PRESS RELEASE DETAIL

Office of the Mayor-President


For release: IMMEDIATELY

Release Date: 01/19/2017

Mayor Broome urges caution on EBR roads due to flooding

Office of Mayor-President
City Of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge

SHARON WESTON BROOME
Mayor-President


Jan 19, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
JoAnne Moreau, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, (225) 389 – 2100
Dr. Tamiara Wade, Asst. Chief Administrative Officer: (225) 389-3100
Michelle McCalope, Communications Office: (225) 389-7957

BATON ROUGE -- Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and officials from the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (MOHSEP) are urging motorists to take caution as they travel on East Baton Rouge roadways.

Several roads have been closed due to high water and some schools are dismissing early. A flash flood warning for East Baton Rouge has been extended until 2:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. A flash flood watch is in effect until 6 p.m.

“We are urging caution as drivers travel on our highways as there is high water and flooding in some areas,” Mayor Broome said.

With heavy rain remaining a concern, Mayor Broome urges all citizens, to continue to monitor the storm forecasts throughout the next couple of days as this is a developing system. Remember it is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Remember "Turn Around Don't Drown.” There are many road closures at this time so please plan ahead before driving.

Officials also encourage drivers to follow these precautionary tips.
• If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go another way. Climb to higher ground. If it is moving swiftly, even water six inches deep can knock you off your feet. Many people are swept away wading through flood waters, resulting in injury or death.
• Stay away from flooded areas. Even if it seems safe, flood waters may still be rising.
• Never try to walk, swim, drive, or play in flood water. You may not be able to see on the surface how fast flood water is moving or see holes and submerged debris.
• If you are in a vehicle and become surrounded by water, if you can get out safely, do so immediately and move to higher ground. Vehicles can be swept away in two feet of water.
• Watch out for snakes in areas that were flooded. Flood waters flush snakes from their homes.
• Stay away from creek and stream banks in flooded and recently flooded areas. The soaked banks often become unstable due to heavy rainfall and can suddenly give way, tossing you into rapidly moving water.
• Never play around high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. It is very easy to be swept away by fast moving water.
• Throw away all food that has come into contact with flood waters. Contaminated flood water contains bacteria and germs. Eating foods exposed to flood waters can make you very sick.
For more information please visit www.redstickready.com or contact the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at (225) 389-2100.

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