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Washington Parish President Richard Thomas is asking residents to begin preparing for potential impacts Hurricane Delta will bring to the area by ensuring they have everything in a seven-day hurricane kit.

Thomas urges parish residents to closely monitor local news organizations and the Washington Parish OEP Facebook page for storm updates, evacuation orders, and recommendations.

“While it is still too early to determine what our impacts will be, residents should start gathering supplies for their hurricane kit, if they haven’t done so already. Do not wait until the last minute to gather supplies for you and your family,” Thomas said.

With the current forecast, Washington Parish could begin to see tropical storm force winds (39-plus mph) as early as Friday. With that being said, residents should begin picking up items in their yards that could become projectiles, such as patio furniture, garbage cans, swing sets, trampolines, hanging planters, bird feeders, etc. Now is also a good time to make sure generators and chainsaws are working and full of gas.

“Lastly, I ask that we all be good neighbors during this time,” Thomas said. “Check on your elderly and disabled neighbors to make sure they have prescription medications, non-perishable foods, drinking water, and a list of emergency contact numbers. Remember that many senior citizens are on fixed incomes and may not have the resources to prepare. If you can help, I encourage you to do so.”

Download your emergency kit checklist at: www.ready.gov/kit