May 29, 2009
Governor Jindal Joins New Orleans Saints To Kick Off 2009 "Get A Game Plan" Hurricane Preparedness Campaign

METAIRIE – Today, Governor Bobby Jindal joined members of the New Orleans Saints, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) Director Mark Cooper, State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson and Major General Bennett C. Landreneau, Adjutant General of the Louisiana National Guard to kick off the state’s 2009 “Get A Game Plan” hurricane preparedness campaign. Governor Jindal launched the “Get A Game Plan campaign last year to provide Louisianians with the information and tools they need to prepare for a possible hurricane.  Governor Jindal announced several initiatives – including new public service announcements (PSAs) with the Saints and a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership with Wal-Mart – that are part of the “Get A Game Plan” campaign to promote hurricane preparedness across the state. 

Governor Jindal said, “We must be vigilant this hurricane season. We must be prepared and make sure we have a plan to help our families in times of emergency. Most of all – have a personal game plan. Take time now, before a storm is even in the Gulf, to talk to your family again and get prepared for a possible hurricane this year.”

The Governor unveiled two new public service announcements that he taped with members of the New Orleans Saints urging Louisianians to “Get A Game Plan” in the event of a hurricane or any type of hazard. Specifically, the Governor taped a hurricane preparedness PSA with wide receivers Devery Henderson and Marques Colston as well as a PSA on preparing for hazards with wide receiver Lance Moore. Governor Jindal said the PSAs will begin airing statewide early next week on both television and radio.

Governor Jindal announced that GOHSEP has launched a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership in emergency management with Wal-Mart. The Governor said that Wal-Mart has donated $15,000 and pledged to donate additional dollars to GOHSEP to help with education and outreach.

Governor Jindal noted that the partnership with Wal-Mart will focus on two areas to promote hurricane preparedness. First, he said that Wal-Mart’s donations will help fund the “Get A Game Plan” campaign for kids and parents. Governor Jindal said these initiatives will be launched in the coming weeks, including a coloring book aimed at students in 1st-4th grades.

Second, the Governor said Wal-Mart has agreed to establish a hurricane preparedness campaign at all of their pharmacies in South Louisiana, including promotional tents highlighting the “Get A Game Plan” website and preparedness info as well as attaching a hurricane preparedness check sheet to every prescription they distribute. Wal-Mart has indicated that they fill approximately 640,000 prescriptions per month at their South Louisiana pharmacies.

Governor Jindal said, “Wal-Mart provided significant help last year during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike – and I want to thank them for their continued support. Public-Private partnerships are a critical part of ensuring that we get the message out to Louisianians in the event of an emergency.” 

Wal-Mart Public Affairs & Government Relations Senior Manager Tice White said, “Wal-Mart is proud to partner with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. The safety of our customers and associates are of the upmost importance to us. We value our role as a corporate citizen very highly and look forward to working with GOHSEP to create a greater awareness level regarding the appropriate preparation steps and response methods for the citizens of Louisiana during emergencies and disasters. As it has been our commitment in the past, Wal-Mart willingly stands as a strong partner in this important area of safety.”

GOHSEP Director Mark Cooper said, “As we enter our second hurricane season under this administration, I greatly appreciate the leadership and support of Governor Jindal in better preparing Louisiana for the 2009 hurricane season. I also appreciate the spirit of collaboration, cooperation and resolve that now exists among our state agencies, local emergency managers, first responders and other stake holders that have made us successful in our preparedness efforts and ultimately in our response should a hurricane hit our state. While Louisiana is prepared for this hurricane season, we will continue to implement innovative and cost-effective initiatives to promote family preparedness such as corporate partnerships and the use of technology.”

The Governor also announced that Louisiana residents can purchase hurricane preparedness supplies without any state sales tax this weekend during the 2009 Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31.

Governor Jindal said that on these two days, shoppers can purchase specified emergency supplies free of the four-percent state sales tax in preparation for the 2009 hurricane season.

Governor Jindal said, “This is Louisiana’s third year holding the Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday weekend and I strongly encourage folks to go out to stores this weekend to stock up on necessary supplies. It’s a great opportunity to save some money while making sure that you and your family are prepared for hurricane season.”

During the two-day holiday, tax-free purchases are allowed for the first $1,500 of the sales price of each of the following items:

• Self-powered light sources, such as flashlights and candles;
• Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, and weather-band radios;
• Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting;
• Ground anchor systems or tie-down kits;
• Gas or diesel fuel tanks;
• Batteries – AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, or 9-volt (automobile batteries and boat batteries are not eligible);
• Cellular phone batteries and chargers;
• Non-electric food storage coolers;
• Portable generators;
• Storm shutter devices – Materials and products manufactured, rated, and marketed specifically for the purposes of preventing window damage from storms (La. R.S. 47:305.58).
• Carbon monoxide detectors.
• Blue ice products.

State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson announced that the state has updated the Southeast Hurricane Evacuation Guide to include the latest contra-flow routes, contact info and emergency shelter information.  Col. Edmonson said that starting this year, contra-flow termination points will be extended farther north into Mississippi in an effort to alleviate the potential for bottleneck. He said the new maps in the evacuation guide have also been updated so they are easier to read – and that a dash line is now used to indicate contra-flow while a solid line indicates indicate normal traffic flow. He noted that there were no changes to the Southwest evacuation map.

Col. Edmonson said that the state partnered with the American Red Cross and the United Way to help print the evacuation guides. To date, the American Red Cross and United Way have each donated $25,000 towards the production of state evacuation guides.

State Police Superintendent Col. Michael Edmonson said, “Emergency preparedness is a team effort that requires advanced planning not only from our government agencies and law enforcement, but also from the public. Our citizens are our greatest asset. We need their teamwork to successfully prepare for any emergency that may affect our state. Working together as a team will enable us to keep public safety our top priority. Make our game plan for being prepared part of your own.”

Adjutant General of the Louisiana National Guard, Major General Bennett C. Landreneau said, “The Louisiana National Guard's Soldiers and Airmen are the true credit for our Guard's ability to respond to the needs of our citizens.  Our Guardsmen remain the essential link with our communities.  Their hard work and dedication has proven time and again to be the critical element during hurricane season.  Our Soldiers and Airmen are highly trained, the best in the Nation, and as we approach this Hurricane Season rest assured that our Guard stands ready.”

The main supplies needed in case of a hurricane emergency are listed at www.GetAGameplan.org and are also included below:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
• One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
• Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• An extra pair of glasses.
• Important family documents in a portable, waterproof container.
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water

Get A Game Plan PSA Scripts

Governor Jindal, Devery Henderson and Marques Colston “Get A Game Plan” Script:

Click Here To View: http://www.getagameplan.org/psa.htm

HENDERSON: In the days leading up to a big game, we've got a game plan even before the first pass is thrown.

COLSTON: Our game plan protects us as we make our way to the end zone.

JINDAL: As hurricane season fast approaches, the safety of all Louisianians is just as critical. And that's why we're urging you to "Get a Game Plan" right away that'll keep you and your family safe.

HENDERSON: With a game plan you can quickly execute your plays if a hurricane approaches and an evacuation is necessary.

COLSTON: For more information go to GetaGamePlan.org and create a winning game plan right now for you and your family.

Governor Jindal and Lance Moore “Get A Game Plan” Script:

Click Here To View: http://www.getagameplan.org/psa.htm

JINDAL: A catastrophe can happen any time, any where.

MOORE: On the field we face hazards everywhere we turn, but with a game plan we can make it safely to the goal line.

JINDAL: Athletes aren't the only ones who need a game plan. We all need a game plan, to keep our families safe in case of an emergency.

MOORE: Keep supplies on hand, such as bottled water, non-perishable food items or a battery-powered radio.

JINDAL: Be prepared to evacuate and if you must go to a shelter, bring one bag per person.

MOORE: For more information, visit GetaGamePlan.org so you and your family are protected during an emergency.

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