By Cyndi Sellers
Tropical Storm Cristobal formed in the Bay of Campeche on Tuesday morning, the third named storm of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and the earliest third named storm on record. Its future path remains uncertain, but most models predict a landfall in Mexico and eventual re-emergence into the Gulf of Mexico, followed by a northerly track. The Cameron Parish OEP is following the developments and will notify Cameron Parish residents as the storm’s track becomes clearer, probably Thursday or Friday.
In the meantime, OPE Director Danny Lavergne offers this advice.
With the earliest third named storm on record, we are starting off the 2020 Hurricane Season off at a rapid pace. The Cameron Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to have an evacuation plan in place. With COVID-19 still being a hinderance, we must all keep in mind that evacuations will be a little different than in years passed. Therefore, it is imperative to plan accordingly.
Any type of tropical weather can bring hazardous situations to our area, not only a hurricane-strength storm. Flooding, strong winds, tornadoes can cause irreparable damages to travel trailers and mobile homes. In the event of a mandatory evacuation, all travel trailers should be hauled out of the evacuation area.
Most of us have evacuation experience, but we do have a very large number visitors to our area. If you have neighbors and friends that are new to the event of tropical cyclone or evacuation process, please help them to prepare. A few helpful tips for newcomers include: bringing your important paperwork with you (such as IDs deeds, insurance, secure all loose items in your yard to prevent additional flying debris, and plan to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours with food and water.
Staying informed by trusted sources is one the best ways to prepare. Our office uses several tools to reach out to the public with pertinent and important information year-round. During times of emergency situations, these tools are an excellent way to receive the latest information possible.
Always monitor local tv and radio stations. You can also download the AlertFM and CodeRED apps for your smartphones to receive alerts directly from our office to your house phone, cell phone, and email. You can call or email our office for more information on how these tools are used.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
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