|
232-HELP/211
is "the" designated 2-1-1 provider for Southwest Louisiana. If you live within Southwest Louisiana or are temporarily house in this region - Acadia, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne or Vermilion parishes - we can help you.
232-HELP/211
is a Comprehensive Resource Information and Referral System featuring this website (www.232-help.org) and a telephone line 2-1-1 (if using a land line), 232-HELP or 232-4357 during business hours, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tornado Resources/Information
Please be aware that service information for disaster victims is changing everyday. You should check back regularly to find new information. Because this information is subject to change day by day, 232-HELP/211 has elected to maintain temporary tornado-related resources separate from the main database. Please feel free to call 232-HELP/2-1-1 for additional service information, or search our database on this website.
Resources
Want to Help
What to Listen For
Whose Most at Risk?
Louisiana 2-1-1
"Linking people and resources for a stronger Louisiana"
One click on the
STARS
below, or one call (2-1-1)
We're here to help you navigate the maze of social service agencies and programs
We're here to help you navigate the maze of social service agencies and programs
When a tornado is coming, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death decisions. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado.
Have disaster supplies on hand:
 |
Flashlight and extra batteries, sturdy shoes, cash and credit cards |
|
Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries |
|
First aid kit and manual, essential medicines |
|
Emergency food and water, non-electric can opener |
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:
(back to top)
A tornado watch
is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is the ideal time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments.
A tornado warning
is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Seek shelter immediately.
Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned. Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. Residents of mobile homes must plan in advance and identify safe shelter in a nearby building.
When a tornado warning
is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation, move to an interior room such as a bathroom or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Stay away from windows. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.
WHO’S MOST AT RISK?
(back to top)
People in automobiles.
· The elderly, very young and the physically or mentally impaired.
· People in mobile homes.
· People who may not understand the warning due to a language barrier.
|
If you are in: |
Then: |
|
A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building) |
Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows. |
|
A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home |
Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. |
|
The outside with no shelter |
Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
|
Remain alert for signs of an approaching tornado. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most deaths and injuries.
|
