Preparing for Severe Weather

Tropical Storm Ida continues to bring heavy rains and potential flash floods to Louisiana and Tennessee.  

What to do if a severe storm or hurricane strikes your area

First off, know if you are in an evacuation zone. If you are, be sure to know the route to follow. Go to Ready.gov for information specific to your area.

What to do to get ready.

• Plan routes to emergency shelters and register family members with special needs as required.
• Make plans to keep pets sheltered.
• Bring items inside that could be picked up by the wind.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and keep them closed as much as possible so food will last longer if the power goes out.
• Turn off any propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
• Fill all vehicle gas tanks.
• Close windows, doors, and hurricane shutters. If hurricane shutters aren’t an option, close and board up windows and doors with plywood.

Emergency supplies to have on hand

• Water (one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days) for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for you and your pets
• Hand sanitizer and soap
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities
• Pet care supplies such as food, water, litter, etc.

What to do during the storm

• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors — secure and brace external doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm — winds may very well pick up again.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

More hurricane preparedness and safety tips

Stay on top of the storm with news and information from these organizations.

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Ready.gov Twitter
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Share these tips 

We welcome you to share these important safety and preparation tips with your friends, family, and colleagues. Just send the page link to anyone you think may benefit from this information.