The Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security has taken preparatory measures in response to forecasted heavy rains and high winds expected to affect the parish and surrounding area during the next 24-48 hours.

 

Sandbags have been prepared and positioned for disbursement, coordination with the Webster Sheriff’s Department and other regional officials is in place, The American Red Cross has been requested to standby for distribution of food and other items if necessary, and scheduled briefings with regional and state officials are in place.

 

“The objective now is to prepare,” said John Stanley, director of Webster’s homeland security office. “We don’t want to jump the gun and alarm people with premature evacuations and such; however we do want to have everything in place so that we may act swiftly and efficiently in the event we do need to take urgent action.”

 

Stanley does not expect the need for mass evacuations or sheltering, as there is no basis for such as need at this time. However, he has paved the way for such services in the event the needs for such arise.

 

The declaration of emergency his office recently filed put the State homeland security office on notice, which is the first step in preparing to secure potentially needed supportive services.

 

Sand bags are being made available by the Webster Parish Police Jury to residents of the parish at the two public works barns located in Sibley and Sarepta. “We ask that people who have never had problems with flooding yield to those who have a history of flooding,” said Stanley. “We want to make sure that those who are prone to flooding get the sand bags they need.”

 

For more information about the distribution of sandbags, and for updates on potential road closures, click on the link at the bottom of the home page.