JDPS Emergency Response Information

Jefferson Davis Parish Jennings, LA 70546

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NEW RELEASE:  June 1, 2009

 

FROM:  JEFF DAVIS PARISH

 

CONTACT PERSON:

HARRY KYLE, 337-824-2003

 

Jeff Davis Parish Preparation for Hurricane Season 2009

 

In 2005 Hurricane Rita interrupted communications on the Louisiana coast even before she made landfall.  After the wind and rain stopped, it still took weeks for communications to be restored.  Evacuated citizens of Jeff Davis found it very difficult to get specific news concerning their town, school, and community.

 

Should we experience another evacuation in 2009, citizens of Jeff Davis are encouraged to access www.jdps.org for the latest updates concerning Jeff Davis Parish.  As long as an evacuated citizen can access the Internet, he/she will be able to receive news concerning storm damage, return dates, power and utilities, water systems status, ice and food supplies, and water supplies, open or closed roads, curfews, school reopening dates, employee return dates, and other post-storm information important to our parish citizens. Located at a remote location, www.jdps.org will remain online throughout the storm and after the evacuation. 

 

Also, during an emergency, school related information would be automatically sent by the SchoolMessenger(automated calling system for attendance, announcements and emergencies). School closures and opening and important parish travel conditions will be relayed to every school parent and guardian who has registered their phone number with their child's school. Please make sure your school has your phone number.

 

The Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office http://alert.jeffdavis.net is another website that will also provide emergency information. In addition to web postings, this service sends text messages to those who register free of charge. Depending on the phone service provider, you may or may not be charged for receiving these text. Plans are to also link to local TV stations and newspaper websites.  This site will be updated from a remote location as Jeff Davis Parish recovers from a storm.

 

All Jeff Davis citizens are asked to save the www.jdps.org web address and take it with them should they evacuate. All citizens are asked to register free of charge at http://alert.jeffdavis.net

 

During Rita, phone calls were difficult to make. Text messaging was a  reliable method of communicating. Citizens are encouraged to learn how to send and receive text messages.

 

We learned from Rita that we must be prepared to take care of ourselves before, during and after a storm strikes. Although we all hope for a peaceful hurricane season, now is the time to prepare your family and loved ones should a storm threaten our parish this year. 


GENERAL HURRICANE EVACUATION INFORMATION
Important Points to Remember:

When a hurricane threatens the area, evacuation is the smartest move.  When officials call for an evacuation, leave without delay. 

  • Make your evacuation plans now.  Discuss your plans with your family, relatives, friends, and coworkers BEFORE the season begins.  Should a storm move into the Gulf, review your plans and remind others.
  • Confirm reservations if you plan to stay in a hotel.  Arrange stays with relatives now if that is your plan.
  • Include pets and livestock in your planning.
  • Turn off electricity at the main circuit breaker or fuse box to protect appliances from power surges, and reduce the risk of live dangling wires after the storm.
  • Food, water, and cash (including small bills) must be considered.  Banks and ATM’s may not be an option.
  • Fuel-up before a storm approaches.  Start your evacuation with a full tank.
  • When officials tell you to evacuate- GO!
  • Monitor your car radio and check highway signs for evacuation information.
  • If possible take one vehicle to help avoid traffic congestion.
  • Expect traffic delays, congestion, and slow travel.
  • If you have several vehicles, trailers, or boats to move- leave the area BEFORE the call for evacuation is made.
  • If the location you evacuate to have access to the Internet go to www.jdps.org for information and announcements concerning Jeff Davis Parish.  This site is up and running now and will be important to Jeff Davis Parish citizens during and after any storm. 
  • Also you should enroll now at the Sheriff's web site http://alert.jeffdavis.net to be able to receive important cell phone text messages and emails concerning post storm conditions.   

Email link :   http://mail.jdps.org