Preparing for a hurricane
The time to prepare for hurricane season is now. Preventing the loss of life and minimizing the damage to property are responsibilities that are shared by all.
Here are some key resources for information about hurricane season, along with some tips for preparing, courtesy of the National Hurricane Center.
Key resources
National Hurricane Center
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
Livingston Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
Entergy Storm Preparation Guide
Develop a family plan
: : Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to flooding and wind.
: : Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be your home, but within your community.
: : Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
: : Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members will have a single point of contact.
: : Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
: : Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
: : Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit [see below].
: : Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] Weather Radio. Remember to replace its battery every six months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
Disaster supply kit
: : Water [at least one gallon daily per person for three to seven days]
: : Food [enough for three to seven days], including non-perishable packaged or canned foods and juices; foods for infants or the elderly; snack foods; a non-electric can opener; cooking tools and fuel; and paper plates and plastic utensils.
: : Blankets and pillows
: : Clothing [including rain gear and sturdy shoes]
: : First aid kit, medicines and prescription drugs
: : Special items for babies and the elderly
: : Toiletries, hygiene items and moisture wipes
: : Flashlight and batteries
: : Battery-operated radio and NOAA weather radio
: : Fully charged cell phones with an extra battery
: : Cash [with some small bills] and credit cards
: : Keys
: : Toys, books and games
: : Important documents in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag [insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.]
: : Tools [keep a set with you during the storm]
: : Full vehicle fuel tanks
: : Pet care items [proper identification and immunization records, an ample supply of food and water, a carrier or cage and a muzzle and leash]