Hurricane season arrives every year—from June through late October or early November—and many families live in areas where storms are a regular part of life. Preparation is not fear; it is stewardship. It is caring for the people God has entrusted to us, building peace instead of panic, and creating a home that is ready to weather the storm.
This guide helps families prepare before, during, and after a hurricane, with clear steps and provision lists for different situations.
🧭 Step 1: Know Your Risk
- Identify whether you live in an evacuation zone.
- Learn your parish/county’s evacuation routes.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts.
- Know the difference between a Watch (conditions possible) and a Warning (conditions expected).
🏡 Step 2: Strengthen Your Home
- Trim trees and remove loose outdoor items.
- Install storm shutters or pre-cut plywood.
- Clear gutters and drains.
- Know how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if instructed.
📦 Step 3: Prepare Your Provisions
Below are situation-specific lists so families can prepare according to their needs.
🧺 PROVISION LISTS FOR VARIOUS SITUATIONS
1. If You Must Evacuate
These items should be packed in one or two grab‑and‑go bags.
Essentials
- Copies of IDs, insurance papers, medical info, and important documents
- Cash (ATMs may be down)
- Phone chargers + portable power banks
- 3–5 days of clothes
- Sturdy shoes
- Reusable water bottles
- Snacks that travel well (granola bars, nuts, dried fruit)
Health & Safety
- Prescription medications (at least 7 days)
- First-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer, wipes, masks
- Travel-size toiletries
- Sunscreen & insect repellent
For Children
- Comfort items (stuffed animal, blanket)
- Coloring books, small toys
- Diapers, wipes, formula if needed
- A simple “reassurance script” parents can use to keep children calm
For Pets
- Leash, carrier, vaccination records
- 3–5 days of food
- Collapsible bowls
- A familiar blanket or toy
2. If You Shelter at Home
This list assumes you may be without power or water for several days.
Water
- Minimum: 1 gallon per person per day for 3–7 days
- Extra for pets
- Extra for cleaning and flushing toilets
Food
- Canned meats, beans, vegetables
- Peanut butter, crackers, shelf-stable milk
- Instant rice or pasta (if you have a gas stove)
- Manual can opener
- Comfort foods for children
Household Needs
- Flashlights + extra batteries
- at least 1 flashlight per person
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Solar lanterns
- Matches/lighters
- Plastic sheeting & duct tape
- Basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, wrench)
Health & Comfort
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Hygiene supplies
- Bug spray
- Extra blankets
- Battery-powered fans (Louisiana heat after a storm can be intense)
3. If You Lose Power for Several Days
Cooling & Comfort
- Battery-powered fans
- Cooling towels
- Light cotton blankets
- Window shades to block heat
Food Safety
- Keep fridge/freezer closed
- Have a thermometer to check food temps
- Ice chests + ice packs
- Shelf-stable meals
Lighting
- LED lanterns (safer than candles)
- Glow sticks for children
- Solar chargers for phones
4. If You Care for Elders or Medically Fragile Family Members
- Extra medications (2–4 weeks if possible)
- Backup power for medical devices
- Written medication schedule
- Copies of medical records
- Extra water for medical needs
- A plan for evacuation assistance
- Comfort items to reduce anxiety
5. If You Have Babies or Young Children
- Diapers (1–2 weeks)
- Wipes
- Formula + bottled water
- Baby food
- Extra clothes
- Noise-reducing headphones (storms can be loud)
- Familiar bedtime items to maintain routine
- Simple, calm explanations to reduce fear
6. If You Have Pets
- 1–2 weeks of food
- Water supply
- Litter + disposable trays
- Leashes, carriers, harnesses
- Medications
- Tags with updated contact info
- A safe indoor space away from windows
- Comfort items (blanket, toy)
🌤️ Step 4: Make a Family Communication Plan
- Choose a meet-up spot if separated.
- Share emergency contacts with all family members.
- Teach children how to call for help
- Identify a trusted out-of-town contact everyone can check in with.
🌱 Step 5: Prepare Emotionally & Spiritually
A hurricane can shake nerves—especially for children. Families can:
- Practice calm breathing together
- Pray together for peace and wisdom
- Reassure children that preparation is a form of protection
- Keep routines as normal as possible
