Hurricane season begins June 1 and we’ve already experienced, Alberto, the first named storm system, but it’s not too late for citizens to protect themselves and their families during severe weather. Since the mid 1800’s when the National Weather Service began officially recording hurricanes, 54 hurricanes have directly hit Louisiana.
That’s why it’s important for residents living in the southern states of the Gulf to take precautions. This is particularly important for survivors still occupying FEMA-provided mobile homes, any mobile home or other temporary housing. Below are tips to minimize your risks:
- Never shelter in FEMA manufactured housing units or any mobile home during tornadoes and hurricanes.
- All FEMA-provided trailers come equipped with weather radios, so it’s important to listen to them for mobile home warnings.
- Follow guidance of local officials. Severe weather may affect access to and from homes, so survivors should follow evacuation orders, and be aware of storm paths, road closures and other important information.
- More information may be found online at www.fema.gov/pdf/areyouready/areyouready_full.pdf
Hurricane preparedness tips for all Louisiana residents:
Before a Hurricane
- Document items and contents in your home in photos.
- Place important papers and documents such as driver’s licenses, social security cards, passports, birth certificates, vehicle registration cards and insurance policies in a waterproof, portable container.
- Consider buying flood insurance. Know your flood risk. See msc.fema.gov/portal to know the flood risk in your area and see www.floodsmart.gov for information about risk and rates.
- Make a hurricane emergency plan. For tips see www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.
- Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Important items include flashlights, battery-powered radios, batteries, cash and first aid supplies.
- In case you need to get to higher ground, know where to go and know the best route.
- In the event of an evacuation order, choose several temporary places to stay. These can include the homes of relatives and friends, a hotel or a shelter.
- If you need evacuation transportation you should contact your local authorities.
Prepare Your Home
- Bring outdoor furniture inside. Move important indoor items to the highest floor in the structure.
- Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
- Before evacuation, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.
- Consider elevating appliances such as water heaters and electrical equipment.
Stay Updated and Aware
- For weather updates, emergency instructions and evacuation orders, stay tuned to your phone alerts and TV or radio. Severe weather information is also available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at www.noaa.gov.
- Follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at www.fema.gov/blog
- Download the FEMA app at www.fema.gov/mobile-app. The app provides disaster resources, weather alerts, safety tips, maps of open shelters and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. Go to www.Ready.gov for more details.
- Follow the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness social media at twitter.com/gohsep, www.facebook.com/GOHSEP and www.youtube.com/user/GOHSEP.
- Download Alert FM from iTunes and Google Play. For a description go to www.alertfm.com