St. John Parish and Louisiana declare state of emergency ahead of Sally

Published 10:59 am Sunday, September 13, 2020

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Parish President Hotard signed an Emergency Declaration in advance of Tropical Storm Sally to allow parish officials to take precautionary measures and ensure the safety of St. John Parish residents.
St. John is under a Hurricane and Storm Surge Warning with the main threats of heavy rainfall of 6-10 inches, strong winds and storm surge. Residents should finalize all hurricane preparations today as conditions could start to deteriorate Monday afternoon.  
Public Works crews are out checking pump stations and drainage outlets in anticipation of tropical weather. The Utilities Department is also monitoring all lift stations and generators for the water and wastewater systems.

In other related news,  Gov. John Bel Edwards  declared a State of Emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Sally, which is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane that could impact Louisiana.  The National Weather Service has issued hurricane and tropical storm watches for areas of Southeast Louisiana.“While we ultimately don’t know where Sally will make landfall, much of Southeast Louisiana is in the storm’s cone and the risk of tropical storm force or hurricane strength winds continues to increase. Please stay weather aware for the next several days and heed the directions of your local officials. This storm has the potential to be very serious,” Gov. Edwards said. “Barely two weeks ago, Louisiana suffered a devastating blow when Hurricane Laura came ashore as the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in Louisiana history, leaving a trail of destruction in its path. This, when combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, can make us all weary. I implore Louisianans to take their preparations seriously.”

The Governor will hold a media briefing about the storm on Sunday afternoon.

People should check their emergency supplies and remember to include any items needed to sustain each family member for at least three days.

Supply kits should include:

  • A three to five- day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil
  • A supply of face coverings, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes due to COVID19 concerns
  • One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person
  • A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications
  • Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
  • An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler’s checks
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
  • An extra pair of glasses
  • Important family documents in a portable, waterproof container
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food and water

The Governor’s office will share updates about potential severe weather and COVID-19 through its texting system. People may opt-in by texting LAGOV to 67283 and sign up for phone calls by going to Smart911.

Please visit sjbparish.com or follow the Parish on the Government Access Channel, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates. Text SJPWEATHER TO 888-7777 for the latest on Sally.