Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome joins the show to focus on the city’s preparation for the impending storm, likely to be Hurricane Francine. Mayor Broome emphasizes the proactive measures taken by her office, highlighting the coordinated efforts among city-parish teams. These efforts include stocking sandbag locations, delivering sandbags to the Council on Aging, and preparing an emergency declaration with the help of the Parish Attorney’s Office. First responders are ready to handle incidents such as structural collapses and falling trees, and the Transportation and Drainage Department has pre-staged barricades.
Communication is a key aspect of the preparation, with constant updates from the National Weather Service, the State Office of Homeland Security, and internal staff. The Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (MOHSEP) will be activated once a significant threat emerges. Regular departmental and staff meetings ensure that all city-parish employees are informed and ready.
Regarding the storm forecast, Mayor Broome notes that it is expected to be a wind and rain event, which could lead to falling trees, flooded roadways, and power outages. She has been in communication with utility companies like Entergy and AT&T, which are prepared to respond. The Mayor stresses the importance of taking the storm seriously and not minimizing its potential impact.
The city-parish’s Red Stick Ready app and other communication tools are being utilized to keep residents informed in real-time. Mayor Broome encourages residents to use 311 for non-emergency issues and reserve 911 for true emergencies. Sandbag locations are well-stocked, and information is readily available on the Red Stick Ready app.
Reflecting on past storms, Mayor Broome notes that the city’s approach remains consistent, with a focus on readiness and resilience. She believes that since the 2016 flood, residents have become more proactive and better prepared for such incidents. The Mayor encourages everyone to spend the day preparing and to stay indoors once the storm hits.