Safety advice from the St. Mary Sheriff's Office
This was posted on the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Facebook page:
As we brace for the arrival of Hurricane Ida today, Sheriff Blaise Smith and the deputies of the SMPSO advise the public to be safe and remember these safety considerations that will be important immediately after the storm has passed.
.
*Remember to never use portable gasoline generators or camp stoves inside your home, basement, or garage. Keep it outside and at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
.
*Please DO NOT go out sightseeing. Law enforcement and emergency personnel will be assessing damage and working. Conditions may be unsafe in some areas and sight-seers make things more complicated for emergency personnel.
.
*AVOID downed POWER LINES.
.
*Don't drive in flooded waters.
.
*If your power is out, use flashlights instead of candles.
.
*Take care of any wound or injury to prevent infection.
.
*Take care of your emotional health. Connect with family and friends, check on neighbors, and band together.
*******************
Be smart and take steps to be safe during this storm and after.
.
We want you to contact us or 911 in the event of an emergency.
However, please avoid calling dispatchers to ask questions about the hurricane or other topics which are not emergency related.
.
Dispatchers all over St. Mary Parish with all law enforcement agencies will be BUSY during the next few hours, so we want to keep them dedicated to patrol.
.
We are all in this together, St. Mary Parish, and we will make it through.
