We’ve all been there–the hurricane evacuation announcement has been made and it’s time to act. The next few hours are crucial for your family, your home, and your peace of mind. We’ve learned in the last several months what we’d do differently for the next hurricane. Despite being inland from the coast, the 2020 hurricane season demonstrated that Cenla is not immune to the damaging effects of tropical cyclones, as a record number of named storms formed in the Atlantic Ocean last year. Perhaps nowhere does the old adage, “an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure,” apply more than in hurricane preparedness. As we emerge into some semblance of a new normal from a year-plus of pandemic response, it’s as important as ever to Get a Game Plan for this year’s hurricane season.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is tasked with the mission of helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA notes that the first order of business in disaster preparations is to stay informed. Pay attention to weather reports and information from state and local news agencies, keeping up with television, radio and online weather reports to stay aware of hurricane warnings. Look for emergency organization phone numbers, websites, social media sites, smartphone apps and other information with hurricane-related reports. Pay close attention to advisories from your local and state authorities. Download the FEMA app: Get alerts from the National Weather Service plus safety reminders, emergency checklists and information about shelters. Get the app at www.fema.gov/mobile-app.
It’s crucially important to make a plan. Talk with your family members to make sure each one knows what to do in case of an emergency. Should governmental authorities order an evacuation, make sure everyone in your family knows where you are going and how to get there if you’re traveling separately. Remember, phone service may be unavailable at the time of an emergency. However, texts may go through. Determine safe places where you could stay if asked to evacuate. Establish multiple meeting points in different directions, so you’re prepared for any emergency. Figure out where you’ll take shelter from the hurricane if you don’t have time to evacuate.
Consider making pre-registering for DSNAP or updating DSNAP pre-registration part of a hurricane preparedness game plan. DSNAP, formerly called Disaster Food Stamps, provides food assistance for eligible households who do not receive regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and who may need help buying groceries due to lost income or damages following a disaster.
Pre-registration allows you to get a head start on the application process that determines final eligibility if DSNAP is authorized in your parish. It also allows you to enter necessary information into the system should you lose access to the information or documents following a disaster or evacuation. To pre-register, residents can visit dcfs.la.gov/preregister or getagameplan.org.
- Start an emergency fund. Build up an emergency fund throughout the year, and it can help later when you are waiting on insurance reimbursements. These savings can help cover expenses that accumulate during an evacuation like hotel rooms, gas, and food.
- Go digital. Sign up for eStatements and enroll in online and mobile banking with your bank. “eStatements are more secure and easier to access than paper statements, especially if there is a disruption in mail service or if you can’t return to your home immediately after a storm,” said Spillers. Mobile and online banking are essential for keeping track of expenses and transferring money. Your digital wallet, like Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or Apple Pay, make it easy to pay on-the-go from your phone.
- Have an emergency credit card. Using a credit card during an evacuation is a great way to avoid draining your cash and stay protected from fraud. Be sure to keep this card away from your wallet during other times of the year or else you may be tempted to use it.
- Review and protect your financial files. Don’t wait until the evacuation to read your homeowners insurance policy in your stack of important papers. Take the time to organize your files in a waterproof and fireproof case that’s easily accessible. “Most people don’t know the details of their insurance policies until they have to make a claim,” Spillers commented. “Take time to review your policies with your insurance agent to ensure you are properly covered.”
When a Hurricane is in the Gulf:
- Have cash on hand. “We all know people who wait until they evacuate to get cash then find themselves in line for hours at their bank,” noted Spillers. When a hurricane begins to form, it’s a good time to get the cash you need for immediate and unexpected needs. Check your bank’s operational hours during a storm to make sure you don’t miss your window for accessing your money.
- Handle urgent financial issues. If you have a loan payment coming up, contact your bank to see due date extensions or refunds for late fees due to the hurricane. Check your cards and accounts to make sure everything is up-to-date and you don’t have any problems accessing your money. “No one wants to be across the state calling customer service in a hotel parking lot because your new card hasn’t been activated yet,” said Spillers.
- Stay in contact with your bank. “If you bank local, chances are your bank is also keeping an eye on the storm, so they’ll understand your worries,” said Spillers. Find out if your bank plans on closing or if other services will be suspended during an evacuation. Also, notify your bank if you plan on evacuating so they can put a travel notice on your debit cards.
For more tips on keeping your finances protected, contact First Federal Bank at (318) 561-1000 or visit www.ffbla.bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
“Hurricane season can be a devastating time in Louisiana with damage caused not only by Mother Nature but also by con artists trying to profit from the storms,” said Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry. “So I encourage the people of our State to prepare for hurricanes and to learn about natural disaster scams.”
Review insurance policies, confirming they are current, and update if necessary. Likewise, do preventive maintenance around your property. Declutter drains and gutters, install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups, and ensure hurricane shutters are operable. Maintain necessary supplies for at least three days and keep in mind each family member’s specific needs, including the needs of pets. In case an evacuation becomes necessary, prep your vehicle. Have cars in good working condition; and when hurricane is near, keep gas tanks full and vehicles stocked with emergency supplies and changes of clothes. Lastly, develop a communications plan with family members if power is lost and remember that text messages may be more reliable and faster than phone calls during disasters.
Make a list of your family’s health information, including any medications you take with dosages and the names of your healthcare providers and their contact information. Store this on your phone, or keep a written copy in your wallet or somewhere else it will be with you if you leave home. If you need to get care or get a prescription filled while away, this will be very helpful.
BlueCare is easy to use and costs less than ER or urgent care visits. What you pay for a BlueCare visit depends on your plan type and benefits. Before your visit begins, you’ll see what it will cost. You will not be charged until your visit is finished. Create your BlueCare account at www.BlueCareLA.com or with the BlueCare (one word) mobile app for Apple and Android devices.
Be aware that social distancing restrictions and face mask mandates may be in effect at shelters or when evacuating to limit the spread of COVID-19. One of the most important things each of us can do to prevent the double whammy of a tropical cyclone and pandemic spike is to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, currently available to all individuals 12 and up, free of charge.