A storm is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, set to make landfall on Wednesday, Sept. 11. This potential hurricane, in the next 24 hours, will be called Francine. The hurricane’s cone is projected to hit almost all of Louisiana at some point in its path.
Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, Sept. 10, saying:
“It is expected to bring four to eight inches of heavy rainfall across the southern part of the state, potential tornadoes, and damaging winds. This State of Emergency will allow parishes statewide to have the resources to help protect the life, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Louisiana. Throughout this process, we will remain in constant contact with local officials and first responders and will assist them in every step of the way.”
In that time, we should be ensuring the preparedness of our consumers and prioritizing their safety.
Don Robin, executive director of the LP Gas Commission, issued a call to action, stating:
During the State of Emergency only:
– To help expedite the distribution of propane during this declared emergency, we will be suspending a few non-safety rules for the duration of the decalration.
– We will allow the use of all LP Bobtail and transport trucks without the required truck tag as long as the vehicle is mechanically sound and meets all safety requirements.
– All LP driver and service examination requirements will also be waived for out of state personnel as long as they have passed an equivalent exam in another state.
– Permit requiremnts for LP dealers will be waived as long as they are in compliance with their state of origin.
-All other waivers requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
-All hours of service suspensions shall be set by State Police and Federal authorities.
-We will also allow companies to fill other company’s tanks, providing all safety rules are met (leak tests, distances, etc.).
Aside from these actions, marketers can share helpful information from the Louisiana Propane Dealers’ website and PERC. Marketers can share preparedness and safety information through their company website and customer communications, such as e-mails, receipts, mailings, and social media.
As always, we encourage our members to plan ahead with their suppliers in case of supply disruptions, infrastructure issues, and high-demand scenarios. For more information and resources on emergency preparedness and business continuity, visit www.ready.gov/business. For more information, please contact NPGA’s Senior Manager of State Association Relations, Eric Sears.
If there is anything we can do to help before or after this event, please email madison@ccilouisiana.com.
