Before the storm

 

  • Listen to weather updates on local stations or NOAA Weather Radio. Don't trust rumors.
  • Check your Disaster Supply Kit. Obtain any needed or out-dated items.
  • Refill prescriptions. Maintain at least a 2 weeks supply during the storm season.
  • Get cash. With no power, banks may be closed, checks and credit cards may not be accepted and ATMs will not be operational.
  • Fill you cars/trucks gas tank and check oil, water and tires.
  • Fill additional gas cans for your generators
  • Protect your windows and glass doors. Brace double entry and gages doors at the top and bottom.
  • Clear yard of potential flying debris (lawn furniture, potted plants, bicycles, trash cans, etc)
  • Secure you boat early. Drawbridges will be closed to boat traffic after an evacuation order is issued.
  • Leave the swimming pool filled and super-chlorinated . Cover the filtration system.
  • Have charcoal and wooden matches for charcoal grills, propane for gas grills
  • Leave as soon as you can. Do not get on congested evacuation routes and try to outrun the storm.

 
 

If you evacuate:

  • Listen to your local radio and television stations for emergency broadcasts. If ordered to evacuate, you must do so immediately.
  • The official emergency radio broadcast stations for St Tammany Parish are:
    • WWL: 870 AM / 105.3 FM
    • WQUE: 106.7 FM
  • Take your Disaster Supply Kit
  • Take important papers with you, including your driver's license, special medical information, insurance policies and property inventories
  • Let relatives, friends and/or neighbors know where you are going.
  • Turn off electricity, water and gas
  • Lock all windows and doors

 
 

If you can safely stay home:

  • Make sure your windows are protected and home is secured.
  • Offer your home as shelter to relatives or friends who live in vulnerable areas or mobile homes
  • Clean containers for drinking water and you bathtub for storing clean water. Remember: 3 gallons per persons per day for all uses.
    • Line the tub with plastic sheeting or clean shower curtains
    • Caulk the drain with silicone caulking (it will hold water for weeks and cleans up easily when dry)
  • Check your Disaster Supply Kit. Obtain any needed or out-dated items.
  • Don't forget to have a non-electric can opener.
  • During the storm, stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area of your home (interior reinforced room, closet or bathroom on the lower floor)
  • Wait for the official word that the danger is over. Don't be fooled by the storm's calm "eye".
  • If you lose power, turn off major appliances (air conditioner, water heater, computers, all TV, etc) to reduce damage
  • If flooding threatens you home, turn off electricity at the main breakers.

 

Guidelines for Pet Owners

 

  • PLAN AHEAD for your pets' care by friends, relatives vet hospital or boarding facilities. Also, try pet-friendly hotels:
  • If you evacuate, TAKE YOUR PETS WITH YOU. But remember: pets are not allowed inside emergency shelter for humans.
  • Have a pet carrier, portable kennel or crate for each pet.
  • Be sure all pets are wearing a secure collar with ID attached. Consider permanent microchip implant for identification.
  • Have copies of vaccination records and veterinarian contact information. Also, take a recent picture of your pet.
  • Bring a 2 week supply of pet food and water along with leashes, a pet first-aid kit and any medicine your pet needs.