Practical Steps to Enhance Safety and Minimize Risks
As the threat of severe weather increases during hurricane season, it's important for Louisiana residents to take proactive steps to help enhance their safety and safeguard their homes. With high winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding on the horizon, here’s how you can prepare and reduce the risks during the storm.
1. Stay Informed and Connected
The first step in hurricane preparedness is staying updated on the storm's progress. Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor weather updates from reliable sources. Ensure your phone is fully charged and have backup batteries or a charger in case of power outages.
2. Have an Evacuation Plan
If authorities advise evacuating, do so immediately. Know your evacuation routes and have a designated safe location where you and your family can stay. Plan to take your Emergency Kit with you, which should include at least three days worth of food, water, medications, and essential supplies.
3. Prepare Your Home
Your home is your first layer of protection against a powerful storm. Take these steps to help prepare it before the storm arrives:
- Bring outdoor items inside: Secure or bring in outdoor furniture, grills, and lawn equipment that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
- Protect windows: Close storm shutters or cover windows with plywood if needed. Avoid taping windows—it won’t prevent them from shattering and wastes valuable time, according to NOAA.
- Move vehicles: Park your cars on higher ground or inside a garage.
- Trim trees: Cut back any branches or trees that could fall on your home. Do this early enough for debris to be cleared before the storm.
- Use sandbags: Many local authorities provide sandbags before a hurricane.
- Invest in a generator: Having a backup generator can keep your food cold, charge your devices, and even run a fan or air conditioner if the power goes out.
- Fill your bathtub with water: Fill bathtubs for non-potable water needs like flushing toilets or cleaning.
- Clean your home and wash linens: With possible power outages lasting days or weeks, a clean house and freshly washed sheets can make the aftermath more comfortable, especially in hot, humid conditions.
Preparing your home in advance can help minimize the storm's impact and ease the recovery process. By securing your property and creating a plan, you can better safeguard your family and home during hurricane season.
4. Organize an Emergency Kit
The aftermath of a hurricane can often present greater challenges than the storm itself. Electricity and water may be out for days, as seen in the wake of Hurricane Ian in September 2022, which caused over 9 million outages across the Southeastern U.S., with some areas losing power for more than a week.
Having an Emergency Kit will help you endure an extended period without electricity or running water. Include the following essential items:
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlight(s) and spare batteries
- Charged cell phone with backup battery
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities (e.g., gas line)
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches or a lighter in a waterproof bag
- Important documents (ID, insurance) in a waterproof container
- Cash in case ATMs are down
- First aid kit (aspirin, bandages, antibiotic ointment)
- Prescription medications
- Mosquito repellent
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- Pet food and medication
- Extra gasoline if you have a gas-powered generator
- Full tank of gas in your car (in case local gas stations lose power)
Consider how you’ll cook if the power is out. Stock up on meals that don’t require cooking, and if you have a grill, ensure it’s ready for use. Keep in mind that restaurants may also be without power, so takeout may not be an option. Make sure your Emergency Kit is updated before every hurricane season, and keep it in a safe, dry place.
5. Watch for Rising Waters
Flooding is one of the most dangerous aspects of hurricanes. If you encounter flooding in the area, know your evacuation route and leave early if waters begin to rise. Remember never to attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot can sweep your vehicle away.
After the Storm: Stay Safe
Once the storm has passed, be cautious when venturing outside. Wait for officials to announce it is safe to drive on the roads. Avoid downed power lines and standing water, which may be contaminated or hide hazards like debris. When it comes to food discard anything that has been exposed to floodwater or lost refrigeration.
Take Care of Yourself
The stress of preparing for and enduring a hurricane can be overwhelming. Take care of your physical and mental health by staying well-fed, hydrated, and getting enough sleep. If you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to the
Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for support.
