Hurricane Preparation

About

The moment a tropical storm develops that could impact Plaquemines Parish, emergency management officials activate its emergency management team, which begins implementing emergency plans and monitoring the storm’s progress. All of this occurs in the Parishes’ Emergency Operations Center (EOC), a secure location, which Parish employees, local and State officials work around the clock to protect the Parish.

Guideline

The following is a guideline on how we monitor storms and make decisions in order to keep residents of the Parish safe. In the event of a pending storm, you are encouraged to listen to your local officials, as they will be giving specific instructions on evacuation orders or other emergency information.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Timeline: (See Evacuation Plan Model Timeline)

120 Hours (5 Days) Prior to Anticipated Storm Landfall

Monitor storm activity

96 to 72 Hours (3 to 4 Days) Prior to Anticipated Storm Landfall
Level III Activation

The following is expected to occur:

  1. Storm predicted to enter the Gulf of Mexico
  2. Louisiana Coast to be affected
  3. Tropical Storm force winds or greater may have effect on Southeast Louisiana area
  4. Potential hurricane strengths and effects evaluated

72 to 60 (2 1/2 to 3 Days) Hours Prior to Anticipated Landfall
Level II Activation

The following is expected to occur:

  1. Storm predicted to enter the Gulf of Mexico within 12 hours
  2. Public notification statements prepared to be released at specific timelines based on location, size, direction, forward speed and potential intensification

60 to 45 Hours Prior to Anticipated Landfall
Level I Activation

The following is expected to occur:

  1. Storm has entered the Gulf of Mexico
  2. Implementation of action statements and public advisories
  3. State of Emergency declared (48 to 45 hours)
  4. Public advisory of specific areas to be affected
  5. Mandatory evacuation areas and curfews announced along with times of commencement (48 to 45 hours)