<span style="">METAIRIE – Today, Governor Bobby Jindal and Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Mark Cooper joined the New Orleans Saints Owner/Executive Vice President Rita Benson LeBlanc to kick off the state's hurricane preparedness campaign, called "Get A Game Plan," at the Saints' headquarters. This marks the second consecutive season the Saints have partnered with the various state agencies to promote emergency preparedness efforts.  

The Governor and LeBlanc encouraged area residents to visit www.GetAGameplan.org - a website for Louisianans to use to prepare their homes and their families for potential hurricanes this hurricane season. The "Get a Game Plan" hurricane preparedness campaign is focused on providing Louisianans with the information and tools they need to prepare for a possible hurricane in their area. In addition, both Jindal and LeBlanc jointly announced that public service announcements featuring Saints wide receivers Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and Lance Moore will begin airing next week promoting the "Get A Game Plan" program.

Governor Bobby Jindal said, "The Saints know that a winning game is made possible by a winning game plan – and that is what every New Orleans family needs to be prepared for this hurricane season. Every family should take time now to make sure they have the resources they will need if a hurricane strikes this season – know your evacuation route in the event you are asked to evacuate, and be sure to have any needed medications, batteries, water, and a radio on hand to listen for emergency updates. We are teaming up with some great game-winners across Louisiana, like the New Orleans Saints, to remind all Louisianans how very important it is to have a game plan in the event of a hurricane. Planning ahead now can save precious time and even your property and your life when disaster strikes."

LeBlanc spoke about the importance of preparing for potentially dangerous storms by devising a conclusive course of action in the event a major storm threatens the region. "We are very proud to partner with Governor Jindal and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security in this important campaign to promote the "Get A Game Plan" hurricane preparedness program for the second year in a row. Lance Moore, Devery Henderson and Marques Colston are three of our bright leaders involved with the Public Service Announcement that will run statewide to get the word out."

"All of our players and coaches know it is critical to have a game plan before they take the field – and so should all of our fans in their approach to hurricane preparedness. Louisiana businesses, families and individuals need to prepare in advance for storm season, just like our players do for their games."

LeBlanc concluded by stating, "the Saints are more than a football team, we are proud advocates for the Gulf South Region, we understand the impact a hurricane can have on our community and our people. That is why the New Orleans Saints believe it is paramount to participate in this call to action and why we stress the importance of getting a game plan for hurricane season."

Saints Owner Tom Benson and his family started the New Orleans Saints Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund in the wake of the storm, raising over $1 million for donations to the United Way of New Orleans, Catholic Charities, Rebuilding Together, Second Harvest Food Bank, Hispanic Apostolate, The Make It Right Foundation and The St. Bernard Project, among others. The Saints were among the first large businesses and the first professional sports team to return to New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina. From 2006-07, the club distributed over $1.5 million in grants to 46 high schools and youth football organizations to help in the post-Katrina rebuilding process, and the Saints and the NFL also awarded a grant of $550,000 to Friends of City Park for the installation of a synthetic turf football field at Pan American Stadium.

Hurricane season begins on June 1, and officials have predicted that this year will be an above normal hurricane season. Last month, hurricane forecaster Dr. William Gray predicted 14 named storms in the Atlantic in 2009 and a better than average chance that at least one major hurricane will hit the United States.

During an emergency, crucial state public information may be released through GOHSEP with the help of other state agencies that may be involved in the response actions. Depending on the scope of the emergency or the type of situation, these messages may be initiated by either the parish or state emergency management organizations. During any type of major evacuation in the state, the Louisiana Emergency Alert System will broadcast evacuation information on all participating radio/TV stations for the affected areas.

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