St. Pierre helps ease senior hurricane worries

Dozens of seniors from around the parish gathered last week at the VFW Hall in Luling for a hurricane seminar that specifically zeroed in on what they should do in the event a hurricane hits St. Charles Parish.

The event, which was sponsored by the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, included informational guest speakers from top government departments and was highlighted by remarks from Parish President V.J. St. Pierre.

St. Pierre assured seniors that parish workers are doing all they can do to ensure that the parish’s seniors will be accounted for during a major hurricane.

“I was a little disappointed with the turnout today,” Fay Caire, with the RSVP. said. “But the information that was given to our seniors in attendance is extremely helpful.”

Workers from the parish’s emergency preparedness department, animal control, fire departments and the local American Red Cross office were on hand to give seniors general evacuation guidelines.

“I learned a lot today,” said 66-year-old Jermaine Thibodeaux. “The idea of evacuating is so stressful, but I feel that I now have more insight on how to leave if I ever have to.”

Each senior was given a navy blue “Bear Essentials” backpack that included pamphlets and other literature designed to help them make it through a storm. The bags are also monogrammed with a teddy bear.

American Red Cross representative Maurenna Thompson says the backpack’s purpose is to give people a way to get all of their important documents and medications together in one spot in case of an emergency.

“This backpack is a great way for seniors to put their birth certificates, marriage licenses, deeds, titles and any other important documents together,” said Thompson. “It is called the ‘Bear Essentials’ backpack because that’s exactly what should be put in it - your bare essentials.”

Seniors who weren’t in attendance can get more information on hurricane preparedness and evacuation tips by contacting the RSVP at 985-785-1037 or sending an email to fcairersvp@stcharlesgov.net.

Seniors are also urged to visit the parish’s official Web site for the most up-to-date information on hurricane preparedness at www.stcharlesgov.net.