EmergencyPreparedness
Stay Aware!
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Emergency Preparedness Overview
Emergencies can happen at any time! It’s important to be prepared for two scenarios: staying in place or having to leave your home. On this page are resources to help you get prepared!
Hurricane Season
The U.S. East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico hurricane season extend from June 1 to November 30. Information regarding hurricanes can be located at the National Hurricane Center and the City of New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness website.
Stage 1:
Pre-Emergency Preparations
Be Prepared – Do not wait until an emergency threatens our area to create a plan.
- Even though you and your loved ones might not be in the immediate danger zone of a storm BUT live within 200 miles of the area of a projected storm; you should still plan ahead and identify a safe place to go if you ever receive an evacuation order.
- You should choose several places and communicate immediately with people at their predetermined evacuation destination.
- Identify local health care providers and pharmacies in the locations you may evacuate to.
- Find information for accessing HIV care in other parts of Louisiana here.
- Find information for accessing HIV care in surrounding states here.
- We recommend that you keep your gas tank full during hurricane season.
- Identify what measures you need to take to protect your property here.
- You should include a “Preparation Checklist” in your Personal Emergency Preparedness Plan.
- Talk with your doctor and insurance provider about receiving a 60 or 90 day supply of your medications.
- We suggest you include items that you believe may be needed to keep your family safe and comfortable. And don’t forget about your pets!
Even after a severe storm, your house might still be safe to stay in, and with enough preparation you may be able to stay at home even if utilities and transportation services are out. Always listen to authorities regarding whether you should evacuate or stay at home.
Stay Kits & Go Kits
The following checklists are our suggestions as a starting point for you to use to as examples for your customized kits to satisfy your specific needs. These lists are only a suggestion based on various sources including NOLA Ready, Red Cross, Ready.gov, and other sources.
Plan to Stay
In a severe disaster, such as a high category hurricane, supplies will be a long time coming due to damaged or impassable roads, so it is best to plan for 3 weeks on your own. You don’t have to assemble your “Stay Kit” into one place as long as you know where it all is. We recommend that you slowly build your kit a little at a time during the hurricane off season (December-May).
Stay Kit Checklist
- Medications and list of all prescribed medications.
- Water. As a reference, it is recommended to have no less than 1 gallon of water for each person and each pet per day for at least four days for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. People are encouraged to store tap water in clean food-safe bottles (not milk jugs- milk jugs are biodegradable, they will breakdown over time. Also, any live cultures in the milk that remain in the jugs could make you ill if you store drinking/cooking water).
- Non-perishable food (such as dried fruit, peanut butter, energy bars, or canned foods).
- Manual can opener.
- First aid kit.
- Cash. If electricity is out, ATMs or card payment methods will not be available.
- Flashlights.
- Batteries or an alternative power source.
Plan to Go
If the danger is significant, state or local government officials may issue an evacuation notice. Learn your community’s evacuation plan and identify several posted routes to leave the area. You may also need to identify your local emergency shelter locations. Once you have determined your evacuation route and shelter, you can do the following to be better prepared.
Click here to find your Parish’s emergency alert system and emergency plan.
- Plan for your entire household to evacuate and be comfortable while at a temporary location (including children, people with disabilities and access and functional needs, and pets).
- Arrange in advance where you will meet up and how you will communicate.
- Keep important phone numbers including your pharmacy, case manager, and doctor’s office written down in your wallet in case you cannot access the contact list in you phone.
- Know your patient portal login information including your username, password, and the portal link.
- Landlines and cellular phone systems are often overwhelmed following a disaster, so you may need to use text messages and social media.
- Designate and out-of-town contact who can help your household reconnect.
- Be sure to practice your plan with your family.
- Pack a Go Kit.
Go Kit Checklist
- Important documents in a waterproof container or bag (such as passports, birth certificates, medical insurance cards, car insurance information, medical and veterinary records, etc.)
- Medications and list of all prescribed medications.
- Water.
- Non-perishable food and supplies. Remember to pack anything specific to your family’s needs (including pet food and baby formula).
- Hygiene and sanitation products (such as toothpaste and toothbrush, towels, soap, doggie poop bags, etc.)
- Flashlights.
- Batteries or an alternative power source.
- Protective gear (such as warm cloths, blankets, comfortable and protective footwear).
- Priceless and comfort items. You may be away from your home for an extended period and your property may be damaged. Grab any items that are irreplaceable or may provide comfort to your family, especially your children and pets.
Stage 2:
During Storm Preparations
You can receive alerts and warnings directly from the National Weather Service for all hazards with a NOAA Weather Radio (NWR). Some radio receivers are designed to work with external notification devices for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more information on NWR receivers, visit weather.gov/nwr.
You can also stay informed through TV, radio, or online. Know the terms used to describe changing hurricane conditions and be prepared to take appropriate action.
Tropical Storm or Hurricane Advisory
The NWS issues and Advisory when it expects conditions to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. If caution is used, these situations should not be life-threatening.
Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch
The NWS issues a Watch when a tropical storm or hurricane is possible within 48 hours. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, local radio, TV, or other news sources for more information. Monitor alerts, check your emergency supplies, and gather any items you may need if you lose power.
Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning
The NWS issues a Warning when it expects a tropical storm or hurricane within 36 hours. During a Warning, complete your storm preparations, and immediately leave the threatened area if directed to do so by local officials.
Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications that your community may offer.
Stage 3:
Post Emergency
After the height of the emergency has passed, it is important to reconnect with your care team, and re-establish any health habits that may have been disrupted during the emergency. Remember to stay vigilant and informed about continuing environmental hazards, facility closures, road closures, power outages, and water issues.
Please contact rwsr@nola.gov with any questions, or concerns related to accessing care or services during an emergency. Please do not include any private health information in emails to this address.