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Preparing for the Storm: Acadiana Braces for Impact from Francine

Sandbag locations and resources for families in Iberia, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermillion Parishes

By Tracie Ysaguire, Publisher for Macaroni KID New Iberia September 9, 2024

As Tropical Storm Francine pulls closer to our area, local meteorologists, school districts, city, state, and parish officials as well other community organizations are instructing residents to prepare the landfall of tropical storm and hurricane force conditions in the Acadiana area. As of Monday afternoon, September 9, 2024, forecasters are predicting landfall in and around Vermilion Bay with a Category 1 hurricane in our area. 

As I began to see numerous posts, updates, and information stream onto social media channels, I felt the need to put the information I was seeing into a resource that can be shared in one place. We will continue to update this list as much as we are able to over the next few days. 

The information and updates being released for families in our Macaroni KID parishes of Iberia, Vermilion, St. Mary, and St. Martin before the storm hit is listed below. As always, check with the original post and original organization for more details and questions. Please take heed of the warnings and instructions as given to you by officials over the next few days. 


The majority of the information in this article has been copied from officials in our area. 


After the Storm Updates and Resources 

Tropical Storm Francine landed on September 11, 2024 as a Category 2 hurricane in the Morgan City area and continued to move east toward New Orleans. While our parishes of Iberia, St. Martin, and Vermilion were spared from serious damage, other parishes, cities and towns were not. 

Here is the most recent list of updates as of Thursday, September 12, 2024 for storm recovery resources and those interested in volunteering for anyone affected by Hurricane Francine: 

GOHSEP is asking residents with storm damage to report any damage sustained to your residence by visiting damage.la.gov. 


Jane's Seafood & Chinese Restaurant is offering free ice to residents who may be without electricity in New Iberia until 2:00 pm on September 12, 2024. One ice chest per family. 


Volunteer Louisiana is pulling together teams to help feed residents in southeastern Louisiana affected by the hurricane. Starting on September 12, they are offering volunteer opportunities at their facility at 700 Edwards Avenue, Harahan, LA 70123. Visit https://no-hunger.org/ to sign up for a shift. 


St. Stephen in Berwick is offering clean up supplies to those in need in St. Mary parish. Free tarps, buckets, mold cleaner, trash bags are available at St. Stephen’s Parish Hall (under the portico). The church is located at 3217 2nd Street Berwick, LA 70342.


Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is ready to help those in the community who were impacted the most by Hurricane Francine. To volunteer, donate supplies or funds to recovery efforts, visit catholiccharitiesht.org/give-help. 


Catholic Charities of Acadiana is on the ground in lower St. Mary parish to help residents affected by the storm delivering tarps and other clean-up items. You can donate and/or register to volunteer at one of these these links below:



Resources for Iberia Parish Residents

From Iberia Parish President M. Larry Richard: Due to the potential of rain in the next several days, sand and sandbags are available at the following locations:

• B.O.M Fire Station
• Grand Marais Fire Station
• Coteau Fire Station
• Delcambre water tower
• Loreauville City Park
• Lydia Fire Station
• Jeanerette at Fire Department
• Rynella Fire Department

Shovels will not be provided and residents should be prepared to fill their own sandbags. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Iberia Parish Public Works Department at (337) 364-8474. 


Sandbag locations for the City of New Iberia
Sandbags will be available at the Acadiana Ballpark at 401 N. Landry Drive on Monday, September 9, 2024. Shovels will not be provided. 

The City of New Iberia is asking residents to enter on Landry Drive and exit on Halphen Street for traffic flow. Residents should be prepared to fill their own bags. For questions or more information, call the Public Works Department at 337-369-2391. 


School Closure Information for Iberia Parish Public Schools

Iberia Parish School District released this statement as of Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm:

All Iberia Parish Schools and district offices will reopen Friday, September 13, 2024. All campuses and offices were inspected this morning by administrators and district staff, and we are happy to report that all operational issues have been resolved.  Students and staff will be able to safely return to all campuses. 


Iberia Parish School District released this statement as of Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 12:00 pm

With the latest update, the track of the storm has shifted to our east. There still remains uncertainty in the location of landfall. With this information and the projected time of landfall on Wednesday evening, Iberia Parish schools and district offices will be CLOSED Thursday, September 12.

This will allow time for our administrators and staff to safely assess all of our campuses. We will also be coordinating with Parish officials to ensure roads are free of debris and safe for travel for our buses prior to reopening. We plan to welcome back students and staff Friday, September 13. We will continue to keep you updated via Facebook and local media outlets. 


Iberia Parish School District released this statement as of Monday, September 9, 2024 at 1:00 pm:

In an effort to assist with parish-wide hurricane preparedness efforts and to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families during the impending storm, Iberia Parish Schools will be closed Tuesday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 11, 2024

As we receive more information on the final storm track, we will communicate information concerning any further closures beyond Wednesday. School closures on Tuesday and Wednesday include district offices, extra-curricular activities, athletic practices and events, and student care centers. We encourage families to utilize Tuesday to make preparations for the impending storm. Please use caution when traveling through construction areas along highway 90. 


Iberia Parish Government Press Release as of Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 5:00 pm:   

From Iberia Parish President M. Larry Richard: 

In accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 29:730.3, I hereby declare a curfew for ALL of Iberia Parish, Louisiana, including the municipalities of Delcambre, Jeanerette, Loreauville and New Iberia, beginning Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until Thursday September 12, 2024 @7:00 a.m. (See the official press release here.) 

This curfew prohibits and/or controls pedestrian and vehicular traffic, except essential emergency vehicles and personnel. The curfew does not apply to anyone going to and from their place of employment for purposes of work or any other critical or essential business activity as specifically defined by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency. 


Iberia Parish Government Press Release as of Monday afternoon on September 9, 2024:  

From Iberia Parish President M. Larry Richard - Iberia Parish, Louisiana is currently facing the threat of high winds, heavy rains, storm surges and flooding because of a significant weather system (Tropical Storm Francine) currently located in the Gulf of Mexico. Therefore, an Emergency Declaration was issued by me, earlier today, effective today @ 1:21 PM, September 9, 2024. 

After consultation with representatives of the National Weather Service, the Iberia Parish Office Of Emergency Preparedness, our local emergency preparedness partners and other similar agencies, I AM RECOMMENDING THAT ALL RESIDENTS OF IBERIA PARISH LIVING SOUTH OF U.S. HIGHWAY 90 CONSIDER VOLUNTARILY EVACUATING STARTING AT 8:00 PM, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

The following persons residing in Iberia Parish should also strongly consider evacuating:
• Anyone living in areas vulnerable to potential storm surges;
• Anyone having special needs;
• Anyone living in low-lying areas along lakes, bayous, streams and drainage structures that have experienced flooding in the past; and
• Anyone living in a structure that has experienced flooding following heavy rain events.

I am urging all our residents to check their emergency supplies, create a protective plan of action for their families and pets and continue to monitor Iberia PINS (Parish Information Notification System), also Iberia Parish Government Website and Facebook. You can also monitor our local news media for further weather updates. Those residents that wish to evacuate should begin that process immediately. Residents who choose to remain may find themselves without power and unable to leave the area until floodwaters recede and storm debris is removed. 


City of Jeanerette issues curfew in Iberia Parish: 

A curfew has been declared for Jeanerette beginning on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 8:00 pm to 6:00 am and continuing during those time periods to Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am. Read the full statement here for the curfew in Jeanerette

Resources for St. Mary Parish Residents 

According to KQNI News, here is the current list of available locations for sandbags for residents in St. Mary Parish. This list will be updated as they receive more locations. Click here for the live link to their updates.

City of Patterson:
Sandbags are available for Patterson residents ONLY at the Patterson Waterworks Plant on Taft St. across from Hattie A Watts School. Bring your own shovel.

Town of Berwick:
Under the Highway 90 bridge near Berwick Town Hall (Monday afternoon)

City of Morgan City:
Under the Highway 90 bridge on David Drive (Monday afternoon)

Unincorporated areas of St. Mary Parish:
Parish Public Works Barns on Highway 182 in Garden City and near the water tower on Highway 182 in Bayou Vista

Under the Highway 182 bridge in Amelia

Hebert Washington Park in Four Corners 


City of Franklin - Mayors Office 

As of 9/9/24 at 11:30 am on the official Facebook page for officials in the City of Franklin: 

In preparation for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Francine a self-fill sandbag location IS NOW available to the residents of the City of Franklin at Caffery Park on Barrow Street. Please bring your own shovel. Bags will be provided. Please remember your elderly neighbors should they need help. 


School Closure Information for St. Mary Parish Public Schools

St. Mary Parish Schools released this statement as of Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 10:00 am

All St. Mary Parish Public Schools will be closed on Friday, September 13, 2024. District and School Offices will be open tomorrow from 9 AM to 2 PM to prepare for a smooth reopening on Monday, September 16th. We ask that district and school office personnel, as well as custodial staff, report during normal hours.


St. Mary Parish Schools released this statement as of Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 10:45 am

Based on the information received during the 10:15 AM National Weather Service call, the St. Mary Parish Public School System will remain closed on Thursday, September 12th. This closure will allow us to conduct thorough facility assessments to ensure a safe return for all students and staff. 

Landfall is expected Wednesday in St. Mary Parish, with the storm predicted to reach the area between 5-6 PM. Current projections place landfall between Franklin and Morgan City, Louisiana. We will continue to monitor weather forecasts closely and provide updates as needed. Please stay informed by following social media and news outlets for the latest information. Your safety is our priority. We wish each of you shelter from the storm. Please stay safe and take all necessary precautions. Superintendent Buffy Fegenbush 


St. Mary Parish Schools released this statement as of Monday, September 9, 2024 at 1:45 pm:

Important Notice: School Closure Due to Tropical Storm Francine

Due to Tropical Storm Francine, St. Mary Parish Public Schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, September 10th, and Wednesday, September 11th. We will evaluate the situation and make a decision regarding school operations for Thursday based on the latest storm projections, with an update to be provided early Wednesday. 

Although initial impacts from the storm are not expected until Tuesday evening, we are closing schools early to give families sufficient time to prepare and evacuate if necessary. The ongoing bridge and road construction on each end of the parish make this precaution even more important.

To stay informed, please monitor JCampus messaging for updates, follow SMPS on social media, and keep up with local news broadcasts for the latest information. We urge all families to stay informed, adhere to safety guidelines, and take the necessary precautions. Stay safe and take care.
Superintendent Buffy Fegenbush 


The Morgan City Police Department has released this statement on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 regarding a curfew in Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams in collaboration with Mayor Lee Dragna and the City of Morgan City wants to advise that the City of Morgan City will be under a curfew beginning on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. until Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 6:00 a.m. due to the impact Hurricane Francine will have on our area. 

As of the 10:15 p.m. update, landfall is expected between Franklin and Morgan City. Morgan City is expected to experience wind gust in upwards of 90 mph. Chief Adams and the Morgan City Police Department are asking all of our residents to shelter in place. This area should be experiencing tropical storm force winds at or near the noon hour with landfall at around 7:00 p.m.

Chief Adams and the Morgan City Police Department are asking that everyone keep the streets clear during and after the storm so that damage can be accessed. Please allow city crews and first responders time to deem the area safe. 

The next update from the National Weather Service is at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday morning. As conditions are updated, the curfew may be altered with the latest forecast. Essential services will run in the City of Morgan City until deemed unsafe. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the Morgan City Police Department @ (985)380-4605. 


Morgan City Municipal Government has released this statement as of Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 12:45 pm: 

PRESS RELEASE – SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 12:45 PM
Current projections have Francine making landfall between 5 and 6 PM on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, as a Category 1 hurricane.
Weather conditions are expected to decline in the area with a very high probability of strong winds, which may cause power outages.
In the event of power outages, the power will remain out until the hurricane has passed. Crews will not go out after the winds reach 35 MPH. Power will be restored to the hospital, the Water Plant and the Wastewater Treatment Plant first. After those are restored, all other areas will be assessed for damage, and the easiest repairs will be made first. Please be patient. City Crews will be working diligently to restore your power as quickly and safely as possible. 

Once the winds reach 35 MPH, the Police Department, Fire Department, and the Electrical Department WILL NOT respond to calls.
Although no mandatory evacuation order has been issued for St. Mary Parish, we urge residents to prepare to “Shelter-in-Place”. Please remain inside your homes and stay off City streets once weather conditions begin to deteriorate. 

City Hall will be closed to the public on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Thursday hours have not yet been determined. Please avoid calling City Hall for NON-EMERGENCY work orders at this time and until after the storm has passed. 

This storm is expected to be a heavy rain event, with up to 10 inches of rain expected.  Sandbags are available to Morgan City residents under the bridge at David Drive. Be prepared to fill your own bags.  Flood gates at 9’ sill and below are being closed. Unless storm surge predictions change, all others are expected to remain open throughout this event. 

Scheduled garbage pickup is canceled for Wednesday, September 11, 2024, and is scheduled to resume on Thursday, September 12, 2024.  Wednesday’s route will be picked up on Saturday, September 14, 2024, the next regularly scheduled pickup day. We ask that all residents bring their garbage cans in from the street and secure them, whether or not they have been emptied.  Please do not place any trash at your curb.
No pleasure craft or shrimp boats are allowed at the City Wharf until further notice. 


St. Mary Parish Government has released this statement as of Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 1:00 pm: 

Due to the effects of Tropical Storm Francine, St. Mary Parish President Sam Jones has declared a voluntary evacuation for all areas South of LA 83, South of Glencoe, which includes the Port of West St. Mary, all of Cypremort Point and Louisa, as well as Hwy 317 south of the levee near Luke's Landing Road, effective on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 5:00 pm. 



Resources for St. Martin Parish Residents


City of St. Martinville

Commencing at noon today, September 9, 2024, sandbags will be available at the Festival Grounds located at 200 East Madison Street. Residents must bring their own shoves. 

St. Martin Parish Government 

SANDBAG LOCATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR ST. MARTIN PARISH

Commencing at noon today, September 9, 2024, the sandbag distribution sites listed below will be activated. Please bring a shovel and be prepared to fill your own sandbags. There is a limit of 25 bags per vehicle. Normally, it takes only 6 bags to secure a door.  

Sandbags will be available at the following locations:

  • Ruth Barn – 1035 Ruth Bridge Highway, Breaux Bridge
  • South Barn – 1011 Capritto 40 Arpent Road, St. Martinville
  • Paul Angelle Park – 2458 Cecilia Senior High School Road, Breaux Bridge
  • Clayton Boudreaux Memorial Park – 1028 Catahoula Highway, St. Martinville
  • Coteau Holmes Park – 1860 Coteau Holmes Highway, St. Martinville
  • Doiron Memorial Park – 3257 Highway 70, Morgan City
  • Belle River Volunteer Fire Station– 1207 Highway 70, Pierre Part (on the levee across Highway 70)

Sandbags will be available during the following times:

  • Monday (9/9/24): noon till 7 p.m. 
  • Tuesday (9/10/24): 7 a.m. till 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday (9/11/24): 7 a.m. till weather allows
  • Thursday (9/12/24) if needed: 7 a.m. till 7 p.m. 

Should assistance be needed, please contact the St. Martin Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness at (337) 394-2808. 


School Closure Information for St. Martin Parish Public Schools

St. Martin Parish Schools released this statement as of Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 11:15 am: 

Dear Parents and Guardians, All St. Martin Parish schools and offices will reopen on Friday, September 13, 2024 with the exception of Stephensville Elementary, which will remain closed. Athletic and extracurricular events at all other schools will continue as planned. 


St. Martin Parish Schools released this statement as of Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 11:00 am

Dear Parents and Guardians,
St. Martin Parish School officials have decided to keep schools closed through Thursday, September 12, 2024, out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of our families and community. Staff will evaluate the facilities before making a decision about reopening on Friday. Please refer to local newscasts, the district website, and our social media channels for updates.


St. Martin Parish Schools released this statement as of Monday, September 9, 2024 at 12:50 pm:

Dear Parents and Guardians,
St. Martin Parish school officials have been in close consultation with the National Weather Service and local meteorologists. Based on current forecasts, we have decided to dismiss all St. Martin Parish schools early on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 12:00 PM. 

Additionally, all schools will be closed for the entire day on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. All afternoon activities are canceled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

We will continue to monitor the situation and assess whether schools will need to remain closed beyond Wednesday. Our priority is to make decisions that ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community while giving families adequate time to prepare. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. Please stay safe.
Sincerely
St. Martin Parish School Officials  


Morgan City Review posted the following information about sandbags on Monday afternoon, September 9, 2024: 

Lower St. Martin sandbag locations
Doiron Memorial Park– 3257 Highway 70, Morgan City
Belle River Volunteer Fire Station– 1207 Highway 70, Pierre Part (on the levee across Highway 70)
Sandbags will be available:
Monday (9/9/24): noon till 7 p.m.
Tuesday (9/10/24): 7 a.m. till 7 p.m.
Wednesday (9/11/24): 7 a.m. till weather allows
Thursday (9/12/24) if needed: 7 a.m. till 7 p.m. 


St. Martin Parish Government has issued a voluntary evacuation for lower St. Martin Parishes as of Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 11:20 am: 

VOLUNTARY EVACUATION REQUESTED FOR LOWER ST. MARTIN PARISH (STEPHENSVILLE AND BELLE RIVER)

Due to the impending threat of Hurricane Francine, St. Martin Parish President Pete Delcambre has issued a voluntary evacuation for residents of lower St. Martin Parish (Stephensville/Belle River) effective immediately due to the possible threat of high water as a result of Hurricane Francine.

A voluntary evacuation is encouraged for the safety of residents in these low-lying areas. During a voluntary evacuation, it is your choice to move from an area of danger to an area of safety. There is a chance that flood waters could render you unable to leave your home. The storm surge for Lower St. Martin Parish is expected to be five to ten feet. Should you decide to stay, please make sure that you have enough provisions to hold you over until flood waters recede. 

Resources for Vermilion Parish Residents 


City of Abbeville, Louisiana - City Hall
CITY OF ABBEVILLE RESIDENTS: If you are elderly or disabled and unable to get to the sandbag location you can 337-898-4206 for assistance.

In preparation for the upcoming weather, here are the designated locations for sandbag pickup:

  • City of Abbeville:  1811 Godchaux Street
  • City of Kaplan: 412 South Herpin Street
  • Town of Erath: Erath City Hall - 115 West Edwards
  • Town of Gueydan: Gueydan Water Plant - 801 8th Street
  • Town of Delcambre: Old Car Wash at St. Peter and Church Street 
  • Town of Maurice: Next door to the Police Station - 114 W. Corrine St

Please bring valid ID showing your address inside the city limits. 

Non-City residents: If you reside outside city limits of any of the towns above, starting a 12pm, Monday, September 9, 2024, you can still get sandbags at the LSU Ag Center located 1105 W Port St, Abbeville. 


School Closure Information for St. Mary Parish Public Schools 

Vermilion Parish School System released this statement as of Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 12:00 pm:

All flood gates have been opened at our 5 schools with flood walls, sandbags have been removed. networks have been checked and rebooted and we are good to resume tomorrow morning. Extracurricular activities may resume at 1 pm today. Thank you all for your patience and understanding when hurricane decisions have to be made. We build in extra minutes for these exact cases, normal shut down and resume for Vermilion Parish is different than many places. Thanks to all of our workers who were out early this morning making the necessary assessment and re-opening protocols. Hope to see you all tomorrow back on our campuses. Superintendent Tommy Byler 


Vermilion Parish School System released this statement as of Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 11:00 am

SCHOOLS CLOSED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th. While the current forecast model has shifted east of the majority of Vermilion Parish and we may be spared of the worst conditions, we are still monitoring and expecting tropical storm type conditions, potential rain conditions, and storm surge in parts of our parish. With this in mind and with the timeline being given to us by OEP, we will be CLOSED on Thursday, September 12th.

This will give us time to assess our campuses and open the flood walls on Thursday once the winds have completely moved out of the area. We are currently planning to return to school on Friday, September 13th. An announcement about extracurricular practices potentially taking place on Thursday afternoon will come later and depend on the post storm weather and facility factors. 


Vermilion Parish School System released this statement as of Monday, September 9, 2024 at 12:50 pm:

Vermilion Parish Schools will be closed on Tuesday, September 10th and Wednesday, September 11th. We will make a decision about Thursday once we have further confirmation on the projected track. We want to give all time to prepare for this storm which is currently projected to hit in Intracoastal City on the current model runs. Stay safe everyone.
Tommy Byler
Superintendent 


Vermilion Parish residents can sign up for updates from the Office of Emergency Preparedness. Text "VERMILION" TO 77295. 


 Other Hurricane Closings

Diocese of Lafayette

Due to potential weather conditions, some Catholic schools will dismiss early and others will close. See the updated list HERE as of 5:30 pm, Monday, September 9, 2024. 


Vermilion Women's Resource Center

As of Monday, September 9, 2024, the Vermilion Women's Resource Center will be closed for the remainder of the week. The center will reopen on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 10:30 am.  


ARC of Acadiana 

All day programs for Wednesday, September 11, 2024 and Thursday, September 12, 2024 are cancelled. As of Monday, September 9, ARC plans to reopen all day programs on Friday, September 13. 


SLCC 

SLCC will implement the following closures to ensure safety of our employees and students: 

Campuses will close Tuesday, Sept 10th at 4 pm and remain closed on Wednesday, Sept 11th. We anticipate that campuses will reopen at noon on Thursday, Sept 12th, however we will monitor the storm, assess damages, and report updates as they are available. Stay tuned to the web, text, and email alerts. All events and college-related activities scheduled during closed hours will be cancelled or postponed. 

If an employee has conflicts preventing them from working, or any questions, they should contact their supervisor directly. Students should communicate directly with their instructors regarding safety concerns that may impact their attendance. 


University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Due to forecast weather from Tropical Storm Francine, UL Lafayette will close at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and will remain closed until noon on Thursday, Sept. 12. Please continue to check your University email for updates and details. Campus residents should plan to shelter-in-place from 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, through the morning of Thursday, Sept. 12. 

Additional details, including meal delivery information, will be communicated directly to residents. On-campus operations and departmental offices will be closed at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and will remain closed until noon on Thursday, Sept. 12. Campus operations and departmental offices are expected to resume on campus at noon on Thursday, Sept. 12. 

The University will continue to monitor the storm. Watch your email for more updates with details. All official updates are sent via your University email and posted on the University’s website and official social media accounts. 


United Way of Acadiana 

Due to potential storm impact, United Way of Acadiana's office will be temporarily closed on Tuesday 9/10, Wednesday 9/11, and Thursday 9/12. Anyone in need of assistance should call 211 or 232-HELP(4367). 


Lydia Cancer Association: Cajun Food Fest scheduled for this weekend on Friday, September 13, 2024 and Saturday, September 14, 2024 has been cancelled due to the impending storm that is headed to the Iberia Parish area. The board will reconvene once the storm has passed to try and reschedule the event.


Families Helping Families of Acadiana released this statement on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 in regards to closures due to Hurricane Francine: 

Out of abundance of caution due to the pending Tropical Storm, safety of employees and the safety of families we serve, our office will be closed on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 and Thursday, September 12, 2024. Please check email/social media for updates or additional office closures. We hope everyone stays safe and that the storm passes quickly. We look forward to serving you again once we are back in the office. 


 Other Hurricane Preparedness Tips and Resources



LSU Ag Center Healthy Communities via Facebook



LSU Ag Center Healthy Communities 

The LSU Ag Center for Healthy Communities has a hurricane food supply chart and tips for families trying to prepare for hurricanes and potential storms. 




Image by Second Harvest Food Bank- Feeding South Louisiana


Second Harvest Food Bank - Feeding South Louisiana
On Tuesday, September 10, 2024 there will be an Emergency Food Distribution at that will take place from 10 am to 12 pm at our facility, located at 215 E. Pinhook Road, Lafayette, LA 70501. 

The distribution will provide a variety of essential food items, including water and shelf-stable goods (while supplies last), to ensure that families have what they need to weather the storm. 



Image by Louisiana Sea Grant

Louisiana Sea Grant has some great tips on generator safety which is always an important topic at this time of year. You can also find more information for emergency preparedness from the Louisiana Department of Health


Louisiana Guide to Support and Services for People with Disabilities, Elders, and Their Families Affected by Disasters offers a list of phone numbers, agencies, and other organizations you may need before and after the hurricane in our area. 

Stayed Informed and Connected During and After the Storm 

Here is a quick list of links and resources as you look for more information: 


Image by National Weather Service | Lake Charles, LA


US National Weather Service Lake Charles Louisiana 

For briefings and up to date information, connect to the US National Weather Service Lake Charles Louisiana Facebook Page for live updates that cover the Acadiana viewing area. Meteorologists will go live at 10:30 am, 4:30 pm, and 10:30 pm with detailed information on what is predicted for our area. The broadcast is interactive and you can ask questions during the broadcast. 


232 HELP / Louisiana 211 

Get the emergency resources and information you need before, during and after the storm. Connect with them for disaster services and other  information. You can call 337-232-HELP or you can sign up for text alerts by texting your 5-digit zip code to 898211.

232 HELP / Louisiana 211 also has a database of resources that allow the user to search for resources and information by category for the following parishes: Acadia, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, Saint Landry, Saint Martin, Saint Mary, Terrebonne, Vermilion. You can access that database here. 


Louisiana State Police 

For information on road closures on state and federal roads, call 511 or 1-800-469-4828. To report roadway emergencies, Dial *LSP (*577) on your cell phone. See the active list of road closures in the State of Louisiana


Get a Game Plan Louisiana 

You can find resources, emergency alerts and warnings, and other public service announcements here for your hurricane preparation here. The alerts and information from The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) will also be linked directly from the Get a Game Plan Louisiana information page. 


National Weather Service 

Get up-to-date forecast, radar, maps, and other resources you can use during hurricane season for your area.