Top Stories

Louisiana Residents to Incorporate Fuel Plan in 2011 Hurricane Season Planning

BATON ROUGE – Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Angelle is reminding state residents to make planning for fuel a part of their preparations for the upcoming 2011 hurricane season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin this year.  NOAA has predicted that between 12 and 18 named storms will occur during the 2011 hurricane season.  Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts until November 30.

Precise locations, timing and intensities of potential land-falling hurricanes can be uncertain, so residents should make plans to secure fuel ahead of time to ensure they have enough to either evacuate if the need arises, or keep generators and vehicles running in the event of power outages in homes or gas stations.

The Louisiana Fuel Team, established by Governor Bobby Jindal, has planned ahead in preparation for hurricane season by working with the oil and gas industry and the federal government to maintain adequate fuel supplies needed for gas stations across Louisiana to operate in emergency situations and to inform the public on the status of stations and fuel availability.

“Tracking storms with the potential to strike Louisiana and purchasing fuel early will help residents be prepared and avoid being caught in a late rush or face potential localized shortages,” explained Angelle.

"Although a busy hurricane season has been predicted, we should prepare in the same responsible manner that we have in past seasons," said Angelle. “Planning for our fuel supply is an important part of protecting ourselves, our homes, and our businesses.”   

For the first time, citizens will have the opportunity to stay updated on the availability of fuel at participating stations across the state through a new database system developed by the Fuel Team. To view emergency fuel station information in this new database online, visit www.dnr.louisiana.gov/fuelteam.