As the official hurricane season commenced on June 1, local government officials are ramping up preparations for what the National Weather Service predicts to be a hyperactive storm season. An incident management team has been established, and officials are actively testing equipment, staging sandbags, and conducting flood protection exercises to ensure readiness for potential storm intensifications.

During a recent meeting, officials outlined a three-phased approach to hurricane preparedness: pre-storm, storm response, and post-storm. They emphasized the importance of evacuating residents in a structured manner, starting with those on the East Bank, followed by the West Bank in designated phases. This systematic approach aims to facilitate a safe and orderly evacuation process, particularly in light of the anticipated challenges posed by severe weather.

Venture Global, a key stakeholder in the region, has also developed a seventh phase for their evacuation plan, which includes initiating the evacuation of approximately 2,000 residents living in RVs south of the flow wall 72 hours before tropical winds are expected to impact the area. This proactive measure is designed to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure that residents are evacuated in a timely manner.

Officials are urging families to prepare their own evacuation plans and have provided resources, including flyers detailing essential items for the first 72 hours post-evacuation. Residents are encouraged to sign up for alert notifications to stay informed about local developments and evacuation procedures.

For those requiring special medical evacuation assistance, pre-registration is available through designated phone numbers. In the event of an evacuation, the city of West Monroe has been designated as a shelter location, with access limited to those transported by bus from Plaquemines Parish.

As the community braces for the upcoming hurricane season, officials stress the importance of preparedness and communication to ensure the safety of all residents.