Note: This article includes information from a variety of trustworthy sources, like the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP), Louisiana’s Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In the event of a hurricane watch or warning, or in the aftermath of a storm, please refer to those agencies and local weather experts for the most up-to-date information.
In Southwest Louisiana, being prepared is the name of the game. We can’t control the weather, but we can do our best to ensure we’re ready for anything that comes (even if we pray it never does!). There are lots of great resources out there, so I’ve corralled as much valuable information as I can into this post. Read on for more!
Advance Preparation
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, although it’s typically most active in the late summer (August and September). And around here, hurricane preparedness is a must!
What should I do to prepare for hurricane season? It’s a common question, especially if you’re relatively new to the area. Experts recommend taking care of several things before a storm develops.
Have a disaster supplies kit ready. If you already have supplies like batteries, non-perishable foods and other items, you’ll avoid the stressful rush that may occur in the days before a storm comes. Click here for recommendations of what to include in your kit.
If you own or manage a business, create a disaster plan. How in-depth this is likely depends on the nature of the business. If you're in construction or generator service/repair, you’re likely to be in high demand in the aftermath of a storm! Your business plan may require being available as soon as possible, including providing resources to help your staff return quickly and safely. If you run an accounting or marketing firm, your plan may focus more on securing your property and allowing employees who can to work remotely until essential services have been restored.
Click here for more information on emergency business plans.
Make proactive evacuation plans for your family. This doesn’t mean you need to book hotel rooms in three states “just in case.” But it’s important to have an idea of where you might go should the need arise. Are there family members you can stay with in another city or state? If you have a camper or RV, is there a campsite you might go to?
Remember your pets! If you have pets, are they welcome in the home, hotel or campsite with you? If not, research boarding facilities where you’re going to ensure your pets are safe, or make other plans. Click here for more information from FEMA on preparing pets for disasters. Click here to search for pet-friendly hotels to consider during an evacuation.
Make emergency or evacuation plans for loved ones with special needs or disabilities. This may include elderly or disabled individuals who cannot evacuate without assistance, along with anyone in need of special medical care during an evacuation.
Did you know you can register these individuals with local authorities, power companies and other stakeholders in advance? This may help with evacuation assistance or other support if the need arises.
Click here for information on registering for the Special Needs Assistance Program in Calcasieu Parish.
If you have a loved one living in a care facility, such as a nursing home, discuss the facility’s emergency plans in advance. If, for example, the facility intends to release residents into family members’ care a certain number of days prior to a storm, you can make arrangements as part of your own family’s plan.
Click here for a complete list of recommendations for individuals with special needs from GOHSEP.
Review your finances. Make sure you have all relevant information about your bank accounts and policies, including both medical and property insurance. It’s also a good idea to set aside funds for emergencies, including evacuation expenses or to meet an insurance deductible.
Make sure to securely store critical documents, like insurance policies, tax and bank statements, and government identification.
Sometimes it’s nice to get a professional opinion, too! Consider proactively meeting with your insurance agent, financial advisor and others to ensure you understand your financial situation, policy limits and more – for whatever comes.
Click here for a complete list of financial preparedness tips from GOHSEP.
If A Storm Comes
Remember that not every Gulf hurricane will threaten our area. Always consider guidance from trusted weather professionals, like those at the National Weather Service, KPLC 7 News and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).
What should I do if a hurricane is coming? Great question – one I hope we don’t have to answer anytime soon! If you’re adequately prepared, though, your next steps are much easier.
Ensure you’ve subscribed to alerts from local authorities. In Calcasieu Parish, several local agencies, including OHSEP, send emergency alerts through text, email, phone calls, social media or website posts, and local media alerts. Click below for more information or to subscribe!
CalcaShout – This is the police jury’s emergency alert system. Upon subscribing, you’ll have the option to select your preferred communication method(s).
NIXLE – Local first responders, including agencies like the Lake Charles Police Department, use this service to communicate everything from road closures to evacuation orders. To subscribe, text your ZIP code to 888777, or click here to learn more.
Information from your police juror – That’s me! Follow me on Facebook and subscribe to my email list. As I receive emergency preparedness information, I’ll share it. You can also follow the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Register your household with Smart911. Even if no one in your home has special needs that may require registration with the Special Needs Assistance Program, it’s a good idea to proactively provide information authorities may need in the event you have to call 911. This HIPAA-compliant program allows first responders to quickly access things like the number of people in your household, along with relevant information like allergies that may impact emergency medical treatment. And it's not just for hurricanes – it's for any emergency, anytime.
Take steps to minimize damage. Do your best to protect windows and doors. Bring in outside objects, like patio furniture, flowerpots and other items. Take lots of photos and videos of your property, including what’s in your refrigerator and freezer, in case you need to include any of those items in an insurance claim.
Enact your evacuation plans as recommended by local authorities.
In the Aftermath
If a storm does hit, first and foremost, follow the advice of local authorities. You may remember that after Hurricane Laura, officials encouraged residents to come check on their properties, but to remain evacuated if they could – a “look and leave” policy. In that case, they could not guarantee the availability of essential services. They issued a mandatory evacuation until approximately three weeks after the storm hit.
We certainly hope we never have another storm like that, of course. But the first thing to do is to make sure you’re aware of what’s going on. Follow local news organizations, and check those parish websites and social media pages.
Once you’re ready to return and initiate the process of things like insurance claims or necessary repairs, consider gathering supplies before you come home. While essential organizations like grocery stores, banks, hardware stores and hospitals make every effort to be available, it’s a good idea to come prepared with things like gas or groceries.
Although it’s a lot to think about, know the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury is working hard on your behalf, too! Watch the below video for a peek at how we prepare for hurricane season.
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