Help When You Need It

These lists can help you prepare for a storm and arm you with resources you may need after a storm.

Be Prepared by Packing an Emergency Supply Kit
One of the first things on your hurricane prep to-do list, even before a storm looms in the Gulf of Mexico, is to assemble an emergency supply kit; something you can grab and go, if need be. A basic emergency kit could include the following items:

Food and Water

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods
• Pet food
• Manual can opener

Tools and Maintenance items:

• Flashlight(s) and extra batteries
• Basic tool kit including wrench or pliers for turning off utilities, if necessary
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air 
• Plastic trash bags
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Personal Items:

• Moist towelettes, toothpaste, personal hygiene products
• Glasses and contact lenses
• Sleeping bag for each person
• At least one complete change of clothing for each person

First Aid Kit:

• Latex or other sterile gloves
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes 
• Antibiotic ointment
• Burn ointment
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
• A thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day (periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates)
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies
• Scissors and tweezers
• Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Non-prescription drugs: aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, laxatives.

Miscellaneous items:

• Copies of important papers such as insurance documents, medical forms, and IDs
• Paper, pencils and pens
• NOAA weather radio with tone alert (and extra batteries)
• Whistle so you can signal for help if stranded
• Maps of the local area
• Inverter or solar charger to keep mobile phones charged
• Cash or travelers’ checks
• Books, games and playing cards

Plan your Evacuation

• If a hurricane is predicted to be severe, an order to evacuate may be given. Please heed these directives for your own safety. Before the storm makes landfall, follow these steps to plan ahead for your evacuation strategy:
• Know the local hurricane evacuation route(s). Plan your route but have alternative routes in mind in case of road closures. If you don’t have a vehicle, contact family, friends, your local government, or aid agencies to make other arrangements.
• Plan where you might stay. Do you have friends or family outside the evacuation zone who may be able to accommodate you? Hotels are another option, but make a reservation as early as possible, as they can fill up quickly.
• Collect copies of important papers such as medical insurance cards, homeowner’s insurance policy, emergency contact information in a gallon Ziploc bag and take them with you.
• Pack paper maps in case you lose your phone signal or you run out of battery life.
• Make considerations for your pets. Will you take them with you, leave them with someone else, or board them at a kennel? Please do not abandon your pets. Take pet food and vet contact info with you.
• Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.

Last-Minute Preparations

• If a storm is imminent in the next 24-48 hours and you’ve done little prior preparation, don’t panic. Here’s your last-minute list.
• Track the storm path and projected risk areas at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. Monitor weather conditions with a battery-powered NOAA weather radio to receive the most up-to-date information, including forecasts, watches, or warnings.
• Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting and keep it closed, so the food won’t spoil quickly if you lose electrical power.
• Bring all lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, trash cans, hanging plants (and anything else that could be picked up by the wind) inside. Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Fill up your bathtub, sinks and other large containers with fresh water. This will serve as an important reserve should you be without running water after a storm.
• Make sure all your family vehicles have at least a half-tank of gas, as filling stations may be closed or unable to pump gas during power outages.

After the Storm

• Avoid walking through flood waters, as they may contain pollution, debris, and potentially dangerous wildlife.
• Check on elderly neighbors.
• Avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion during clean-up.
• Beware of downed power lines.
• Follow manufacturers guidelines when using a generator to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Emergency phone numbers and resources:

• In an emergency situation, always call 911
• 211 Helpline – Information from the United Way of SWLA
• Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness — 337-721-3800
• Louisiana Attorney General Hurricane Hotline – 1-866-351-4889
• LA State Police Troop D – 337-491-2511
• Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office – 337-491-3600
• Road Closure Hotline – 1-800-469-4828
• American Red Cross — http://www.redcross.org
• FEMA – http://www.fema.gov
• LA Department of Children & Family Services — http://www.dss.state.la.us
• LA Department of Transportation — http://www.dotd.louisiana.gov
• LA Department of Health & Hospitals — http://www.dhh.state.la.us
• National Weather Service Southern Region — http://www.srh.noaa.gov

Utilities:

• Entergy — 1-800-ENTERGY
• Beauregard Electric – 1-800-367-0276
• CenterPoint Energy — 1-800-477-0177