Some parts of Louisiana have received over 20 inches of rain in the last week alone. This has led to flooding in some areas, with water reaching record highs. For those of you who have suffered water damage or even lost your homes, we grieve with you.
There was very little warning that the rainfall would be as severe as it was, but there are always things you can do to prepare for the worst. The library has several infoguides on flood and disaster preparedness. The Hurricane Preparedness Guide has a page of resources on preparing for a natural disaster, including keeping food safe, taking care of your pets, and coping with mold after the fact. The Mississippi River Flood Information guide has a collection of flood emergency information resources, including links to area flood maps, flood hazard tips, and where to sign up to get emergency notifications sent to your phone (in the box on the right side of the page).
The City of Baton Rouge provides sand and sandbags; check the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness website for information on the pick-up point nearest you, as well as information on ongoing road closures, school and civic closures, and helpful phone numbers. In a statewide emergency or for information on conditions in other parishes, check the state emergency preparedness website.
Finally, if you or someone you know has been affected by the floods, please use the information in our Coping with Traumatic Events & Disasters infoguide to reach out to a trained counselor for help.
Natural disasters are often unpredictable and certainly unpreventable, but you can always be prepared and informed, and keep yourself and your family safe. The library is proud to help provide information resources in difficult times.