How to Prepare for a Hurricane

2/12/2023 (Permalink)

Louisiana has seen over 50 hurricanes since the 1930s. This is how you prepare your home and family for a hurricane.

Hurricanes are very powerful, destructive storms that can bring high winds and heavy rainfall. Hurricanes form in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico and then move toward land. In the United States, hurricanes are most likely to hit Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. In fact, Louisiana has seen over 50 hurricanes since the 1930s. This is how you prepare your home and family for a hurricane.

What is the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning?

A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in the next 48 hours. In these cases, you should be prepared to either shelter in place or evacuate, but it is very possible that the storm will die down before it reaches you.

A warning means that a hurricane is expected in the next 24 hours. Hurricane warnings are issued by the National Weather Service and they signal that immediate action needs to be taken in order to protect yourself and your family.

Be prepared before the storm

To be prepared for a hurricane, you should:

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers nearby.
• Have a plan for where to go if you have to evacuate.
• Have an evacuation kit ready to go with everything from food, water, and any medications.

Pack emergency supplies

One of the most important steps to take in preparation for a storm is to pack an emergency kit. You can store your emergency kit in a backpack or plastic storage bin, but be sure it's watertight and easy to carry if you need to evacuate.

Pack supplies for at least two weeks—and don't forget about pets! Keep enough food, water, and medicine on hand so that everyone in your household for at least 72 hours.

Remember to store your emergency kit in an easy-to-access location!

Know evacuation routes and have a plan for evacuation

Prepare for the need to evacuate the area. The best way to ensure that you can evacuate quickly is to know the route you'll take and how long it will take. If you are in a coastal area, have a plan for where you will go if the storm requires an evacuation.

Prepare your car

Most people's form of evacuation relies on their vehicles. Before the hurricane, it is important to prepare your car.

• Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
• Have a spare tire and jack.
• Have a cell phone charger in your car.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car.
• Move your car into a garage or under cover.

Prepare to shelter in place

In some cases, it might not be safer to shelter in place than it is to evacuate. Hurricanes are extremely dangerous for everyone, but especially for those who venture outdoors. If you need to shelter in place, remember to stay away from windows and doors and stay away from trees, power lines, and flood waters.

Prepare your home

To minimize the risks of damage to your home during a hurricane, there are several things you can do to prepare your home.

• Shut off utilities such as electricity, gas, and water.
• Remove trees limbs and other debris from your yard that could cause damage to your home.
• Make sure your home is secure and ready for flooding if necessary: cover windows and doors, place sandbags in front of entry points to your home, and make sure outdoor furniture has been moved somewhere safe.

The best way to keep your family and home safe from a hurricane is to be prepared. If you do not have an emergency plan in place already, it is important that you create one before the next hurricane unexpectedly hits. Remember, if your home or business suffers from damage due to a hurricane, our SERVPRO of Lafayette team can help with all the flood damage cleanup and restoration.