June 1 marks the beginning of the 2017 Hurricane Season, and residents and business owners are reminded to make preparations in the event a storm threatens our area.

St. John the Baptist Parish fully embraces the state’s motto and encourages everyone to “Get a Game Plan” for their family and business.

We know all too well the devastation caused by Hurricane Isaac, and almost five years later, our parish is still recovering.

Every storm is different and it only takes “one.”

Next month, the Department of Emergency Preparedness is hosting two public meetings to provide residents with public safety information. Ken Graham with the National Weather Center will be in attendance to discuss the new storm surge watches and warnings, among other weather-related items.

Please try to attend one of the meetings listed below or contact our office for meetings of neighborhood or civic organizations.

Hurricane Preparedness Public Meetings:

The West Bank meeting starts at 6 p.m. June 20 at the Edgard Courthouse, 2393 River Road in Edgard.

The East Bank meeting starts at 6 p.m. June 21 at the REGALA Gymnasium, 200 REGALA Park Road in Reserve.

Also, please remember to sign up for emergency notifications to your cell phone, home phone, text and email by visiting our Parish website at sjbparish.com or calling 652-2222.

This is CRITICAL to remaining safe and informed this hurricane season. Through the notification system, automated weather messages are sent to those registered, including severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings.

You are also reminded to tune into news stations for emergency information or WWL 870 am radio – if you lose access to TV and Internet.

Additional Communications include: sjbparish.com, Facebook.com, Twitter and Government Access Channel – SJTV, RTC & Comcast – Channel 15 & AT&T U-Verse – Channel 99.

Residents with special needs are asked to call Health and Human Services at 985-652-9569 to register for evacuation plans in advance. Get a game plan now!

Natalie Robottom is St. John the Baptist Parish President. She can be reached at communications@stjohn-la.gov.