As of this writing there are two storm systems in the Gulf of Mexico, both weak and neither expected to slam into Louisiana, so far as we know. However, we do know this – its the height of hurricane season, so if you still havent prepared, get with it now. Its not hard to prepare. Whats difficult is doing all this when there isnothing threatening. The inclination is to sit back, relax and imagine it wont happen this time. Webecome complacent so when a storm does appear, people are caught unprepared. This is the ideal time to prepare for a storm. Get those storm shutters now,keep some bottled water on hand, increase your stock of staples from canned goods to bottled propane gas to flashlight batteries. Have a place togo in case you are ordered to evacuate. There are no safe places in the RiverParishes if a major storm strikes. Hurricane Betsy and Hurricane Andrewshould have taught us that. A tornado generated from Andrew slammed withdeadly force into LaPlace, and Betsys wrath nearly leveled the entire region in 1965. Theres nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide, if a major hurricane hits us. When evacuations are recommended, heed those warnings from public officials. When evacuations are ordered, dont be a holdout. There is nothingyou can do if you stay except be a problem for those emergency personnel who must remain. As years go by and no major storm hits, our odds get worse. It will come,sooner or later. We need to be ready – now.