Emergency preparedness

Get a game plan

The state of Louisiana has a website with information on setting up a game plan for emergencies. There a game plans for families, businesses and even one just for children.

A family plan needs to include:

  • An emergency kit (food, water, first aid supplies and your medicines)
  • A family evacuation plan (where you will go to be safe and how you will get out of your home safely)
  • What to do when a Hurricane Watch is issued
  • How to protect your home
  • How to protect your valuables
  • How to prepare for high winds
  • How to prepare if you have someone with special needs
  • How to care for your pets during an emergency  (pet foods, leashes, nametags)

Just for kids

  • Have them watch a video to help them get set up a game plan for themselves.
  • Or, go to Be a hero website where kids learn to prepare, plan and stay informed about disasters.

Be sure to include these items:

  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Bottled water (at least 3 gallons per person)
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Battery-powered lantern
  • First aid kit
  • Form of identification
  • Canned food and non-electric can opener
  • Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
  • Ready-to-eat canned meat, fruit and vegetables
  • High-energy food – peanut butter, jelly, crackers
  • Vitamins
  • Utility knife, shut-off wrench, pliers
  • Tape
  • Compass
  • Paper and pencil
  • Extra pair of glasses
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Soap
  • Personal items
  • Plastic garbage bags and ties
  • Pet food
  • Protective clothing, rainwear
  • Clothing and bedding
  • Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend’s or relative’s house)
  • Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, water
  • Important papers in a waterproof container – driver’s license and personal ID; Social Security cards; proof of residence; Insurance policies; birth and marriage certificates; stocks, bonds and other negotiable certificates; wills, deeds and copies of recent tax returns.

Member Evacuation Checklist

Special Medical Evacuation Checklist

  • Bring things indoors.
  • Leave trees and shrubs alone.
  • Look for potential hazards (things that could harm someone).
  • Turn off electricity and water.
  • Leave natural gas on.
  • Turn off propane gas service.
  • If flooding is expected, consider using sand bags.
  • Cover the outside of windows with shutters or plywood.
  • Locate a pet-friendly hotel or motel  
  • Make sure your pets are current on vaccinations. Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.
  • Have a current photo.
  • Keep a collar with identification on your pet.
  • Have a leash or pet carrier available.
  • If you evacuate your house, don’t leave your pet.
  • Bring pets indoors.
  • Have ample supply of food, water and newspapers or trash bags for cleanup.