The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season has commenced, prompting Attorney General Liz Murrill to advise Louisianans on how to remain vigilant and informed once a storm develops.
Key recommendations include having a reliable source for storm information and understanding the difference between a Watch and a Warning. A watch indicates that hurricane conditions are possible, while a warning signifies an imminent hurricane. It is important to note that a hurricane warning can persist until dangerously high water and waves subside, even if winds are no longer at hurricane force.
Murrill also emphasized the importance of familiarizing oneself with tropical cyclone terms:
- Tropical depression: maximum wind speed is 38 mph or less.
- Tropical storm: maximum wind speed is 39 to 73 mph.
- Hurricane: maximum wind speed is 74 mph or more.
Additional advice includes protecting one's home, staying in a safe place until the threat passes, keeping phones charged with Emergency Alerts enabled, packing an emergency evacuation bag, and following evacuation orders if issued.
Even after the hurricane has passed, dangers can linger for days. Murrill warned against lowering one's guard too soon:
- Exercise caution near damaged buildings and be mindful of loose power lines and debris.
- Avoid driving or walking through flooded roads due to the difficulty in judging water depth or flow.
- Clean up safely at your own pace while checking on elderly neighbors and vulnerable community members. Use extra caution if under a Heat Advisory.
- Be prepared for potential delays in help and communication following the storm.
- Document home damage with photographs before commencing repairs for insurance claims.
- Stay alert to scams that often follow natural disasters, including fraudulent charities, price gouging, con artists posing as government or insurance adjusters, and illegitimate contractors.
For more resources and updates on storms:
Visit AGLizMurrill.com/Resources
National Hurricane Center (noaa.gov)
Hurricanes - Get a Game Plan
Watch/Warning/Advisory Definitions (weather.gov)
To view previous tips on preparing for Hurricane Season 2024, click here.
Stay safe, Louisiana!
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