No one is quite sure how the town got its name, though Westwego was the location from which the railroad was compensated by the State to build a railroad to the west. Folklore holds that as travelers departed the station they heard the conductor yell “west we go”. A railroad engineer, G. W. R. Bayley, first publicized the name in 1873 when he wrote, “The construction of the railroad west of New Orleans was commenced at Westwego, opposite the Western boundary of the city (New Orleans), in the latter part of May 1870.”

Because future flooding in some areas will undoubtedly occur, a good defense is flood insurance. Homeowner’s insurance policies, in most cases, do not cover damage from floods. Flood insurance covers damage from all surface floods and can be purchased through your insurance agent. Renters can also buy policies to protect their personal property.
Don’t wait for the next flood to buy insurance protection. There is a 30-day waiting period before National Flood Insurance Program coverage takes effect.

For more information on flood insurance, see http://www.floodsmart.gov

Flood Zone Determination for Your Property FEMA link

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Mams and LSU AgCenter 

There are six basics that you should stock for your disaster supply kit; water, food, clothing and bedding, first aid supplies, tools and emergency supplies and special items. Keep these items in a waterproof container that can be easily transported from your home to your car and your safe place. Assemble your kit now to allow for immediate action during an emergency. Your family’s disaster supply kit should include at least a five-day supply of:

Water – One gallon of water per person per day.

Non-perishable food – Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include the following items:
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, Canned juices, High energy foods, Vitamins, Comfort goods, Condiments ,Food for infants.

Clothing and bedding – Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person and the following weather-appropriate items: Sturdy shoes or work boots, Rain gear, Blankets or sleeping bags, Hat and gloves,Thermal underwear, Sunglasses.

First aid supplies

Tools and emergency supplies
Louisiana Citizen Awareness and Disaster Evacuation Guide, Official DOTD Travel Map, Flashlight and extra batteries, Non-electric can opener, utility knife, Tube Tent, Tape , Matches in a waterproof container, Plastic storage containers Pen, Paper, pencil, Medicine dropper, Whistle, Sanitation supplies, Battery-operated radio and extra batteries, Cash or traveler’s checks, change, Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC-type, Pliers, hammer, screwdriver, nails and screws, Hatchet, or any other tools you feel you may need, Compass, Aluminum foil, Signal flares, Needles, thread, Shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water, Plastic sheeting, Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils

Special Items – Infant and medical supplies: Remember supplies for family members with special requirements, such as infants, elderly, persons with disabilities and persons taking medication

Entertainment – Games and books

Important family documents
Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds, Passports, social security cards and immunization records, Bank account numbers, Credit card account numbers and company addresses, Inventory of valuable household goods and important telephone numbers, Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supply kit in the trunk of your car. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.

Plan ahead for your family pets. Food, water, food bowls, shot record and if you plan to evacuate, check for nearby kennels and veterinarians near where you plan to go.