PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11:30 A.M.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
For more information contact:
Name: Brennan Matherne
Phone: (985) 537-7603

Lafourche Parish Monitors Tropical Storm Gustav

Lafourche Parish Government’s Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) is currently monitoring
Tropical Storm Gustav and is prepared to make decisions based on further advisories from the National
Weather Service.
“The storm is too far away to determine exactly where it will hit, but we will be prepared no matter
where it goes,” said Chris Boudreaux, OEP director for Lafourche Parish. “Right now, we are taking
advantage of the long-range forecast to be as prepared as possible.”
Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph urges all citizens to prepare for the possible effects of
Tropical Storm Gustav. It is recommended that citizens to clean around their property as much as
possible and take actions to secure their property. SWDI has brought in extra employees and equipment
to aid in the collection process and will continue as long as roads are safe and passable.
While no evacuations have been called yet, and no shelters have been opened, citizens should be aware
of the Parish’s policy regarding the use of shelters. In the event of a Category 1 or Category 2
Hurricane, the Parish may open any of three locations as a Refuge of Last Resort. These locations
include the Larose Civic Center, Central Lafourche High School and Thibodaux High School. In the
case of a Category 3 storm or higher, these sites will instead be used as marshalling points transport
evacuees out of the parish. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals may also open a special
needs shelter, but that location has yet to be determined.
This is the time for citizens of Lafourche to begin activating their personal hurricane plans. They should
fuel their vehicles and prepare hurricane kits. Kits should include clothing, medications, non-perishable
foods, a supply of water, bedding, rain gear and any other items that are necessary.
Citizens should continue to monitor local radio and television for further information from Lafourche
Parish Government. “Our people need to be alert and vigilant as this storm approaches the Gulf,” said
Randolph. “We will keep our citizens as informed as possible as the holiday weekend approaches.”
For more information about storm preparation and the very latest local developments, visit the
Lafourche Parish Government website at www.lafourchegov.org.