Preparing for a Hurricane in Louisiana

Since Hurricane Rita slammed through our area in September 2005, after years of no imminent danger from other hurricanes, people in SW Louisiana are more apt to pay attention when a storm is brewing or entering the Gulf of Mexico.

Knowing that electricity was down for two weeks after Rita hit landfall, the list for supplies has extended from the basic water, flashlights, candles and battery-operated radios.

In addition to the normal supplies listed above, staples needed in the instance of a direct hit from a hurricane would include:

* Meats and other foods that you could eat directly out of a can. This could be potted meat, Vienna sausage, ravioli, spaghetti & meatballs, etc.

* Peanut butter - invented as the original health food, you could live off this item and water for several days.

* A coal-oil lamp and/or oil burning stove (think camp-stove) for heating up cans of soup, stew, beans, etc. You wouldn't want to cook every day since washing dishes would deplete your water reserves. Which brings up another option for your list of supplies - paper plates, plastic cups and utensils.

* If you buy plenty of water for drinking in preparation of the storm, collect tap water in as many containers as possible for things like washing hands (and dishes) and flushing toilets.

* Since emergency services may be limited, you should have on hand a first aid kit, which includes alcohol swabs, antibiotic cream, splints and bandages. Make sure your daily prescriptions are filled in the event that your local pharmacy incurs damage.

* Many people board up their windows and doors before a storm, but it is wise to have supplies on hand to make temporary repairs to your home. As a homeowner, you are required to protect your home from additional damage. For instance, if the roof is ripped off it is your responsibility to cover it in an effort to minimize damage to the inside of the home. So tarps, plywood, boards, etc are some things you'd want to have readily available to protect your home from additional damage after the storm has passed.

* A gas-operated generator will enable you to keep refrigerators and/or freezers operational in the instance of an electrical power outage. This is especially important if you have mediations that must be refrigerated.

* Baby and/or disinfectant wipes are always good as well as hand sanitizer since you may not be able to thoroughly wash your hands with the limited water supplies.

* Cleaning supplies. Water, lack of electricity and dampness can cause mold and mildew to form in your home. Mold & Mildew remover/killer can stop the spread of this caustic fungus and save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

These are just some of the items you'll need in the instance of a hurricane. Dangers from a hurricane are more than the inconvenience of no electricity and other utilities. You need to remember that more than the atmosphere is stirred up. Animals, insects and reptiles are dislocated and can sometimes pose a danger to humans.

The safety of your family is of utmost importance so the best thing you can do is to listen to your City and/or Parish (County) officials. If you're encouraged and/or mandated to evacuate, then do so!

When evacuating, be sure and bring along medications, insurance papers (home, life and health), medical papers (living wills, list of allergies, etc) and pet supplies.

Like with any other situation in life, being prepared can ease the stress of a hurricane.