This Sunday, June 1st, is the official start of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season, which means that all of the 
talking head newscasters will be predicting doom and gloom for the entire Gulf Coast region until November. There will be footage from Katrina played over and over again and "experts" will give their opinions on how active they think the storm season will be. Since they are rarely correct, I can't figure out how they get this gig year after year.
Most of us now have those plastic tubs filled with all of the things we would want to bring with us in the event of an evacuation of the city. Family photos, marriage licenses, school records. Maybe even a pre-paid credit card or some cash stashed away (you do remember that ATMs don't work when there is no power, right?).
One of my clients has what she calls her Hurricane Book. It's a binder she compiled with all of the information she needs in an emergency such as:
- Phone numbers of hotels in every direction from the city including those that are pet friendly
- Evacuation routes and contra-flow maps
- Hurricane tracking maps
- Copies of insurance policies
- A list of all creditors, account numbers and phone numbers
- Veterinary records for her dogs
If an evacuation is called, she can grab her binder, book a hotel and be out of here before I've even remembered where I put my plastic tub. It's a great idea that she assured me I could borrow and share.
The bottom line is preparedness. I don't need to reinvent the wheel, so here are some sites with information on preparing for a storm:
- What to put in your disaster supply kit
- How to secure your home
- National Flood Insurance Information
Do you have a creative idea for storm preparation or evacuation plans? Feel free to share it in a comment!
When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.
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Here's the disclaimer part: The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.
We have the same kit here except it is tailored to earthquakes and being stuck in one place. You know, it's time to update the supplies. Thanks for the reminder!
It makes me sad to think about what happened not so long ago.
It makes me sad to think about what happened not so long ago.
Don't forget when you prepare for the season to keep your pets in mind! There were a surprising large number of places that would accomodate pets but the key is to call early to make sure there's still vacancy for you and your loved ones...even the furry ones! :)
It must be nerve wracking to go through that each year, but at least you're prepared. Nice post and links too... thanks. One of these days it will happen on Maui too.
I'm sorry to hear that you have to worry about such things all the time. At least majority of the time experts can predict the coming and intensity of a hurricane. We have a similar kit in our home in an event of an earthquake. In nour case there are no predictions. :0(
Great tips that those of us in the midwest rarely think about. Thank you for sharing this.
Hi Lisa,
I went to college at LSU and lived across from Pascal Manales(restaurant uptown) before moving to North Carolina. Is it still there? Anyway, it must be really difficult to live with all of the changes to the area. I wish you the best during the Hurricane season.
Elaine, can you update mine too? I'm terrible about doing that...
Melody, thanks for thinking of us, but we are moving along every day :)
Shannon, I thought it was terrific that my client had a list of pet friendly hotels. She has 2 dogs and would never leave home without them. I think I still have hair in my car from evacuating with a shedding German Shepherd!
Georgina, a huge part of the country is at risk for hurricanes, but there are also other disasters people need to be prepared for too - there have been some good comments here.
Mana, earthquakes scare me more than hurricanes, just because of the fact that there is no warning.
Kelly, no natural disasters in IL?
Tracy, Pascal Manale's flooded during Katrina, but is now reopened and going strong! Thanks for the good wishes :)
Lisa, if you ever have to evacuate again, you have a place here in San Antonio (at my house). :)
Lisa,
My house is evacuee central. For Katrina and Rita, I had 10 people 2 cats and 5 dogs. So, I start adding to my food supply by including, water, batteries and lots of canned goods. I also make sure I have propane to cook, gasoline for generators and lots of paper plates. One good thing, everyone stcked piled their food and a good lesson on sharing was had by all.
The nerves were a little frayed but that's ok. You do what you have to do. By the way, my evacuees were at the house for nine weeks.
Judi, since joining AR I think I could just be a gypsy and travel from state to state!
Pat, we imposed on friends in Lake Charles first, then moved on to Houston for awhile. You are a good person for opening your home to so many - I feel blessed to have good friends who took us and our pets in. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Lisa, I don't think you imposed on friends. I'm sure they were happy to give you a safe place to stay -- of course, little did you all know that Lake Charles would be "hit" by Rita a month later and they would be evacuating.
Isn't it nice that through Active Rain we've all made so many friends, we could all travel from state to state and always meet with a friend?
Judi, when Rita hit our friends who so graciously took us in lost their home to falling trees. They only recently were able to move back in after a prolonged rebuilding process.
And, you are right...I have built in tour guides from coast to coast now :)
We all need to be prepared and the costal areas even more. Great info and a great reminder!