Hurricane Season Is Here: Don't Be Caught Off Guard

The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season began June 1. Forecasters and experts are predicting 12 to 17 named storms could form, with five to nine developing into hurricanes.

Being prepared can help you and your family minimize the impact of a storm, and the best time to start is BEFORE the threat is imminent. As part of our ongoing hurricane education, AARP Louisiana is connecting with community partners to bring you the latest information and resources to help you protect yourself and your family before, during, and after a storm.

HERE ARE A FEW STEPS YOU CAN TAKE RIGHT NOW TO GET PREPARED.

• Download our 2020 COVID-19 UPDATED Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Adults Age 50+ English | Spanish

• Design a disaster plan. It should include whom to contact and where to meet family members in case of an emergency. All family members should know the plan and the numbers to call.

• Write down key numbers. Communication is essential during a disaster. Take the time now to email yourself or write down key numbers - like for your family members and your service providers. It is a best practice to save these numbers somewhere outside of your saved contacts in the event your phone is lost or damaged, or if there is an extended power outage. 

• Pack a go-bag. A go-bag is essential for disaster preparedness. A “Go Bag” will help you be ready to run at a moment’s notice. It should include food and water, personal essentials, COVID-19 needs, medications, electronics, and cash. Keep your go-bag in an accessible location, such as a front hall closet or garage, where it's easy to grab on your way out the door. You can find a detailed list of items to include in your go-bag HERE.

• Take inventory of your belongings before a disaster strikes. In order to be fully compensated for your lost or damaged items through your insurance after a disaster, you have to be able to prove what you lost. A video is an excellent option. Taking a detailed video or photo of each room in your home is an easy way to document your home inventory.

• Protect important documents. Not having access to the documents you need to apply for assistance or file an insurance claim makes a difficult process even more so after a disaster. You want to protect at-home documents ideally from fire and water, and make sure you have access to safely stored copies even if you can’t get home. Consider placing documents in sealed plastic bags, a backup in digital cloud storage, and exchange an extra copy of your records with a friend or family member out of the area.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
American Red Cross of Louisiana
Get a Game Plan Louisiana
State Of Louisiana Governors Office of Homeland Security (GOHSEP)
FEMA
National Hurricane Center
National Weather Service
SBP Hurricane Resources
Ready.gov
CDC
Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana
Louisiana Attorney General