Hurricane Preparedness
Has a storm ever waited?
If you’ve lived here long enough, you already know: hurricane season is not a maybe. Between June and November, Acadiana keeps one eye on the Gulf and the other on the sky. But most folks miss that riding out a storm is less about stocking the pantry and more about having a plan your family can actually follow when the winds rise.
The Lafayette Utilities System’s 2025 Hurricane Handbook says it best: don’t just talk about a plan, write it down and share it. Phones die. Wi-Fi drops. Paper endures.
STEP 1: PUT IT IN WRITING
Start simple. Write down the basics and stick them on the fridge:
- Family Contacts – Every cell number, email, and even a social handle or two. (Print a copy. Don’t trust the cloud.)
- Medical Information – Allergies, prescriptions, special needs. This saves precious time if things get hectic.
- Emergency Contacts – One local and one out-of-town contact everyone can call if Acadiana’s lines are jammed.
Pro tip: Snap a photo of the list and text it to your group chat so every family member has it handy.
STEP 2: SYNC WITH SCHOOLS & WORK
Storms don’t pause for carpools and conference calls. Before the season even kicks up:
- Double-check your kids’ school or daycare emergency plans.
- Ask about pickup procedures if roads flood or power goes out.
- Make sure your employer has a clear closure policy, don’t get caught guessing when it’s time to head home.
STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR MEETING SPOTS
When the storm passes and everyone scatters, where will you regroup? Pick four:
- In-home – a safe interior spot (think hallway, bathroom, or closet).
- Neighborhood – a trusted neighbor’s porch or yard.
- Out-of-neighborhood – family or friends in a higher, safer part of Acadiana.
- Out-of-town – your evacuation host, several hours inland.
Pro Tip: Don’t just agree verbally. Write the addresses down. When nerves are high, clarity is comfort.
STEP 4: PRACTICE LIKE YOU MEAN IT
It might feel silly, but run a drill with the kids. Pick a Saturday morning, turn it into a game, and walk through where to go and who to call. You’ll be glad you did when the real storm comes.
STEP 5: LEAN INTO YOUR COMMUNITY
When the skies clear, the hardest part begins. Trees are down, power’s out, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s when Acadiana shines brightest: neighbors helping neighbors.
Here’s how to move forward:
- Check on each other. The elderly, the new family down the street, the single parent — they’ll remember your kindness long after the storm.
- Use local resources. Lafayette Parish often opens Disaster Recovery Centers, and groups like the Red Cross Acadiana (337-234-7371) step in quickly with food, water, and supplies.
- Call before you clean. Report damage to LUS (337-291-5700) and document everything with photos before repairs start.
- Small business owners? The Hurricane Handbook reminds us that the SBA and FSA have recovery loans, but your first call will likely be to a trusted local banker.
When the winds rise, what keeps Acadiana strong isn’t just storm shutters and sandbags; it's neighbors looking out for one another. Preparation brings peace, and community carries us the rest of the way. A special thank you to Lafayette Utilities System for putting out the Hurricane Handbook each year, giving our families the tools to stay safe and connected. You can find the full handbook online at www.lus.org