Preparing for Hurricane Season
Our region knows all too well that every minute matters when a storm hits. As we enter the 2025 hurricane season - which will mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina - I urge you to ensure that you and your family prepare well ahead of time before powerful storms threaten our state.
It is critical that everyone in South Louisiana remains vigilant throughout the coming months. Preparing for the next storm includes learning evacuation routes, assembling a disaster kit, and locating a safe room in your home.
During storm season, it is important to pay attention to updates from the local media outlets. Please visit my website for additional preparedness tips, important contacts, and useful resources this hurricane season.
Also, please contact my office with any needs or concerns you may have. If any of our district offices are ever required to evacuate, you can always reach my staff in our Washington, D.C. office at (202)-225-3015.
Get a Game Plan
The following are websites and contact information for various federal and state agencies:
Top Tips to Be Prepared:
- Make plans to secure resources to protect your property, such as storm shutters or plywood for windows. Make sure to bring items indoors, including lawn furniture, toys, trash cans, or anything that could fly through a window.
- Learn evacuation routes and contraflow procedures ahead of time. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you need to evacuate. You can get information on the Hurricane Evacuation Routes here.
- Gather personal documents, including Social Security cards, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc. Make copies of these records and keep track of your valuable possessions.
- Keep your automobile fully fueled; if electric power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days.
- Be prepared to survive on your own for a few days. Assemble a disaster kit and ensure that it includes a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, blankets, clothing, food and water, prescription medications, and medical supplies.
- Talk to your family about the dangers hurricanes can present. Plan a centralized meeting place for your family in case you are separated from one another. Choose an out-of-state family member or friend for everyone to contact and check in with.
- If you are receiving Social Security or VA benefits, make sure you have direct deposit set up for your bank accounts. This will ensure you receive all of your benefits if you have to evacuate. You can contact the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting their website. You can contact the Veterans Affairs Department by calling 1-877-222-8387 or by visiting their website.
- Know how to shut off utilities. Know where gas pilot lights are located and how your heating and air-conditioning system works. If you have any questions, contact your local utility company.
- Do not place generators indoors or inside garages, carports, or sheds. Keep generators away from doors and windows and at least 20 feet away from your home, downwind, and never plug a portable generator into a wall outlet of your home.
