Governor Jindal Urges Residents to Prepare for Possible Icy Conditions

Press Release

After the National Weather Service updated its forecast with a possible chance of freezing rain in South Louisiana over the next couple days, Governor Jindal is urging motorists to use caution on roads. While the forecast states there is a slight chance of freezing rain, state agencies are taking precautions to ensure roads are safe.

Governor Jindal said, "As we prepare for the possibility of icy conditions, state agencies and emergency response staff are closely monitoring the weather and preparing to address any issues that arise due to adverse weather conditions. We encourage everyone to follow the proper precautions when operating vehicles or going outdoors. Safety is our number one priority during this time and we urge individuals to listen and cooperate with our local law enforcement and state officials."

GOHSEP Regional Coordinators are in contact with local municipalities and parishes to address any requests for help. District personnel from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development are setting up staging sites for deicing material and equipment deployment. DOTD crews have checked supply inventories and are prepared to address any affected bridges and roadways as needed. The Louisiana State Police is also prepared to monitor the expected winter weather across Louisiana. Situational Awareness will be maintained by the Emergency Operations Center at State Police Headquarters as well as throughout the state at the Patrol Troops. Troopers will be assessing roadways and working with DOTD, the Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to ensure public safety in our communities.

Beginning Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m., DOTD will begin salting the approaches to the Belle Chasse and Harvey Tunnels. The crews performing this task will continue to monitor conditions throughout the night to determine if additional action is necessary. Furthermore, DOTD crews will apply salt to any other affected bridges and roadways, as well as remove fallen trees from the roadway and close roads as needed.

DOTD advises motorists to take the following precautions during wintry weather conditions:

* Exercise caution when traveling on roadways during hazardous weather conditions and stay off the roads whenever possible.
* If you have to drive, do it slowly, carefully and avoid driving while distracted. Allow for extra driving time, reduce speeds when visibility is low, and make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles.
* Be aware of black ice -- a thin, transparent layer of ice accumulation that can be visually be hard to detect on bridges, overpasses, off-ramps and in shady spots.
* Look out for DOTD work vehicles applying salt to area bridges and overpasses.
* Buckle up and refrain from drinking and driving.

Emergency responders also recommend the following precautions:
* Monitor your local media, the NWS and Alert FM for any possible watches/warnings for your region.
* Protect pets and plants
* Keep space heaters a safe distance (36 inches) away from anything that can burn.
* Wrap pipes to prevent them from bursting.
* Wear proper clothing and keep exposed skin covered.

Motorists can receive road status updates and up-to-date information on local projects, lane and road closures, and other DOTD activity by signing up for MyDOTD at www.dotd.la.gov. Travelers can also find information regarding road closures by visiting the 511 Traveler Information website at www.511la.org or by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Additionally, real-time traffic and road condition updates are also available at DOTD's "Way to Geaux" smartphone application, which can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android device by visiting either the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.

You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new ALERT FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the new Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other important information at www.getagameplan.org. The Get a Game Plan App is also available for download to your smart phones or tablets.

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