Update Regarding City of Baker Preparations in Advance of March 17, 2021 Severe Weather Alert

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***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

03-17-2021

Media inquiries:
Becky Bond
Director, Office of Communications & Economic Development 
rbond@cityofbakerla.com
Mobile: 225-364-6041

Update Regarding City of Baker Preparations in Advance of March 17, 2021 Severe Weather Alert:

Mayor Waites announced the following updates to the City of Baker Emergency Preparedness plan were implemented: 

• The Baker Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.) will be partially activated in preparation for Sever Weather at 4:00 PM CST today, March 17, 2021 .
• The phone number for the E.O.C. is 800-953-5933.
• In the event of an emergency please call 911.
• Baker Utilities drive through will be open for regular operations.
  • However, in the afternoon due to hazardous weather conditions we urge you to utilize our on-line payment option or call for service.
  • Information on these may be found at:  Helpful Information: City of Baker Utility Billing Payment Options
• Baker City Hall & Municipal Buildings remain closed to the public due to COVID19 however, it remains staffed for regular operations until 5:30 PM and is accessible by phone and email. Please call 225-778-0300 to speak with employees remotely.

The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued the following advisory:

WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING

* WHAT South winds 25 to 35 mph with higher gusts expected.

* WHERE Portions of southeast and southern Mississippi and southeast Louisiana.

* WHEN From 10 AM this morning to 10 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

Please follow Safety Basics during severe weather:

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

Secure outdoor objects:

• Please do not leave garbage bins on the curb
• Secure patio furniture and other items located in your yard

Be prepared for and aware of:

• Falling limbs 
• Fallen utility power lines
  • If you come across a downed utility wire of any kind, always do the following:
    • Assume it's energized and stay as far away as you can. Energized lines can charge the ground near the point of contact and may electrocute you. If you come upon a downed line of any kind, stay at least 35 feet away. Do not attempt to rescue a person or pet.
    • Call 911
    • Leave everything to utility professionals and emergency personnel.
    • Do not drive over downed power lines. Stay in your car.

Please establish an Emergency Plan with your family. 

You can put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my family/household communication plan?
• Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
• Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and update my emergency plans due to Coronavirus.
  • Get masks (for everyone over 2 years old), disinfectants, and check my sheltering plan.

Be sure to include City of Baker messaging in your plan - get your family signed up for updates by texting LABAKER UPDATES to 468311.

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