With Hurricane Ida strengthening as it approaches the gulf coast, the following was emailed to members in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama:
Sisters, Brothers, and Kin,
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted “Tropical Depression Nine” to approach the Gulf Coast at or near major hurricane intensity on Sunday, August 29th. You can track the storm and stay informed at NOAA National Hurricane Center
Thus, we would like to take this opportunity to share the following storm preparedness information with you:
Do you have a plan of action together for this storm? Have you taken any of these steps?
- Do you have all of your important documents in one place, in case you need to pick up and leave?
- Do you have prescriptions and medications?
- Do you have a typed or handwritten list of all your important contacts?
- Do you have hurricane supplies? Here’s a recommended list: https://www.ready.gov/kit
- Gas your cars just in case.
- When is the last time you did a video walkthrough of your house, for insurance purposes? Keep this with your important documents.
Be sure to secure the perimeters of your houses by Saturday, make sure your vehicles are fueled and on high ground or ready to leave town. We also suggest making sure you have a car charger for your phones in the off chance power goes out.
A few other things to consider:
- Water: At least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
- Food: At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
- Multi-purpose tool
- Copies of personal documents (insurance policies, birth certificates, lease or deed to home)
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Insect repellent and sunscreens
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Rain gear
In solidarity,
IATSE Disaster Response Committee