We are in the midst of Hurricane Season (June 1- November 30) and with Tropical Storm Edouard approaching the Louisiana and Texas coasts' now is the time to review Hurricane Safety Information.The National Hurricane Center states "the most important thing that you can do is to be informed and prepared." But one of the most important decisions you will have to make is "Should I Evacuate?". 

The NHC also says Disaster Prevention should Include:

1.      Developing a Family Plan:  Some of these steps include discussing the types of hazards that could affect your family, locating a safe room/areas in your home or community for each of these hazards, determining an escape route, Picking an out-of-state contact so all your family members have a single point of contact, posting emergency numbers, checking your insurance coverage, taking first aid, cpr, and disaster preparedness classes. 

2.      Creating a Disaster Supply Kit: Some of these items should include Water (at least 1 gallon daily/person for 3-7 days), Food (for 3-7 days that include snack foods, non-perishable packaged foods or canned foods, non-electric can opener, paper plates and utensils), Blankets and Pillows, Clothing, First Aid Kit and Medicine, Battery Operated Radio, Flashlight with Extra Batteries, Special Items for Pets, Babies, or Elderly, toys and games for children, cash, and Important Documents in a waterproof container.  For a full check list to prepare your supply kit, click here. 

3.      Having a Place to Go: As stated above develop a family hurricane preparedness plan BEFORE an actual storm threatens your area.  Some points to remember if you must evacuate are: Do not wait or delay your departure (in fact, try to leave before an evacuation is ordered), Select a location with the least distance that you must travel in order to reach safety, Be Prepared to wait in traffic (you are not the only one evacuating!), If possible make arrangements to stay with friends/relatives (if you are not able to remember to make hotel reservations before you leave as vacancies quickly fill and as a last resort go to a shelter), and Don't forget to fill up your car with gas BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

4.      Securing your Home:  The National Hurricane Center says the most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter.  Strengthen the exterior of your home in the five most critical areas:  Roof, Straps, Shutters, Doors, and Garage Doors.  Also, check your insurance policy to make sure you have Flood Insurance please do not assume you do.  For more information on retrofitting your home click here. 

5.      Having a Pet Plan: Remember to also plan for your pets before a disaster by making sure they are up to date on all current vaccinations and having proof in a  safe place, making sure they have a color with proper identification and a leash, having a carrier, and planning an evacuation strategy for them also (if you are headed to a hotel make sure they are okay with pets, find a specialized pet shelter or vet that is on your evacuation route).  Also, remember to make a pet disaster supply kit which should include the above mentioned proper id and immunization records, supply of food and water, carrier, any medications, and their collar and leash.  Please do not forget your pet when planning for disasters!  More information can be found at the NHC and the Humane Society.

For up to date information on current news, hurricane awareness, hurricane history, and more visit the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Visit the Baton Rouge/New Orleans' National Weather Service Forecast Office Here to see how approaching storms will affect you.