CALCASIEU PARISH, LA (KPLC) -
The governor has declared
a state of emergency, and so have Calcasieu Parish officials, but just as a
precaution.
"Anytime there's a tropical system in
the gulf, we need to be prepared for those conditions," said Office of Homeland
Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Dick Gremillion.
Even though tropical storm Isaac may
be staying to the east, officials in Calcasieu Parish aren't taking the
situation lightly.
"We'd like for people to take this
seriously," said Gremillion. "We always plan for the worst case scenario."
At two separate briefings on Monday, parish
officials gathered for a weather briefing from the National Weather Service
about developments in the tropical system.
"We don't want to scare anyone, but a
tropical system in the gulf is dangerous for anyone living on the gulf coast,"
said Gremillion. "That's just where we live. We have to be prepared for that
during this time of year."
Residents are listening to
instructions. Several local stores saw a huge boost in business.
"Sales have been incredible," said
Operations Assistant Manager Patrick Healy. "We've had people coming in looking
all kinds of supplies. Generators, gas cans, water. Anything we can do to help
them out with their supplies."
Stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, and Stine
all ran out of generators. And the next hot item in line? Gas cans.
Stine expected a shipment of
generators later Monday, and several other stores like Genset in Carlyss say
they still have generators on hand. Officials with Entergy say they've asked
over 4,000 additional workers to come in and help. Gremillion adds that even if
it does not hit southwest Louisiana directly, the aftermath may impact the
area.
"Even after it comes ashore, we still
have the possibility of the tropical storm force winds as well as heavy
rainfall," said Gremillion.
The Calcasieu Parish OEP
canceled their two briefings scheduled for Tuesday, but they will continue to
monitor the situation.
Copyright 2012 KPLC. All rights reserved.
FOX19-WXIX
