Welcome to Your New Duty Station –
Be Hurricane Ready
Relocating as a service member comes with unique challenges—especially when you're moving to a region frequently impacted by hurricanes. Whether you're stationed here temporarily or settling with your family, preparation is your best defense.
Bottom Line: Hurricanes are serious. But with the right prep, you’ll ride it out like a pro. Welcome to the Gulf Coast life—just keep your go-bag close and your insurance closer.
1. Connect with your Unit's Ombudsman or Family Readiness POC (depending on branch) - Evacuation information is 1st disseminated to the Ombudsman.
2. Ensure that you and/or your spouse's information is up to date in the Alert Warning System, AtHoc, Alert! (depending on branch)
3. Follow local Spouse Facebook Pages - When all else fails...Evacuation Information will be posted here!
4. Follow LOCAL news, weather, police and fire department stations and on Social Media. I have found the local Police Department to be the best source of information when it comes to a disaster. (Shout out to Slidell Police Department!)
Save FOX and CNN for another time. They don't know local, like a local!
Hurricane Readiness Starts Here
1. Know Your Risks
This area is vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and power outages. Familiarize yourself with local evacuation zones, flood maps, and historical storm patterns.
2. Create a Family Emergency Plan
Identify your evacuation route and nearest shelter
Assign roles and responsibilities
Include pets in your plan
Practice drills to ensure readiness
3. Build a Hurricane Kit
Your emergency kit should include:
3–5 days of water and non-perishable food
Flashlights and batteries
First aid supplies
Important documents in a waterproof container
Medications and hygiene items
4. Secure Your Home
Install storm shutters or board up windows *Less typical in Louisiana - See the next instruction.
Typically a week out, local municipalities will announce sand bag locations - sandbags are used to prevent structual flooding and redirect the flood of water.
Clear your yard of debris
Move valuables to higher ground
Consider flood insurance if not already covered - Keep in mind that it takes 30 days for your Flood Policy to be activated and therefore accesible for claims.
Review your insurance policy.
It's important to understand your coverages and know your deductibles.
Flood Damage is not covered by standard Homeowners Insurance. A new Flood policy takes 30 days to kick-in, so if you're in a zone that does not require it and you're on the fence obout obtaining it - this is your sign!
Get Covered. Sleep Better.
If it rains where you live - it can flood where you live!
Important Resources and Links to Preparation Guides and Aide.
LOCAL NEWS:
WWL - https://www.wwltv.com/hurricane
WGNO - https://wgno.com/hurricaneseason/
WDSU - https://www.wdsu.com/hurricanes
Follow Local Meteorologist Zack Fradella - https://www.facebook.com/zackfradellawx
NATIONAL/FEDERAL AGENCIES:
National Hurricane Center | NOAA
