Department of Agriculture and Forestry, State of Louisiana - Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner

NEWS

Prepare for Tropical Storm Gordon

Other systems posing threats to Louisiana

September 3, 2018

Baton Rouge, LA (September 3, 2018) – Tropical Storm Gordon is threatening Louisiana and two other tropical systems could threaten the state in the days to come.  Heavy rains could fall in some regions of the state starting today.

“While we have had a quiet hurricane season, we are now in what is considered peak hurricane season and we are seeing increased activity,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “With the threat of heavy rains and possible flooding, it is definitely time to move livestock and equipment to higher ground, if necessary.”

Identify an area on the property that is least likely to flood and where livestock can quickly and easily be moved when severe weather threatens the area.

Livestock owners who need assistance should call their local Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP). For additional information related to pets during disasters, contact your local animal control and/or OEP.

While no evacuations are ordered at this time, the LDAF is designated by the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act to evacuate, transport and shelter household pets during declared emergencies.The LDAF now has two mobile pet shelters to assist in keeping family pets in close proximity to their owners when an evacuation is necessary.

Heavy wind gusts are also expected in some areas. “Hopefully, citizens have already removed dead trees or cut back tree limbs hanging over homes or businesses to mitigate potential damage caused by high winds,” added Strain. “That is something we remind everyone to do prior to hurricane season. And of course, we urge using a licensed arborist to cut trees around your property because they are trained and must maintain liability insurance.”

The LDAF mobile horticulture application (app) allows users to verify individuals claiming to be landscaping or other horticulture professionals. The app, called LDAF Business Search, may be downloaded for free at the iTunes and Google Play stores.

Hurricane season ends November 30. For more information on emergency preparation for livestock and pets, visit www.LDAF.la.gov  and click on the Emergency Programs icon on the right hand side of the page.

For more information on how to prepare a family and business plan, go to www.getagameplan.org.

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