(The Daily Advertiser) – Lafayette Parish has been awarded a $3.8 million grant for drainage improvements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Sen. David Vitter announced Thursday.

The grant, through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will fund the Andre Street drainage project and the acquisition of 10 residential buildings, according to a news release.

The drainage project includes lining the banks of Beau Basin Coulee to help prevent future erosion and to establish stability on high banks for neighboring residences, Vitter’s news release states.

As part of the project, 10 residential structures will be purchased, leveled and converted to green space to help improve flood resistance and eliminate future flood hazards.

The Lafayette grant is one of three in Louisiana that Vitter announced Thursday totaling $6.2 million.

Calcasieu and Livingston parishes were awarded $1.4 million and $1 million, respectively, from FEMA to design and build multi-purpose hurricane safe rooms to protect first responders and other essential personnel who stay on site during hurricane landfalls.

Hurricane season starts June 1.

Residents are encouraged to start preparing now for hurricanes by trimming back trees from rooftops, cleaning gutters and stocking up on batteries for flashlights. Other things to consider purchasing are bottled water and non-perishable food such as canned tuna and meat, peanut butter and canned fruit.