Hurricane Gustav -- Just in Case

Very dear folks,

As of today, Thursday, the National Hurricane Service is predicting that Tropical Storm Gustav will become a hurricane sometime today (if it hasn't already by the time you read this). Projected landfall late on Labor Day Monday, or the Tuesday after, is currently thought to be to the west of the city in Terrebonne Parish (but of course that is just a prediction, not a certainty).

The city of New Orleans will likely make a public decision about evacuation any time today or tomorrow. (Obviously, if there is an evacuation order, the Katrina Dinner scheduled for Saturday will be postponed.)

This is a very familiar scenario. But there is no reason to panic, only to be prepared.

If you do not already have an evacuation map, you can download one at http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/evacinfo/SEHurriGuide.pdf. This packet of information also contains guides to "contraflow" (making the Interstates and major arteries into one-way highways out of town), and lots of other helpful info.

If you do NOT have a ride if an evacuation is ordered, PLEASE call the city's hotline on being listed for a ride, 311, or contact the church office.

You should start as soon as possible to put together your family evacuation supply kit. Here's a suggested basic list; you can find information online for more detailed lists, such as in the packet above.

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HURRICANE EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
cell phones and chargers
2-3 changes of clothes and shoes and underwear for each family member
rain gear
bedding for each person (pillow, sheets, blanket)
flashlights
battery-operated radio
extra batteries
hat and sunglasses for each person
simple first aid kit (anti-bacterial cleanser, band-aids, aspirin, antibiotic ointment, etc.)
prescribed medicines for all family members and vitamins
maps
most important family papers (marriage license, car documents, insurance files, house documents, wills, passports, drivers licenses, bank account numbers & box of checks, separate sheet with credit card numbers and company contact info, family contact phone numbers, etc.)
several days worth of nonperishable food (cans tuna, ham, soups, fruit, peanut butter, energy bars
clean gallon jugs of water, 1 per day per person

Smart to bring: books to read, non-battery games and toys, crossword puzzles, other easy amusements to help pass time; plastic eating utensils; small sewing kit with safety pins, thread, needles, clipper; battery operated fan (be sure you have the right size batteries).

If you have a pet, you will need a pet carrier, a supply of pet food, and a favorite toy, as well as extra water for your pet.

If you do not want to leave behind a freezer full of meat, make sure you have an ice chest big enough for all the meat plus ice. DO NOT attempt to bring your propane or charcoal BBQ pit. If you have a small camp stove, you may take that.

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The best thing we can do is to prepare sensibly, stay in contact with family and friends, be aware of weather reports, and be ready for whatever public announcements are made.

I hope none of us needs the list above this weekend for Gustav, or for any storm this year. But I urge us all to be prepared.

We'll get through this. Please put all my personal contact information (below) with your important papers.

Much love to you all, Rev. Melanie

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(The Rev.) Melanie Morel-Ensminger
First UU Church
2903 Jefferson Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 866-9010 church office
church blog: firstuuno.blogspot.com

1465 Annunciation St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
(609) 217-4410 cell phone
(504) 708-2312 cell phone
(504) 208-9232 home phone
Personal blog: NolaRev.blogspot.com