No one is ever READY for Hurricane Season. At least not emotionally. But we can take steps to be better prepared.
As always during storm season, stay weather-ready. Forecasts can change quickly, so taking a few simple steps today can make a big difference tomorrow.
✅ Charge your devices
✅ Review your emergency plan
✅ Gather essential supplies
✅ Stay informed
- Clean your catch basins. Water needs someplace to go and if the catch basin on your block is full of mud, garbage, or carnival beads please clean it out. Cleaning your nearest catch basin is the most impactful thing you can do ahead of a rain event.
- Never drive through flooded roadways. Just a few inches of water can stall a vehicle or sweep it away. Flooded streets may conceal hazards, including downed power lines, open manholes, and roadway damage. Every unnecessary rescue puts first responders at risk. If you encounter flooded streets, turn around and find an alternate route.
- Please respect all barricades and road closures. They are in place to protect lives and prevent motorists from entering dangerous areas. Monitor local weather updates and avoid travel during periods of heavy rainfall whenever possible.
- Sign up for NOLA Ready text alerts. Text NOLAREADY to 77295. NOLA Ready is the public engagement branch of the New Orleans Office of Coordination and Emergency Management (NOCEM), it’s the easiest way for the City to communicate quickly with the public during severe weather events.
- Report non-emergency issues, such as clogged catch basins or localized street flooding, to 311. Call 911 for emergencies.
Be sure you and your family are prepared and stay connected and weather aware.
LifeSongs wants to make sure you and your family take all the necessary precautions in case of an emergency.
New Orleans Plan
Everyone needs a Game Plan! www.getagameplan.org
1. Put Together An Emergency Kit (Including PPP)
2. Make Preparations for Evacuations
3. Stay Informed
City officials stress that there will be no shelters of last resort in the area, though they will help those who need assistance find a safe place.
Special needs/evacuation assistance registration numbers:
Orleans – 311
Jefferson – 504-349-5360
St. Bernard – 504-278-1593
Plaquemines – 504-297-5000
St. Tammany – 985-898-2359
Sign-Up for the Hurricane Alert System
The city wants everyone living in New Orleans to sign-up for a new Hurricane Alert System. Those who register will be contacted via e-mail, cell phone, pager or Blackberry about any storms threatening the region. To sign-up, visit Ready.Nola.gov
Emergency Traffic Info
Citizens can get the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions by using the 511 Traveler Information System simply by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511LA.org.
Emergency Shelter Information & Checkpoints
Because of the fluid nature of shelter occupancy, citizens are encouraged to obtain information about shelter openings and locations at shelter information points along the evacuation route. Information about shelter evacuation points will be posted on this site as well as on the Department of Social Services website, the Louisiana State Police website, or by calling the American Red Cross at their toll-free number, (866) GET-INFO or (866) 438-4636.
Personal/Family Emergency Preparedness
Be sure you and your loved ones have a clear plan of action in place in case of a mandatory evacuation, including evacuation maps, emergency contact information, and an emergency preparedness kit. There are six basics that you should stock for your disaster supply kit: water, food, clothing and bedding, first aid supplies, tools and emergency supplies and special items. Click here for a complete list of items for your family disaster supply kit.
Other Resources/Links
www.dotd.louisiana.gov – Printable Contraflow Map
www.scholarworks.uno.edu – Preparing for storms in Louisiana
www.entergystormcenter.com – Energy storm preparedness & updates for your home
www.hurricanesafety.org – Tips from the National Hurricane Survival Initiative (including the National Hurricane Center, FEMA, the Salvation Army and others)
www.emergency.louisiana.gov – Disaster resources from the state of Louisiana
www.getagameplan.org – Links to PDFs and web sites that can help you develop a simple but successful game plan for your family.
new.nola.gov/ready– Everything you need to know to prepare for a disaster from the city of New Orleans, and how to sign up for local emergency updates via text message or email
www.cityofno.com – Evacuation tips, weather resources and emergency information from the citys Office of Emergency Preparedness
www.ready.gov – Information on hurricane preparation from the federal government
www.fema.gov – Hurricane instructions from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
www.redcross.org – Helpful information from the Red Cross to keep you prepared in the event of an emergency
www.complianceandsafety.com – A comprehensive resource for hurricane safety information
www.nws.noaa.gov – National Weather Service
www.nhc.noaa.gov – National Hurricane Center