With the start of summer comes hurricane season, which starts on June 1 and lasts through November 30. The key to weathering any type of disaster is early preparation. Here are a few tips from the National Hurricane Center for developing a family disaster plan:
• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In some cases, the safety area may not be your home but another location in your community.
• Determine escape routes from your home and places for family members to meet, should you get separated.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all of your family members have a single point of contact.
• Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones.
• Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a disaster preparation kit, including batteries and flashlights.
Visit Ready.gov for a recommendation of items to include when building a preparation kit.
For more information about preparing for a hurricane, download Hurricanes: What You Need to Know (PDF file - 712KB). You can also call Member Services at (504) 849-4500, ext. 2, or toll-free at (800) 631-8443, ext. 2, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. TTY/TDD users may call (888) 631-9979.