Louisiana Seniors Urged to Get Ready for Storm Season

With the 2007 hurricane season now only two weeks away, members of Seniors And Law Enforcement Together are encouraging residents of St. Tammany Parish to be prepared.

"Our primary focus continues to be senior citizens and individuals with special needs," said David Root, treasurer.

Last year, SALT and the St. Tammany Council on Aging created a computerized database known as the Senior/Special Needs Evacuation Notification System.

The program is designed to help law enforcement officials identify people who may need special attention or transportation during an emergency.

"By knowing who will have evacuated and who plans to stay, the first responder can locate the resident who requires assistance without losing valuable time to reach the home of those who have evacuated," said Root, who once served as Abita Springs interim police chief.

Immediately following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, first responders reportedly spent hundreds of hours trying to identify, locate or rescue local residents who did not evacuate. In some cases, valuable resources and time that could have been spent clearing trees or debris were devoted to locating possible victims, only to find out that they had evacuated before the storm. Law enforcement officials agreed that their time could have been better utilized assisting specifically those in need.

SALT was designated by St. Tammany Parish officials to be the lead agency in creating and maintaining a register of senior citizens or those with special needs in the event of future emergencies. "It is not necessarily a hurricane but could be almost anything such as an accidental chemical spill that requires an evacuation," Root said.

The database consists of St. Tammany residents 60 and older and those who would require assistance or transportation before or during an emergency. Root emphasized that the register is completely confidential and each entry consists of only a one-page information sheet.

The form, in addition to name and address, includes key information such as mobility concerns, special equipment needs, type of dwelling and individuals to contact.

"All those who previously completed a SENS form last year will not need to resubmit one this year. That data remains in the system," Root said. Seniors who plan to evacuate before a storm are also encouraged to fill out the form, eliminating the need for any possible follow-up.

Headed by Chairman Ralph ONeal from Madisonville, SALT is comprised of representatives from the public and private sector including many current or retired police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Formed in 2003, the organization's mission is to alert the public and especially seniors to possible fraud schemes as well as providing updated information for personal safety and home security.

Its members are available to address local organizations or assist other parishes regarding SENS or any other project affecting the elderly. To receive a registration form or schedule a presentation, contact any SALT representative at (985) 809-5450 or by mail at P.O. Box 596, Mandeville, LA 70470.

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Karl Kell is an Abita Springs area resident. Send news about Abita people and events to him at or 1001 N. U.S. 190, Covington, LA 70433.

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