Eleven parishes in Louisiana have been damaged by storms and tornadoes recently, and now Governor Bobby Jindal is asking President Obama to issue a disaster declaration so that the state can receive public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The type of assistance the governor wants does not include help for basic supplies needed for residents to sustain themselves, such as food, water and other supplies.
If the governor asked for Direct Federal Assistance, the residents of those parishes would receive emergency preparedness items, such as generators, emergency food, water and tarps. However, Jindal’s main focus is on the debris:
“I do anticipate the need for removal of debris which poses an immediate threat to lives, public health and safety.”
All of us can take some basic steps to protect ourselves against inhaling debris and other harmful contaminants in the air. Make sure you have at least two pairs of N95 masks for every member of your household. Also, duct tape works wonders for sealing vents and windows, to keep contaminants out of your home if you have to bunker down and wait for help or for the air to clear up.
For those residents who were not prepared for tornadoes and storms, they won’t be receiving food, water and access to immediate electricity and other power from the government.
Source:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20091202/NEWS01/912020324/1060