As of Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 4 p.m., Hurricane Laura has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 as it approaches landfall, expecting to land Wednesday night into early Thursday near the Texas and Louisiana border, according to TheWeatherChannel.com. Shreveport-Bossier began to see an influx of evacuees on Tuesday, Aug. 24, occupying more than 12,000 hotel rooms through Sunday, Aug. 30. With little or no time to prepare, I’ve compiled an assortment of ways for evacuees and locals to stay in the know, stay safe, and prepare for whatever Hurricane Laura delivers us over the next 24 hours or so.

 

Shreveport-Bossier has hotels available if you or someone you know is in need.

The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau has a complete list of available hotels in Caddo and Bossier Parish for residents or evacuees seeking shelter. Click here to view the complete list of accommodations.

 

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator shared seven recommendations for Hurricane Laura preparedness:

  1. Secure garbage cans, lawn furniture or anything that could become airborne and cause damage.
  2. Clean out gutters and storm drains, keeping drains clear of trash, leaves and branches so rainwaters can easily flow.
  3. Expect downed trees and power outages and know how to report downed trees.
  4. Have flashlights and extra batteries and a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio in case power goes out.
  5. Ensure mobile phones are fully charged.
  6. Have essential items and food available to last at least three days. Items should include food that doesn’t need refrigeration and 1 gallon of water per person per day, a first-aid kit, medication, baby and pet items, and other critical supplies.
  7. Stay away from downed power lines.

For more information about Hurricane Laura from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, click here.

Source: Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Website

 

Follow these Facebook accounts for quick, accurate, and continuous weather updates in Shreveport-Bossier.

 

Minicine is offering supplies to those in need.

Minicine, located at 846 Texas Avenue in downtown Shreveport, is accepting drop-off donations for the following items:

•             Water

•             Canned food

•             Masks

•             Batteries

•             Flashlights

•             First Aid Kits

•             Hand sanitizer

 

Source: Social Goats, Inc. Facebook Page

 

Sandbags are available at no cost.

Bossier Parish Fire Station District #1 has sandbags available at 4494 Hwy. 80 in Haughton, Louisiana. The sandbags are in gray shipping containers on their training grounds. Sandbags prevent and reduce flooding and water damage, acting as a barrier that traffics water flow in a controlled manner. For more information, send them a message on their Facebook page.

Source: Bossier Parish Fire District #1 Facebook Page

 

Volunteer to assist with disaster recovery after hurricane conditions pass.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser urges Louisianans to support Volunteer Louisiana by lending a hand during disaster recovery once the hurricane passes and rescue operations have ended.

“This response and recovery will be especially challenging due to the pandemic, so it will be critical for everyone to continue following all safety precautions and recommendations,” said Nungesser.

He suspects that volunteers will be needed for months to come. To volunteer or donate, visit www.VolunteerLouisiana.gov.

Source: Red River Radio Facebook Page

 

For more information about Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.Shreveport-Bossier.org.