Hurricane Safety Tips
With hurricane season approaching, people in south Louisiana could face widespread torrential rains, extremely strong winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes. These safety and health hazards can produce a deadly and destructive result. To help ensure that everyone in our community stays safe this season, we suggest that you, your family members and/or co-workers become familiar with the following safety tips.
Before the Hurricane Season
- Know the hurricane risks in your area, and your community safety plan.
- Find out where official shelters are located.
- Develop a family hurricane action plan.
- Review the condition of emergency equipment, such as flashlights, radios, generators, etc.
- Ensure you have enough non-perishable food and water on hand.
- Trim trees and shrubbery.
- Buy plywood or shutters to protect doors and windows.
- Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Before the Storm
- Check media outlets for official news of the storm’s progress.
- Fuel and service family vehicles.
- Have extra cash on hand.
- Prepare to cover all windows and doors with shutters or other shielding materials.
- Bring inside lightweight objects such as grills, lawn furniture, and garden tools.
During the Storm
In a warning area…
- Check media outlets for official news of the storm’s progress.
- Complete preparation activities such as putting up shutters and storing loose objects.
- Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if told to do so.
- If evacuating, try to leave during daylight.
- Leave mobile homes.
- Notify neighbors and family members of your plan to evacuate.
- Take pets with you. Note: Shelters may not accept pets.
If staying at home…
- Only stay at home if you have not been ordered to leave.
- Stay inside a well-constructed building.
- Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Unplug small appliances.
- Fill a bathtub, sink, or large containers with water for sanitary purposes.
In case of strong winds…
- Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered.
- Close all interior doors, and brace external doors.
- Stay in an interior firs-floor room, such as a bathroom or closet.
- Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
After the Storm
- Check media outlets for official news of the storm’s passing and current road conditions. Wait until an area is declared safe before entering.
- Do not attempt to drive across flowing water.
- Stay away from moving water, and do not allow children to play in flooded areas.
- Call in emergency responders to attempt rescues. Many people have been killed or injured trying to rescue others from flooded areas.
- Stay away from standing water. It may be electrically charged!
- Have professionals check gas, water, and electrical lines for damage.
- Use tap water for drinking and cooking only after local officials declare it safe to do so.
National Weather Service Advisories – Know what to Listen For
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch:
Hurricane/tropical storms are possible in the specified area of the Watch, usually within 36 hours. During the Watch, prepare your home and review your evacuation plan in case a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning is issued.
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning:
Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in a specified area of the Warning, usually with 24 hours. Complete storm preparations and leave the threatened area if desired by local officials.
Short Term Watches and Warnings:
These warnings provide detailed information on specific hurricane threats, such as floods and tornadoes.
Flood Watch:
Informs the public and cooperating agencies of possible flooding. If you are in a Watch area, check flood action plans, keep informed, and be ready to act if a Warning is issued or you see flooding.
Flood/Flash Flood Warning:
A flood/flash flood warning is issued for specific communities, streams or areas where flooding is imminent or in progress. Persons in the warning area should take precautions IMMEDIATELY!