Emergency Kits: Be Ready for Hurricanes and Industrial Emergencies

In Ascension Parish, being prepared means thinking beyond hurricane season. Our community is home to families, businesses, and a large industrial corridor, so emergencies can take many forms—from hurricanes and extended power outages to industrial incidents that may require residents to shelter in place or evacuate.

The best time to prepare is before an emergency happens.

Build an Emergency Kit for Your Family

Every household should have an emergency kit with enough basic supplies to get through several days. Consider including:

• Bottled water and nonperishable food

• Prescription medications and a first-aid kit

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Cell phones, chargers, and backup power banks

• Important documents in a waterproof container

• Cash in small denominations

• Personal hygiene and sanitation supplies

• Extra clothing and blankets

• Basic tools and emergency supplies

• Pet food, water, medications, and other pet necessities

  
  

Your kit should also be customized to your household. Families with infants may need formula and diapers. Older adults may need additional medications or medical supplies. If someone in your household uses medical equipment requiring electricity, consider how you will keep that equipment operating during a power outage.

Be Ready for a Hurricane

Hurricanes can create widespread power outages, flooding, damaged roads, and supply shortages. Before a storm arrives, make sure your emergency kit is stocked and your family knows where it is. Keep your vehicle fueled, know your evacuation routes, and secure outdoor items that could become dangerous in high winds.

Remember that hurricane preparations may need to last for several days, so don't wait until the shelves are empty to begin gathering supplies.

Be Ready for an Industrial or Chemical Emergency

Industrial emergencies require a different type of preparation.

Depending on the situation, emergency officials may instruct residents to shelter in place or evacuate.

If you are told to shelter in place, go indoors immediately and bring family members and pets inside. Close windows and doors and turn off heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems if instructed to do so. Have supplies available to temporarily seal openings around doors or windows if officials recommend it.

If evacuation is ordered, don't wait until the last minute. Follow the designated evacuation routes and instructions provided by emergency officials.

Most importantly: Stay Informed

During an emergency, conditions can change quickly. Do not rely on rumors, social media posts, or word-of-mouth information.

Ascension CAER works with the community and industrial partners to help residents stay informed about emergency preparedness and response.

One important resource is Everbridge, an emergency notification system that can deliver important alerts and instructions directly to your phone and other devices.

Make sure your contact information is registered and your notifications are enabled so you can receive emergency information when it matters most.

Know the Difference: Shelter in Place or Evacuate?

One of the most important things you can do is understand that not every emergency requires evacuation. In some situations, staying indoors may be the safest option. In others, authorities may order an evacuation. Don't make the decision based on what someone else is doing. Follow official instructions.

Keep your emergency kit accessible, know your family's communication plan, understand your evacuation routes, and stay connected to reliable emergency alerts.

Preparedness Starts Before the Emergency

You don't have to wait for hurricane season—or an emergency—to start preparing.

Take a few minutes today to build or check your emergency kit. Talk with your family about what you would do if you were told to evacuate or shelter in place. Make sure everyone knows how they will receive emergency notifications.

Prepare. Stay informed. Know what to do.

Ascension CAER is committed to helping our community and industrial partners prepare for emergencies and respond when they happen.