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.
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Emergency kit
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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.
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Protect your home
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- 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.
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Caring for pets during an emergency
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- 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.