Hurricane Preparation and Survival Guide

Hurricane preparation and survival require a well-rounded, continuous state of readiness before, during, and after the storm. Advance planning and precautions are crucial, but so is knowing the right actions while the hurricane is raging and in the aftermath when hazards still remain.

This comprehensive hurricane preparation and survival guide equips Louisiana residents to confidently make it through each critical stage. From assembling emergency kits to taking proper shelter from high winds and flooding—this in-depth guide covers all the need-to-know information. 

A Louisiana hurricane damage lawyer from Laborde Earles can evaluate the damage and exercise your legal rights after the hurricane passes.

Assembling a Comprehensive Hurricane Survival Kit

As a Louisiana resident, having an emergency hurricane kit packed and ready is vital when a storm threatens. At a minimum, it should include:

• At least 3 days’ supply of non-perishable foods and water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries
• First aid kit with prescription medications
• Cash, important documents, and backup electronic data storage
• Masks, soap, sanitizer, and other COVID-19 supplies
• Basic tools, tarps, and items to temporarily repair minor home damage

Keep your kit in an easily accessible, secure location, and restock any expired provisions annually. With a stocked survival pack on hand, your family is prepared to safely weather the worst hurricane conditions.

Creating a Personalized Hurricane Evacuation Plan

Especially for coastal residents, having a personalized evacuation strategy is critical when a major hurricane approaches Louisiana. Establish planned relocation destinations, whether staying with inland family/friends or an identified hotel. Map out multiple evacuation routes ahead of time, including secondary roads if main highways are impassable.

For those with medical needs or pets, make prior arrangements to accommodate them during an evacuation. Review your plan regularly and ensure all family members know where to go and what to do when the time comes to get out ahead of a hurricane’s landfall. Decisive action guided by foresight can save lives.

The Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and the Red Cross Louisiana Emergency Evacuation Map also provide evacuation routes, along with other information that can help you, especially if you are in an evacuation zone. Additionally, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services offers information on evacuation and shelters. 

Seeking Safe Shelter From Hurricane Winds and Flooding

When a hurricane’s core impacts your area with destructive winds and torrential rainfall, it’s critical to immediately shelter in the most secure location possible until the storm passes:

For High Winds

If you shelter in place, bring your family to a reinforced interior room with no windows, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway. Safe rooms and storm shelters built to withstand high winds offer the best protection. Avoid upper floors if the winds are extreme.

For Flooding Threats

Storm surges and heavy rains can rapidly produce life-threatening flood conditions. If rising waters are inundating your home, retreat to the highest interior level possible and AVOID basements or lower floors. Only get on a roof if necessary as an absolute last resort.

Never Attempt to Walk, Swim, or Drive Through Floodwaters

Floodwaters can carry dangerous debris and contaminants and have powerful currents. Just six inches of standing water can destabilize or float a vehicle. Turn around to find an alternate route if roads are impassable. Whenever possible, evacuate to an inland location less susceptible to hurricane winds and flooding before the storm strikes. 

However, if you cannot safely leave and get trapped, immediately move to the most secure refuge within your home or building to ride out the hurricane’s fury. Avoid risks of being injured or becoming stranded by powerful winds and rapidly rising floodwaters at all costs.

How a Hurricane Damage Lawyer Protects Your Rights

Even after following a hurricane preparation and survival guide, the devastating impacts of a Louisiana hurricane may leave you victimized by severe property damage, lost income, injuries, and more. When that occurs, having a Louisiana hurricane damage lawyer is essential for enforcing your legal rights and remedies.

From providing advice on properly documenting losses to filing claims against all prospective defendant parties and litigating hurricane damage lawsuits, a legal advocate ensures you’re in the best position to recover the full compensation you deserve. 

Don’t go it alone against uncooperative insurance companies or others seeking to take advantage after a disastrous hurricane event.

Hurricane Preparation: A Comprehensive Survival Guide for Every Phase

Protecting yourself and your family takes a 360-degree approach when confronting the severe threats hurricanes pose. Use this hurricane preparation and survival guide to ensure you have a game plan for precautions, survival tactics, and your essential next steps so you’re never caught unprepared before, during, or after one of these devastating natural disasters strikes.

Then, a Louisiana insurance claims lawyer from Laborde Earles can help you fight for fair compensation from an insurance company. Whether your home or business suffered damage in a hurricane, our attorneys are on your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.