disaster Food Stamps.

FOR EMERGENCIES, call 911 in all areas. FOR NON-EMERGENCY INFORMATION AND REFERRALS, CALL 211.

Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
1-800-256-7036 or 225-925-7500

National Weather Service Forecast Office
(New Orleans/Baton Rouge) - 504-522-7330
(Lake Charles) - 337-477-5285

Louisiana State Police
225-925-6325 or *LSP from any cell phone

Louisiana State Police Road Closure Hotline
1-800-469-4828

Louisiana Attorney General Hurricane Hotline
1-800-351-4889

American Red Cross
1-866-GET- INFO (1-866-438-4636)

Cleco Corporation
1-800-622-6537

Entergy
1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749)
Power Outages: 1-800-9OUTAGE (1-800-968-8243)

Demco
1-800-262-1160

Washington St. Tammany Electric Cooperative
985-643-6612 

Power Outages: 1-866-672-9773

2012 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP

Join Senator Sharon Weston Broome, Represenative Regina Ashford-Barrow, Councilwomen Ronnie Edwards and Donna Collins-Lewis, the Mayor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and the Foundation for Louisiana, for a Disaster Preparedness Workshop, Saturday, September 8th, from 9am to 1pm at the Delmont Service Center, located at 3535 Riley St., Baton Rouge, LA 70805.

At this workshop, community partners, such as Louisiana State Police, LA Department of Insurance, Red Stick Ready, American Red Cross, and the Louis A. Martinet Society have been invited to provide information on how to stay informed during Hurricane Season, make a plan, pack your kit, and protect your property.  This workshop is ideal for community leaders, residents, pastors, small business owners, homeowners associations, and non-profits.

Each registered participant will receive FREE lunch and a gift from the Foundation for Louisiana. This event is free and open to the public, however, advance registration is required. Please email tbanks@brgov.com or call 225-389-4831 by Wednesday, September 5th.

Please continue to partner with me as I work to implement policies that will positively impact and benefit you and other citizens of Louisiana.

DISTRICT OFFICE

Physical: 5905 Hooper Road

Baton Rouge, LA 70811

P.O. Box 52783

Baton Rouge, LA 70892

225-359-9352

225-359-9353

CAPITOL OFFICE

P.O. Box 94183

Baton Rouge, LA 70804

225-342-0752

225-377-2243

lasen15@legis.state.la.us

www.legis.state.la.us/broome

LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANTS

April D. Hawthorne

Kenyatta Morris