Follow this hurricane prep list as the tropics heat up this week

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — We’re in the midst of Hurricane Season 2024, and this season is already proving to be a powerful one.

Even though Hurricane Beryl isn’t expected to affect our area, it does serve as a reminder to prepare now for a future hurricane that could impact Southeast Louisiana.

Here’s a few things you can do this week to better prepare yourself and your family for the remainder of the season.

Strengthen Your Home

• If you plan to board up windows in the event of a storm, go get your wood now. Measure and cut boards and have them ready to go. That way, you’re not fighting the crowds of people who are also trying to prepare at the last minute.
• Take this time to trim back any branches and limbs that are close to your house that could get blown around and cause damage.
• If a storm is approaching, remember to pick up any loose lawn items that could get blown around and cause damage.
• Also, prepare now for any boats or cars that you would need to have a shelter for.

Get an Insurance Checkup

• It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance agent before hurricane season to make sure your policies are up to date. You don’t want to wait until a storm is approaching, because there could be a lag in when policies actually go into effect.
• Keep important documents in a plastic bag or something that can easily be taken with you if you evacuate.
• Get flood insurance! Keep in mind flood insurance is separate from most homeowner policies. Even if you are not in a required flood zone, it makes sense to have flood insurance.

Have Supplies Ready

• If you’re staying home, you want enough food and water for each person in the house for at least three days. Stock up now on non-perishable items.
• Think about important documents such as insurance papers, property or car titles and other documents you would want to keep safe. Store them in a dry and portable container that you can take with you if you evacuate.
• Remember to have all prescriptions filled and up to date, along with any medicines for your pets.
• Have plenty of cash in case the power is out, as well as a full tank of gas in your car.
• Always keep cell phones charged and plenty of batteries for flashlights and emergency radios.

Get an Evacuation Plan

• The first thing to remember is to follow the request of your local officials if you are told to evacuate. It is for your safety.
• Start thinking now where you would go. Have multiple options, depending on which direction you need to go. Will you stay with family or friends, or will you need a hotel? If you have a pet, will the hotel allow your pet to stay with you?
• Know which zone you live in. Areas near the coast will be told to evacuate sooner than areas farther inland.
• Be aware of contra-flow routes. Once you get in contra-flow, you won’t be able to exit the interstate until certain points much farther away. This could impact your plans on where you are staying.

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