Morgan City sits on the banks of the Atchafalaya River, and is about 70 miles west of New Orleans, 60 miles south of Baton Rouge and 60 miles east of Lafayette. Morgan City is known around the world for its fishing, hunting and wonderful Cajun food, and is the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico for the shrimping and oilfield industries.
Its proximity to the gulf makes it vulnerable to hurricanes, and one of the worst to hit there was Hurricane Andrew, who came ashore about twenty miles away. Andrew was the second most destructive hurricane in United States history, after it crossed over Florida and then regained strength in the Gulf of Mexico. Andrew caused more property damage than Hugo, Agnes and Betsy combined, with damages estimated at $25 billion. Twenty-three people died during the storm.
Morgan City is dedicated to minimizing loss of life and property associated with the flooding and storms that the city is prone to, and it provides education and prevention tools to help their community during these natural disasters. Knowing what to do during a tropical storm or hurricane is critical to your safety, and the most important thing that you can do for yourself is to be prepared. This information is provided to help the residents of the city who are vulnerable to hurricanes and in flood prone areas. Prevention, preparation, and education is the best way to keep yourself and property damage free.
Flood and Wind Safety Suggestions:
Learn the safest route from your home or business to higher, safer ground, but listen to reports of flooding conditions. You may have to go another way, so always have an alternate route.
Keep an emergency hurricane kit packed; you should have non-perishable food, plenty of water, flashlights and batteries, and a battery-powered radio in case the power goes out.
If an evacuation is called, go immediately to a shelter, hotel or relative's house. If you have pets, make sure they are cared for; check shelters to see if they will take your pets, and bring sufficient food and water for them and yourself.
Turn off all utilities, gas and electricity at the main switch. Stay away from power lines and electrical lines. Watch for gas leaks.
Don't walk through flowing water, even if you think it's safe. Drowning is the number one cause of flood related deaths. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you down.
Do not drive through a flooded area. You can't see the road underneath the water; there could be holes, obstacles, or debris to impede your passage.
Install hurricane shutters on your home. Not only do hurricane shutters protect you from high winds and wind-borne debris, they protect you from the pressure changes that happen during a hurricane. Pressure changes can rip your roof off and destroy your home, and hurricane shutters can stop this.
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