Louisiana DEQ advises Morganza, Atchafalaya and Mississippi River Basin residents to prepare for flooding

Due to the anticipated effects of recent weather conditions, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has advised home and business owners in the Morganza Spillway, Atchafalaya Basin and Mississippi River Basin areas to prepare for potential flooding.

To best protect their property, the DEQ recommends that area residents and businesses take several steps, such as ensuring nearby storm drains are clear and unblocked and moving pets and livestock to higher ground. The DEQ also advises residents to turn off their home or businesses’ utilities and to secure any objects that might be swept away, like outdoor furniture and equipment, grills, boats and other small vehicles.

When evacuating the area, the DEQ recommends that residents bring all important documents and emergency supplies, including water, medicine, a radio and spare batteries. Those leaving the area should also monitor local media to ensure they are up to date on road closures and weather conditions.

The DEQ also warned property owners to avoid the floodwater areas, and to especially avoid chemicals, pollution, hazardous materials and loose containers within it. Any residents or businesses that experience oil spills or chemical releases, or those who observe them, should report it through the National Response Center or the DEQ hotline.