Aug 29

Written by: host
8/29/2008 12:48 PM

On the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I know we'd all hoped to be celebrating recovery. Instead, we're preparing for the arrival of Gustav.

While the storm is not yet in the Gulf of Mexico, it should enter the gulf this weekend and quickly strengthen. While the exact path has not yet been determined, it is almost a certainty that Louisiana will be affected. Instead of getting ready to celebrate your Labor Day weekend, I recommend that make sure your family is prepared for the worst-case-scenario of this storm.

While many state employees get to spend a few days at home when a hurricane is headed our way, DHH employees are expected to take on additional responsibilities. Whether it’s helping out at special needs shelters, staffing the DHH Emergency Operations Center, or making sure clients get normal services in extraordinary conditions, DHH employees are expected to be on call in the event of a disaster.

But your service to the state of Louisiana should not be to the detriment of your own family. Make sure that you have a personal emergency plan for your family, pets and property. Make sure that you and your family discuss the plan ahead of time, and that you have an emergency supply kit for your home and car.

Once you’ve gotten your home and loved ones squared away, you should prepare for your duties. Make sure that you keep your contact information current with your supervisor and that you know how to get in touch with him or her as well. It is also essential to talk to your supervisor about your role during a disaster, so that you’ll be ready to execute your duties.

If you are forced to evacuate your home, then you should call into the DHH toll-free number: 866-518-1630. By calling this number and following the instructions, you will make sure that you keep in contact with the department, for human resources issues and also if you should need assistance.

You should also have a disaster kit ready to go. You may be asked to stay at your post overnight, or you may not be able to travel home due to weather conditions. Your kit should be equipped with important phone numbers, your state identification badge, and enough food, water, medicine, clothing and bedding for 72 hours.

While we cannot control Mother Nature, with a little bit of planning and foresight, we can protect our families and successfully carry out our duties serving the residents of the state of Louisiana.

Thank you.

Alan

Alan Levine
Secretary
State of Louisiana
Department of Health and Hospitals

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