Hurricane Preparedness: What you need to know

Hurricane preparedness week is upon us and the newly appointed Director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Jacque Thibodeaux, offers important reminders for what every family should do to make sure they are ready ahead of storm season.

He says the there are two things he wishes each resident of the state to do:

“Number one, listen to your local authorities. They will have the timeliest information for what to do and when to evacuate.”

Director Thibodeaux says that second, your plans should be twofold:

“You should make an evacuation plan and a shelter in place plan.”

He says that sometimes people don't or can't heed an evacuation order in time to get out, so making both plans help keep everyone safe.

Getting prepared means more than just flashlights or food, there's much that needs to go into being ready should a storm hit our region. Thibodeaux says some things are really essential:

“Make sure to have a pet plan, business plan, plan to get your medications. Also, be sure to be informed about where you are going. What resources they have and where you can transfer important services you or your loved ones may need.”

It is also a good idea to coordinate with extended family or vulnerable individuals you know to make sure everyone you care about has stays safe.