NEW ORLEANS — Possible severe weather will be moving our way starting Wednesday morning. Before the anticipated storms, make sure you're prepared.
The director of Jefferson Parish's emergency management, Joe Valiente, says you should bring in any loose items that are outside. Things like outdoor furniture can blow around because of the wind and cause damage.
That's how the shop foreman for NOLA Automotive repairs, Blake Weller, is preparing.
"We try not to leave cars outside overnight, and of course, we try to bring everything inside," Weller said.
Hurricane Ida hit the shop pretty hard and caused lots of damage. Weller says the rebuild took months.
"[When I say the damage, I said] 'oh my god' because half the building was exposed," Weller said. "[It took] maybe about a good six, seven months solid. That’s the exterior and interior as well because all of it took a big force."
Another tip: try not to be out and about during storms. Valiente says if you have to drive during a storm, make sure your lights are on, drive slowly, and avoid any flooded streets. If a tornado is headed your way, take cover.
"Go to the centermost portion of the house against the wall, inside a bathtub, or something similar. Stay aware from windows, stay aware from outer walls. Go to the interior of the house. Avoid the upstairs at all costs," Valiente says.
Valiente says the best way to stay safe is to stay weather aware. If you live in Jefferson Parish, you can sign up for text alerts by texting JPALERT to 888777. You can also get them in Spanish by texting JPNOTICIAS to 888777. In New Orleans you can text NOLAREADY to 77295.
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