GRETNA, La. (WGNO) — Jefferson Parish leaders and their partners gathered Friday morning, May 3, to discuss how they’ve been preparing for the upcoming hurricane season.
“There’s no other way for me to say this,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. “The forecasts that have been released so far are going to show that we are going to have a very active hurricane season, perhaps one of the busiest ones on record.”
Because of the new rapid intensification of storms, parish officials are urging people to evacuate early and not to rely on contraflow because it may not be an option.
“If you’re not prepared to evacuate immediately, then you’re going to have to shelter in place. And so, those are really what it comes down to, the last two options,” explained Joe Valiente, the parish’s emergency management director. “And we’re at the mercy of the climate.”
Following a storm, when replacing more than 50% of your roof, it is now mandatory, per the newly adopted International Residential Code, to obtain a roofing permit and inspection.
“This step ensures that the replacement is documented in the public record, highlighting adherence to new, more resilient code requirements,” said Dan Mills with the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans. “The codes that we implemented and became law last year are the most resilient on the Gulf Coast.”
As for drainage, out of the parish’s 194 pumps, three are currently down for repairs, but officials say they will be back online by the end of next week.
Officials are recommending that those who live in Jefferson Parish sign up for the parish’s alert system. Text ‘JP Alert’ to 888-777.
For additional useful resources, visit the Home Builders Association on Greater New Orleans’ website.
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