If your roof was built before 1994 and is gabled, brace all gable-end framing with horizontal and vertical beams. Also, make sure that there is wood sheathing (planks or plywood) behind the stucco for the triangular gable-end walls.

Using a caulking gun, apply a ¼ inch bead of APA AFG-01 certified wood adhesive along an intersection of the roof deck and roof support element (rafter or truss chord) on both sides of the beam. This technique can increase the wind uplift resistance by up to three times, but should not be used if you are going to re-roof in the near future. continued on next page

A TORNADO IS COMING...WHAT DO YOU DO?

If you're in a home:

• Move quickly to your basement and take cover under a stairway or sturdy furniture.
• If underground shelter is not available, go to an inside closet, hallway or bathroom in the center of the house.
• Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors.

If you're in a mobile home:

• Get out and seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building.
• If you can not find a sturdy building, lie down flat in a ditch away from your home and cover your head with your hands.

If you're in an open building like a shopping mall, gym, or civic center:

• Get into the restroom if possbile. They're usually made of concrete block and will offer more protection.

If you're at work or school:

• Go to the lowest most central room of the building.
• Stay away from windows or glass partitions.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture like a heavy table or desk.

If you're outside:

• Try to find shelter immediately in the nearest substantial building.
• If no buildings are close, take cover by lying down flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.

If you're in your car:

• Get out of your vehicle and try to find shelter. Do not try to "outrun" the storm.
• A culvert or ditch can provide shelter if you cannot find a building.

Weather Line: 318.442.1110

• Entry doors are easily damaged by high winds. Bolt all doors with foot and head bolts with a minimum one-inch bolt throw length.
• Garage doors should be able to withstand hurricane wind loads and the impact of flying debris. If yours does not, replace with a hurricane resistant one. Approximately 80 percent of residential hurricane wind damage starts with wind entry through garage doors.

Make sure all doors and windows are properly caulked and or weather stripped. Cover all windows and glass doors with securely fastened, impact-resistant laminated window and door systems, if feasible.

DURING THE STORM

• Stay away from windows. Flying debris can cause injury.
• Do not use the phone or run water during lightning storms.
• Do not stand in water or take a bath or shower.
• Don't leave candles unattended and keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials.
• Don't open freezers and refrigerators any more than absolutely necessary.
• If you should lose power and have a battery operated radio - tune to one of the following Cenla Broadcasting Stations for continuing Storm Team 5 coverage; FM 100.3, FM 96.9, FM 98.7, FM 93.1, AM 970 and AM 1410.
• Turn off your heating and air conditioning systems, as well as your electric range.
• Unplug sensitive electronic appliances such as TVs, VCRs, microwave ovens and computers.
• Be sure to wait five to ten minutes before turning on appliances & heating systems after power is restored.

AFTER THE STORM

• If you are in a public shelter, remain there until informed by those in charge that it is safe to leave.
• Stay tuned to News Channel 5 or Cenla Broadcasting radio for advice and instructions from local government about emergency medical, food, housing and other forms of assistance.
• Stay out of disaster areas.
• Do not drive unless you must. Roads should be left clear for emergency vehicles and debris filled streets are dangerous.
• Avoid loose or dangling wires, and report them to your power company, local police or fire department.
• Report broken sewer, gas or water mains to the appropriate utility company.
• Hurricanes moving inland can cause severe flooding. Stay away from riverbanks and streams until all potential flooding is past.
• Do not use tap or well water until you are sure it is not contaminated.

Safety Tips for Hurricane Power Outages

Don't let weather-related outages leave you powerless.

Follow these electrical safety tips.

Before

• Have a battery powered radio on hand. Listen to local TV or radio stations for up-to-date storm information or evacuation orders.
• Plug appliances into surge protectors, or have a system installed to help safeguard electronics and appliances from serious damage, or simply disconnect electronic equipment to help avoid surges.

After

• Minimize opening freezers and refrigerators. A fully loaded freezer can keep food frozen up to 48 hours if the door is not opened.
• Use a quality flashlight, not candles, for illumination, as there may be a gas leak.
• Leave on a single light to alert you when electric service is restored.
• If your neighbor’s power is restored and yours is still out, check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker in your home. Be aware that your neighbor’s home could also be supplied with electricity from a different electrical circuit.
• Stay clear of fallen utility lines and avoid tree limbs and debris that could hide fallen lines. The limbs may carry electricity, especially if they are wet.
• Do not pile debris near utility poles or other electrical devices after cleaning up outside.
• Report all outages and downed lines immediately. Only one call per household is needed.

Clean-up

• It may be several days or weeks before yard waste can be removed. An announcement will be made when services resume their normal schedule.
• Don’t place debris near a fence, mailbox, power lines or downed electrical wiring.

Power Outage Foods

• NEVER taste a food to determine its safety!
• DISCARD refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items after four hours without power.
• If the food in your freezer still contains ice crystals or is at 40 °F or below, then the food is SAFE to cook and eat, or refreeze.
• If power has been out for more than 48 hours, do not eat the foods in your freezer.
• When in doubt, throw it out!

Generator Safety

Portable generators are helpful in the event of a temporary power outage, but misuse can cause serious injury or death. To protect yourself, your neighbors and utility workers, please follow these tips when using a back-up generator.

• Before you use your generator, thoroughly read and understand all of the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Isolate your generator from the utility power lines and connect appliances directly to the generator with the appropriate size grounded three conductor electrical cords. It is recommended that you also turn off the main breaker inside the breaker panel at your home.
• If you want to connect a generator directly through your home’s wiring , use a licensed electrician.
• Never refuel a generator while it is operating.
• Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling around the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic exhaust fumes.
• Do not install a generator in the basement, attached garage or any closed area. The exhaust gases from the generator contain carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless, poisonous gas.
• Maintain your generator engine according to the maintenance schedule for peak performance and safety. Regularly test your generator.
• Keep gas fresh. If you do not plan to use your generator for up to 30 days, use a gas stabilizer.

BEFORE A FLOOD

1. Take photos or videos of all of your important possessions.
2. Store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects (such as photographs) where they won't get damaged.
3. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
4. Teach children to dial 911.
5. Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.
6. Have a general knowledge of the flood history of you location.

DURING A FLOOD

1. Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
2. Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.
3. If told to evacuate your home, do so immediately.
4. If you've come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.
5. Avoid walking through floodwaters. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
6. Don't drive through a flooded area. A car can be carried away by just 2 feet of flood water.
7. Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.
8. Look out for animals and reptiles -- especially snakes.

FEMA INFORMATION

• Check to see if your parish is designated for relief.
• Telephone toll free at: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Register On line at http://www.fema.gov/register.shtm
• If you use a TTY you can register at: 1-800-462-7585
• Be ready to provide your Social Security number, a description of your losses, financial and insurance information.

FLOODING SAFETY

• Determine the elevation of your property.
• Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.
• Keep materials on hand like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood, so you or your evacuation routes are not cut off.
• Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.
• Do not drink water before it has been tested for human consumption.
• Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with floodwaters. Wash canned goods that come in contact with floodwaters with soap and hot water.
• Do not cross flowing water. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Have flood insurance. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy.

AFTER A FLOOD

• Call the agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim.
• Save damaged personal property.
• Check for structural damage before re-entering your home.
• If you smell gas, get out and call the gas company from a neighbor's home.
• Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
• Check for sewage and water line damage.
• Throw away any food -- including canned goods -- that have come in contact with floodwaters.

CHAIN SAW SAFETY

• Read all manufacturers safety rules before using.
• Wear a helmet consisting of head, face and hearing protection.
• Wear cotton or leather gloves.
• Wear chain saw protective work boots with steel toes.
• Always hold the chain saw firmly with both hands.
• Never cut above shoulder height.
• Carry the chain saw with the engine off.
• Never cut when tired or alone.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR PET SHOULD BE A PART OF YOUR HURRICANE PLAN.

Consider the following:

• If you plan to evacuate, determine whether you will board your pet or take it with you (service animals are the only pets allowed at the Red Cross).
• Include pet food, water and any medication in your Hurricane Plan.
• Vaccinate by mid-May, and consider spaying or neutering.
• A portable pet carrier is a must. Exotic pets need special containers (not glass) so they cannot escape.
• Identify your pet by current license and rabies tags and or microchipping, tattooing or freeze branding.
• Store photos of your pet with your important papers.

Shelter for your pet

• Bring pet food, bottled water and any medications (enough for three days).
• Contact boarding facilities early to reserve a space for your pet. Space is limited, and standard boarding fees apply.
• Animals must be vaccinated (proof required). Pets must wear an ID collar and a leash.