Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Assistance

Disasters can take different forms. Some disasters, such as hurricanes or floods, often have warning signs before they strike. Other disasters, such as tornadoes or man-made threats, can strike with little or no warning to those in danger. 

Whether there are warning signs or not, there is something you can do to protect yourself and those you love from a disaster. 

Hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes are among the more common disaster events in Louisiana. Learn what you can do to be prepared before the danger arrives. 

The first step in emergency preparedness is to create an emergency kit. It is always a good idea to have the kit made and ready.  Don’t wait until you hear a bad weather report or hear that a dangerous natural disaster is predicted to occur in Louisiana where you live. Be sure to include these items:  

• Flashlight 
• Extra batteries 
• Bottled water (At least three gallons of water per person) 
• Battery-powered radio 
• Battery-powered lantern 
• First aid kit and essential over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and a list of medications for each person 
• Form of Identification 
• Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide
• Manual can opener 
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members 
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables 
• High energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers, etc. 
• Vitamins 
• Tape 
• Paper and pencils 
• Extra pair of glasses and sunglasses 
• Plastic sheeting 
• Soap 
• Personal items 
• Pet food 
• Protective clothing, rainwear 
• Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes, footwear, sleeping bag, and pillow for each household member 
• Car keys  
• Cell phone and phone charger 
• Written list of immediate family members’ names and contact information  

Important papers to take with you in a portable, waterproof container:  

• Driver's license or personal identification card 
• Social Security card 
• Proof of residence (deed or lease) 
• Insurance policies 
• Birth and marriage certificates 
• Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns 

• Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose from a friend/family member's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. 
• Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your area. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged. 
• Listen to NOAA (noaa.gov) Weather Radio, local radio, or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. 

A Hurricane Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 74 miles per hour or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.  The watch does not mean that hurricane conditions will occur. It only means that these conditions are possible. 

A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continues, even though winds may be less than hurricane force. 

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.   

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. 

A Tornado Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible. 

A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately. 

To Protect Your Home:  

• Bring objects that may fly around and damage property indoors.  Lawn furniture, trash cans, children’s toys, garden equipment, and plants should be brought indoors. 
• If flooding is expected, consider using sandbags to keep water away from your home. Make sure you have enough sand, burlap or plastic bags, shovels, strong helpers, and time to place them properly. 
• Cover the outside of windows with shutters or plywood. Use shutters that are rated to provide significant protection from windblown debris, or fit plywood coverings over all windows. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. All tape does is prevent windows from shattering. Using tape on windows is not recommended. 

Protect Your Valuables: 

•  Move objects that may get damaged by wind or water to safer areas of your home.  Move television sets, computers, stereos, and electronic equipment, as well as easily movable appliances like a microwave oven, to higher levels of your home and away from windows. Wrap them in sheets, blankets, or burlap. 
• Make a visual or written record of all of your household possessions. Record model and serial numbers. This list could help you prove the value of what you own if those possessions are damaged or destroyed, and can assist you in claiming deductions on taxes. Do this for all items in your home, including expensive items such as sofas, chairs, tables, beds, chests, wall units, and any other furniture too heavy to move. Store a copy of the record in a secure location, such as a safe deposit box. 

 Prepare for High Winds:  

• Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood to facilitate quick assembly. 
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through. 

Returning Home: 

Cleaning and Sanitizing Your Home:  

When returning to your home after a hurricane or flood, be aware that flood water may hold sewage and other hazards. Protect yourself and your family by following these steps:   

• Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup is complete.   
• Wear personal protective equipment, including rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles, during cleanup of the affected area.   
• While cleaning up areas with mold damage, wear a NIOSH-approved N-95 respirator, or one that provides even more protection. Look for “N-95” on the package. Do not use N-95 respirators on children. N-95 respirators do not fit children and will not protect them. KN95 respirators are NOT as protective as N95 respirators.  
• Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products). Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or floodwater. This should include materials that are located a foot higher than the high water line. 
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.  
• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and clean water.  
• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.  
• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. It is recommended that a laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your onsite wastewater system has been professionally inspected and serviced.  
• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill. 34 KEY MESSAGES | Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters Disinfect Toys Remember that anything that has had contact with floodwater could carry germs. To keep your kids safe, make sure their toys are clean. Some toys cannot be cleaned, particularly those that have been in floodwater. When in doubt, throw toys out.  
• Make a cleaning solution by mixing 1 cup of bleach with 5 gallons of water, and wash toys carefully with this solution. 
• If you have dishwasher-safe toys, they can be cleaned in a commercial dishwasher that features a dry cycle or a final rinse with a temperature exceeding 113°F for 20 minutes, 122°F for 5 minutes, or 162°F for 1 minute.  
• Once toys are cleaned, let them air dry.  
• Stuffed animals or cloth toys that were wet with floodwater should be thrown out.