Hurricane season starts today, June 1, and anyone who lives along the Gulf Coast, knows that this is no joke. Our friends at Ready.Gov have a great website to get all of us prepared for what could possible be disastrous here in Louisiana.First up is to build an emergency kit, and that is just what it sounds like - You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies for at least 72 hours. I can remember how scary it was after Hurricane Isaac, when I couldn't find gas for my car, so be sure to gas up way in advance, as well. I also like to keep updated on the Facebook page of Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

 

Other suggestions from Ready.gov include:

  • To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
  • Know your surroundings.
  • Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
  • Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
  • Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
  • Make plans to secure your property:
  • Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Another year-round option would be installation of laminated glass with impact-resistant glazing. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
  • Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.
  • Install a generator for emergencies.
  • If in a high-rise building, when high winds are present, be prepared to take shelter on a lower floor because wind conditions increase with height, and in a small interior room without windows. When flooding may be occuring, be prepared to take shelter on a floor safely above the flooding and wave effects.
  • Consider building a safe room.

This is a great resource for before, during, and after a hurricane, so take a look now, when you don't HAVE to, and see what you and your family can do in advance of a hurricane. And be safe, ya'll!

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