Page 2 - NEWSATCH May 2019

IT’S THAT SEASON AGAIN!
HURRICANE SEASON is upon us again.
Why would SECPID bring this up, when all our local news channels, the Weather Channel, local emergency services and our friends are a wealth of information and opinion? Because SECPID has a particular focus: the personal security of all Shenandoah Estates residents.
As this was first being written, Baton Rouge and much of the State were under a forecast of strong storms with a 60% chance of tornados within 50 miles of any given point. Wind potential at or near tornadic activity was projected up to 75 miles per hour – or hurricane force.
IT DIDN’T HAPPEN, thank goodness, but damaging or catastrophic storms of any type threaten extensive power and communications outages, and ALL “first responders” would be taxed to their limits! You might experience extended delays in responses from any of law enforcement, fire or medical services. In the event of significant and widespread damage, the commissioned law officers who provide the “extra duty” patrols in Shenandoah Estates would likely be called to broader duties.
Natural disasters attract criminal looters and scavengers. They will be particularly interested in weapons, ammunition, drugs, and anything easily convertible to cash! What can YOU do to prepare for this possibility?
First rule: the single most important thing to protect is YOUR LIFE and that of your loved ones. NO possession is worth that much! If necessary, leave the area at the first opportunity. Go to the nearest assigned shelter. Keep yourself and your family physically safe FIRST.
After that, if you have guns and ammunition, and you have a secure “gun safe”, put them in it and lock it. Do not leave your guns anywhere they may easily be seen (such as in your car). Also, it might be fun to fantasize about “defending the castle” BUT, for the average homeowner, any “foe” you might try to face is far less likely to hesitate than you. It is not a good idea at all! Lock the guns up and leave! The same applies to prescription drugs, cash, and other valuables. IF you can pack them up and take them with you, do so. Once more, preserving your life remains the first objective.
If you stay and are using a portable generator, secure it strongly (a heavy tow chain locked to something immobile) and exhaust safely away from the house.
DO NOT TOUCH DOWNED POWER LINES! f you choose to stay in your residence, take all possible normal precautions. Talk to your neighbors who stay, let them know you are there. As soon as contact can be made, let the Sheriff’s Department, Red Cross and family know you are there.
We sincerely hope that none of us ever need this advice, but just in case ...
www.SECPID.org | MONTHLY UPDATE | April 2019
Whether you are already paying the annual fee or not, please consider additional support for SECPID’s activities, which support and promote the value of Shenandoah Estates to its residents. Voluntary contributions may be mailed or given to any Commissioner. Checks can be made out to SECPID, and our mailing address is:
Shenandoah Estates Crime Prevention and Improvement District Box 77926 | Baton Rouge, LA 70879-7926
SHENANDOAH ESTATES CRIME PREVENTION AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT | www.SECPID.org