Hurricane Preparedness
During Hurricane Season, be sure to take the time to learn more about the dangers associated with hurricanes and create a plan in the event a hurricane or tropical storm threatens our coastline. Being prepared for Hurricane Season is the best thing that you can do to protect you and your family, and taking these steps can make a huge difference when faced with a disaster.
Prepare Before the Storm & Get a Game Plan:
- 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 Department of Veterans Affairs 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.
Understand Forecast Information & Stay Protected During Storms:
During storm season, it is important to pay attention to updates from government officials and media outlets. The following are websites and contact information for various federal and state agencies:
- Governor's Office of Homeland Security
- Department of Transportation Hurricane Evacuation Routes
- Road Closures/Weather:511la.org or 511 on any cell phone
- Traffic:
- X: @LA_DOTD
- X: @NS_Traffic
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- X: @FEMA
- Register Damages (designated parishes): www.disasterassistance.gov
- Phone: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- X: @NWS
- Phone: 1-800-659-2955
- Pet Rescue/Triage
- Phone: 225-952-8168
Important Resources Before, During & After Storms:
Ascension Parish:
Jefferson Parish:
Lafourche Parish:
Livingston Parish:
Orleans Parish:
Plaquemines Parish:
St. Bernard Parish:
St. Charles Parish:
St. Tammany Parish:
- St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
- St. Tammany Parish Facebook
Tangipahoa Parish:
Road Closures/Weather:
- 511la.org or 511 on any cell phone
- National Weather Service X: @NWSNewOrleans
Traffic
Government
Federal Emergency Management Agency
- X: @FEMA
- Register Damages (designated parishes): www.disasterassistance.gov
- Phone: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
- Website: GOHSEP.LA.GOV
Pet Rescue/Triage
- Phone: 225-952-8168
U.S. Small Business Administration
- Disaster Customer Service Center: 1-800-659-2955
How My Office Can Be of Service:
Please do not hesitate to contact my offices 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.
- Metairie: (504) 837-1259
- Ponchatoula: (985) 340-2185
- Mandeville: (985) 893-9064
- Raceland: (985) 879-2300