Hurricane prep – Surviving the big one starts now

Hurricane season is upon us. Though Baton Rouge has largely avoided high winds and severe damage in the four years since Gustav, officials stress that Baton Rougeans need to be prepared—even in June.

“We urge everyone to ‘get a game plan’ for hurricane season and for all hazards,” says Kevin Davis, director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. “This is the time to have a plan for your family in the event there’s a hurricane or other disaster. For example, if you lose electricity, make sure you have flashlights, batteries, bottled water and non-perishable goods.”

Ken Pastorick, public information officer for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, says it is best to stock up now.

Battery- or crank-operated radio or TV?

In the days leading up to landfall, stores will be crowded, and supplies will go fast. “Plus,” he says, “you can keep some of these materials on hand, since they may also help you during other emergencies.”

J.T. Lane, assistant secretary for the Office of Public Health, agrees that planning ahead is the key.

“The best way to mitigate stress is to have a plan,” Lane says.

It may be early in the hurricane season, but Lane reinforces that anything can happen, even in mid-summer.

“I would emphasize the health care needs,” Lane says. “If there is a storm predicted to hit the state, people should definitely make sure their prescriptions are filled. It’s essential that people get prepared today. You don’t want to wait until the last minute.”

Alarm clock (battery-operated)
Baby food, diapers and formula
Enough batteries for radio, flashlights for several days
Blankets
Bleach (without scents or additives)
Butane lighter
Canned and dried food
Cans for gas and oil
Cash, credit cards
Cell phones
Change of clothes
Cooler for water
Driver’s license
Eating and cooking utensils
Emergency cooking facilities (gas grill or camp stove)
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit and manual
Flashlights (one for each family member)
Fuel for vehicles
Gas for the grill
Heavy work boots or shoes
Important phone numbers written down
Non-electric can opener
NOAA All Hazards radio
Pet food
Pots and pans
Portable ice chest or cooler
Prescriptions, including eyeglasses
Sleeping bags, sheets, towels
Soaps, shampoo and toiletries
Sponges and paper towels
Toilet paper
Towels
Toys (for the kids)
Water purification tablets
Water jugs (1 gallon per person per day)