By David Vitrano
L’Observateur

GARYVILLE – With the first named storm of the 2013 hurricane season already having made it ashore, St. John the Baptist Parish officials kicked off what is predicted to be an active storm year with the first of four seminars aimed at preparing parish residents for the unexpected.
A smattering of Garyville and Mt. Airy residents made their way to the volunteer fire department there for the presentation given by Assistant Deputy Director of Emergency Operations Kathy Gilmore.
Although much of the presentation was certainly familiar to anyone who has lived in south Louisiana for any length of time, given the course of last year’s hurricane season, one can never be too prepared.
Gilmore showed those in attendance the “Get a Game Plan” website, which outlines the process of preparing for a hurricane or any type of emergency situation. She noted the three different steps to being prepared.
“If you don’t have one, you need to put together a kit,” she said, noting that lists of items to include in one’s emergency kit can be found in a variety of places.
The second preparatory step involves an action plan for evacuation scenarios.
“When are you going to go? Where are you going to go? How are you going to get there?” Gilmore said, adding, “Our recommendation is always to go up north.”
She added, “Know what your timeline is for evacuation.”
Gilmore stressed the uniqueness of each individual’s plan, saying one must take precautions for people with special needs, pets and any vehicles that will be left behind.
The third step cannot be implemented until an emergency actually arises, but it is to stay informed through radio, television, alerting services such as St. John Parish’s FirstCall system and the Internet.
She said it is also important for everyone to know their particular situations regarding flooding.
“Everyone’s got a different vulnerability when it comes to flooding,” she said.
She said for this reason it is important to understand the problems that may exist in one’s neighborhood, such as clogged or inoperable culverts and drainage. She also suggested everyone visit FloodSmart.gov to see what type of zone they live in. St. John Parish generally rises from the lake to the river, with the highest point being a patch of land near Our Lady of Grace in Reserve that is about 22 feet above sea level. But knowing the particulars of the area in which one lives is key no matter where it is.
Other topics covered included the effects of storm surge and procedures for sheltering in place.
The remaining presentations will be held: Monday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Reserve library, 170 W. 10th St.; Wednesday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the West Bank Community Center, 173 E. Third St.; and Thursday, June 13, 6:30 p.m. at the LaPlace library, 2920 U.S. Highway 51.