Flooding in Baton Rouge
With the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky, it’s hard to imagine that Louisiana has just been declared a “state of emergency”. As I listen to the birds chirp, I can’t help but wonder what kind of trouble is brewing at the Morganza Spillway. Louisiana has been declared a ‘state of emergency by President Obama due to the rising Mississippi River and opening of the Morganza Spillway. Engineers are opening the spillway to relieve the levees of serious pressure, in hopes that we bypass a natural catastrophe which would considerably be worse than Katrina in 2005. When the spillway is opened, a torrent will be released that could possibly submerged 3,000 square miles under as much as 25 feet of water in some area. While thousands of homes and farms will be under water, army engineers are trying to avoid an “off-the-charts” disaster in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Pressure is slowly building against Louisiana levees due to the weeks of pressure and if something should cause one of them to break, New Orleans could easily be 20 feet underwater.
I live ten miles from the levee in Baton Rouge but have not received word as to if and when I should become seriously concerned. Waterways are now closed due to the undercurrents being too strong because of the flooding. There’s no certainty as to whether or not there will be a breach in the levees so it’s important that we remain ‘on alert’, having a ‘just in case’ evacuation plan. While most of us are educated about hurricane readiness, many of us in Baton Rouge are not prepared or ready for a disastrous flood. There are many steps you can take for flood preparation and being familiar with these steps can save you a headache, belongings and even your life. Since Katrina, we all know that anything is possible, anything can happen and sometimes it’s better to plan for the worst and hope for the best…and as they say, “It’s better to be safe, than sorry”. We should all take these warnings seriously, stay informed and be ready to evacuate out of the red areas and go to higher land. Please inform family and friends who might not know about the flooding as some might not have the ability to receive important information from the media. We must remain positive, hopeful but be ready for anything with a plan and a prayer.
Preparing for a Flood in Baton Rouge
Learn which local broadcasting companies have a ‘flood warning system’. Learn how this information will be broadcasts so you will be on top of the breaking news and warnings.
Many people lost important information and documents during Katrina. Be sure to plan ahead by getting all important documents together and placing them in a safety deposit box or take them with you if you are planning to leave the area. I have scanned most of my documents to make sure I have them on my computer and have purchased space with Mozy.com. I liked this idea because I can back up my computer and also scan pictures, papers or any other items that I feel are important.
If you do not have time to pack up or gather all important items, put them in a tub (with top) and put them on the highest shelf in your closet or in the attic.
Put together an emergency kit which should consists of: flashlight, battery-powered radio, spare batteries, candles, waterproof matches, and whatever other items you think you will need in case of a power outage.
Go ahead and check out where you can find sandbags in your community so you will know where to go if flooding reaches your front door.
Put a list together of things you might need in case you need to evacuate. This will make it easier to grab and go.
Go ahead and learn what and where the evacuation routes are so you can be prepared and know which way you are heading.
There are shelters all over the area that are preparing for those that will be evacuating. Look around and find out where the shelters are, just in case.
Don’t forget about your pets.
Be sure to have medications filled just in case you are unable to get to the pharmacy.
Stayed informed. Be prepared. Take it seriously. Be safe.
(some information has been pulled from mvd.usace.army.mil)
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