By Major Jerry Bell, DeQuincy Public Affairs Officer
On Tuesday, July 9, during the department head meeting with Mayor Riley Smith, hurricane preparations were discussed. City works director, Hank Frazier, reported that all the advance preparations had been completed. The generators at City Hall and the Police Department were in working order. Frazier also reported that there were sandbags and ice on hand. He further reported that the city had sufficient fuel tanks to store gasoline/diesel before any hurricane arrived.
Kim Rainwater, City Planner, reported that new generators had been ordered and could be in operation soon. Major Jerry Bell reported that he was in weekly contact with the Calcasieu Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) and that he would keep everyone informed reference impending hurricanes.
Kyle Rainwater reported to the mayor that the airport was in good shape and that they had fuel and a generator in working order.
City fire chief reported that the DeQuincy Fire Dept. would not be able to furnish or put blue tarps on houses. Mayor Riley Smith instructed Major Jerry Bell to inform the public that the city would not be assisting the public in this regard.
Chief Annajo Haynes reported that the Police Department was ready to aid all our citizens before, during and after the hurricane hits.
Major Bell informed all the department heads that they should go over the Emergency Operations Plan and be stocked up on any supplies necessary to work in a hurricane environment. Mayor Smith concluded the hurricane briefing by stating that we should all pray that we get by this year without a hurricane.
