How to Prepare for a Louisiana Hurricane
How to Prepare for Hurricanes in Louisiana
Hurricanes are not unique to Louisiana, but they sure seem to love us! Having a plan in place can save time, money and even lives.
Develop an Emergency Hurricane Plan
Everyone in the house should know this hurricane plan in and out. Practice it with your family, kids and don’t forget your pets. Make it as fun of a practice as possible, but ensure that the kids understand how important it is to follow these rules. Don't forget to familiarize yourself with the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it may affect your hurricane planning.
Know your Evacuation Zone
If you have to leave in a hurry, it helps to know where you are going. If you live in or near an evacuation zone, learn it and remember it - your family’s life could depend on it.
Follow Emergency Instructions
Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, they’ll provide the latest information and recommendations based on the threat to your part of Louisiana.
Listen and Look for Warnings and Alerts
Prepare several means to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)- which requires no-sign up. Local news stations may also be a good source of information.
Disabled Persons
If someone in your home has a disability, they will need special attention ad preparation in the case of a hurricane. Be sure to include them and their situation in your hurricane plans.
Gather and Review Insurance Documents
Find your policies and keep them safe. Make sure you have digital copies saved in the cloud or somewhere water cannot damage them.
Prepare your Home
Clean out storm drains near your home, clean those gutters, bring in outside furniture, tie down things that may blow away. Lift valuable items up away from low-lying areas where flood waters can damage them. Louisiana residents have and continue to use hurricane shutters. These are a good way to protect your windows from breaking during high winds. Plywood window covers can also serve the same purpose.
Batteries and Chargers
Keep your cell phones charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics. Have battery powered lighting scattered throughout the house.
Help your Neighborhood
Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others.
Gather Emergency Supplies
Have enough emergency hurricane supplies for your household, including medication, cleaning and disinfectant supplies, masks, pet food and supplies in your go bag or car trunk. After a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks. Gather as much non-perishable food as you can safely keep. Storing clean, drinking water is also a good idea.
Remember, help yourself and your family first, but if you have the resources, help your neighbors. Working together is how you will get through the horrible experience of a hurricane.
If you or your family need help with cleanup or restoration after a hurricane, please give us a call. DryMax Restoration has been in the heart of Louisiana for years and our hurricane restoration experts can help. Call today 337-428-3932.
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