Local officials urge residents to be prepared for bad weather

LOUISIANA (KLFY) -- With a storm system looming in the Gulf, law enforcement and other emergency service agencies across Acadiana are urging residents to be prepared now for potentially bad weather later this week.

Vermilion Parish Sheriff Eddie Langlinais said that residents should prepare their homes and supplies as if expecting a category 1 hurricane event.

"Please remember that regardless of storm strength, given the rain we have experienced over the last several days, damages including wind and flooding from rainfall and surge associated with this storm are possible. Predictions show a noticeable storm surge is extremely likely for Louisiana," the sheriff said in a social media post.

"Citizens are encouraged to use their best judgment and await further details as this weather event develops. They are advised to continue to pay attention to updates, refresh, check, and prepare supplies, and begin the planning for heavy rainfall and flooding," Langlinais continued.

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office announced on their social media that now is the time to secure loose items in your yard, refill prescriptions, restock batteries, and have a portable phone charger ready in case the power goes out.

The Loreauville Volunteer Fire Department offers the following reminders about storm safety:

• If using a generator, keep it outside and away from doors and windows to prevent fumes from entering your home
• Have a supply of water and non-perishable food
• Keep important documents in a safe spot
• Stay off roadways during and after the storm until the roads have been cleared

Louisiana State Police said stalled vehicles and unsafe roadway conditions can be reported by dialing *LSP (*577) on your cell phone to be connected to a troop location nearest you. For road closure information, dial 511 or visit www.511LA.org.

State police said residents should fuel vehicles before the storm.

For a complete list of storm prep guidelines, visit GetAGamePlan.org.

In Calcasieu Parish, authorities have announced several sandbagging locations that are opening at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9:

Machine sandbagging:

• Former Old Tyme Variety Store location - 810 Ruth St., Sulphur (sandbagging machine available)
• Public Works East - 5500-B Swift Plant Road, Lake Charles. (sandbagging machine available)

Self-bagging locations:

• Ward 1 Barn - 461 Parish Road, Moss Bluff
• Ward 2 Barn - 7085 LA 14 East, Hayes
• Ward 3 Old Barn - 2302 Smith Road, Lake Charles
• Ward 5 Barn - 129 Third Street, Starks
• Ward 6 Barn - 1275 Plum Street, DeQuincy
• Ward 8 Barn - 1726 Parish Barn Road, Iowa
• Iowa City Hall - 115 N Thompson Avenue, Iowa (baseball field)
• Vinton Public Works Yard - 1320 Hampton Street, Vinton

Sand and bags will be provided, but residents must bring their own shovels and fill their own bags. If lines are long, authorities ask that residents limit sandbags to 15 per trip (residents can get back in line multiple times). Parish staff will be onsite to maintain safety operations and supplies, authorities said.

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