HURRICANE AND STORM PREPARATION

Helpful Links and Reports

State of Louisiana Emergency Website: http://emergency.louisiana.gov/

Louisiana State Police Road Closures: http://www.lsp.org/RoadandIncident.nsf

Parish Emergency Preparedness Offices & Numbers:   http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/parish/parishoepnumbers.htm

National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Storm Forecasts/Predictions – 2009:

NOAA – http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090521_atlantichurricane.html

CSU   – http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/

Preparedness – FEMA http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/hurricanes.shtm

Red Cross “Safe & Well” Registration: https://disastersafe.redcross.org/

(This website provides a way for you to register yourself as “safe and well.”  Concerned family and friends can search the list of those who have registered themselves as “safe and well.”)

Evacuation Guides, Maps & Time Lines – Louisiana (These links provide a PDF copy of the Louisiana Citizen Awareness & Disaster Evacuation Guide. Each guide provides additional useful information.)

Southeast Louisiana: http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/evacinfo/SEHurriGuide.pdf

Southwest Louisiana: http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/evacinfo/SWHurriGuide.pdf

Shelter information points include:

• Vidalia – Tourist Welcome Center | U.S. I-65 and U.S. 84/1401 Carter Street
• Tallulah – TA Truck Stop | Exit 171 – U.S. I-20 and U.S. I-65
• Marksville – Paragon Casino Resort
• Bunkie – Sammy’s Truck Stop | Exit 53 – I-49/3601 LA 115 W
• Alexandria – Med Express Office | 7525 U.S. 71
• Shreveport – P.E. Gym at LSU-Shreveport | One University Place
• Leesville – Pickering High School | 180 Lebleu Rd.
• Oberlin – Tourist Information Center | 8904 U.S. I-65
• Simmesport – Maddie’s Truck Plaza | 15972 LA 1

PLEASE NOTE: The following is intended for individual and family preparation.

For suggestions dealing with church preparation, please download your free copy of

PRC Compassion’s All Hazard Workbook in the Forms section of our resource page.

Before the Storm…  10 questions to ask

BEFORE EVACUATING:

• Is the vehicle fully fueled?
  • Fuel pumps will not work without electricity or there may be very long lines delaying your start.
  • Extra set of keys
• Do you have any and all paper work/documentation showing proof of residency, ownership, insurance, bank records, etc. in order to get back into the area after the storm?
  • This information may not be easily retrievable (if at all) after a storm.
  • ALSO, take medical records & prescriptions should you need to refill a medicine while evacuated.
  • Include emergency contact information.
  • Wills and social security cards, as well.
  • Back up critical files from computer(s).
  • TAKE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOU.
  • Get the keys to the house!
• If going to a hotel, have you confirmed your reservations or do you have a confirmation number?
• Have you notified 2 out-of-town friends or family to let them know of your plans?
  • Who else knows who those out-of-town friends are and how to reach them?
• Do you have an appropriate amount of cash for such a trip, including enough to return to area?
  • Banks, ATMs, etc may not be operational immediately after the storm.
• Do you have an alternate evacuation route mapped out?
• Have outdoor objects (such as lawn furniture, toys, tools, etc) been brought inside and stored?
  • The wind can make them projectiles, endangering your and other’s safety.
  • ALSO, if you have an RV, motorcycles, 3 or 4 wheelers, boats, etc., have they been properly secured and/or stored?
    • Storm waters can float them off causing additional damage or danger
• Are your storm shutters installed or windows covered with plywood; and, are all doors secured?
  • If you don’t cover your windows, remove your screens so they do not become projectiles & so you can find them to reinstall after the storm.
• Is the central air conditioning turned off?
  • Power outages &/or surges can damage the compressor.
• Is your refrigerator and/or freezer turned to the highest setting AND are small appliances turned off or unplugged?
  • Remember to unplug any desktop computers.
  • If applicable, have LP tanks been turned off; and, have all small ones (such as those for a grill) been stored inside?

BEFORE STAYING:

• Is the vehicle fully fueled?
  • Fuel pumps will not work if electricity is out after a storm.
• Are sinks and bathtubs filled with water?
  • Fill any other usable containers, especially if you are on a well system.
  • Check for leaks especially around the drain plugs of sinks and tubs.
  • Water will be needed for drinking, cooking and bathing.
    • Secure enough bottled water for all members of your family and pets before the storm.
    • Remember, there is also, clean water for bathing and washing dishes is in your water heater.
• Is the generator in working order and do you have adequate fuel/oil?
  • Stores will likely not be opened after a storm.
• Do you have adequate supplies for riding out a storm and its aftermath?
  • See recommended supply list.
• Have outdoor objects (such as lawn furniture, toys, tools, etc) been brought inside and stored?
  • The wind can make them projectiles, endangering your and other’s safety.
  • ALSO, if you have an RV, motorcycles, 3 or 4 wheelers, boats, etc., have they been properly secured and/or stored?
    • Storm waters can float them off causing additional damage or danger.
• Are your storm shutters installed or windows covered with plywood; and, are all doors secured?
  • If you don’t cover your windows, remove your screens so they do not become projectiles & so you can find them to reinstall them after a storm.
• Is your refrigerator and/or freezer turned to the highest setting AND are small appliances turned off?
  • Remember to unplug any desktop computers.
  • If applicable, have LP tanks been turned off and have all small ones (such as those for a grill) been stored inside?
• Do you have proper identification and paperwork to show proof of residency, ownership, insurance, bank records, medical records (prescriptions), wills, social security cards, etc?
  • These records may not be easily retrievable (if at all) after a storm.
  • Protect them in water proof containers.
  • Include emergency contact information.
  • Back up & store critical files from computer(s).
• Have you secured a supply of extra cash AND extra prescription medication?
  • Banks, ATMs, etc may not be operational after a storm.
  • Pharmacies may not be open after a storm.
• Have you notified 2 out-of-town friends or family to let them know of your plans?
  • Who else knows who those out-of-town friends are and how to reach them?

SUGGESTED SUPPLY LIST

 

Food – A good rule of thumb is to buy the kind of foods you would take for a 3-day camping trip.

• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Food that requires NO refrigeration, cooking or preparation.
• Individual servings or small packages are recommended as there may be not refrigeration for leftovers.  
• Buy propane or charcoal for any grill you may have. If the food in your refrigerator or freezer begins to thaw most of it can be cooked over a grill.
  • NEVER use an outdoor grill inside.

   

• Special diet needs.
  • Baby formula and/or food
  • Sublimates, etc. for bed bound or special needs patients.
• Disposable plates, hot/cold cups & utensil.
• Instant coffee or drink mixes such as powered milk.
• Manual can opener.

 

Water

• Two gallons of water per day per person….minimum for drinking.
  • Other drinks (prepared tea, sports drinks, etc) or flavoring to add to the water may also be purchased; HOWEVER, water Is generally recommended for adequate hydration.

• Water for sanitary and other uses
  •  This is generally the water stored in a bath tub, sink or other containers.

 

Cooking supplies

• Charcoal, propane, sterno
• Matches
• Lighter fluid
• Camp stove with pots & pans

Misc. Other Supplies

• Flashlights & lanterns
• Battery powered radios or TV & antennae (Be sure TV can receive digital signals)
• Extra batteries
• Cell phone with extra batteries
  • If possible, an “old style” corded phone.
    • If your house has a phone jack an old corded phone will often work when nothing else does.
    • Cordless will NOT work if the electricity is out.
• Paper or other disposable towels and wash clothes
• Ice chest & ice  
• NON-electric clock  
• Generator & supplies (gas, oil, EXTENSION CORDS, etc)  
• Fuel/gas can  
• Tool kit  
• Work gloves
• First aid kit
• Fire Extinguisher
• Clean bedding – sheets, pillows, etc.
• Clean clothes, diapers, etc.
  • Rain gear, good shoes/boots
• Toiletries
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent and bug-bite skin care.
• Sun screen
• NON-electronic items for entertainment: toys, games, cards, books, magazines, colors, etc.

• PETS – proper identification, food (non-perishable), medications, toys, water (1 gallon of water per day per pet), immunization & veterinarian records, leash, muzzle (if necessary), carrier or cage, etc.
  • Pet & Animal Index from LA.gov – http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/petsanimals/animalindex.htm

 

• Additional medical information for people with disabilities or special needs from LA.gov –  http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov/factsheets/preparepeoplewithdisabilities.htm

• Appropriate protection against any wildlife (snakes, etc) that may be forced from surrounding areas into residential areas.

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