When is hurricane season in Louisiana?

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.

How long does flood insurance take to start?

A flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program usually has a 30-day waiting period, so buy it well before a storm is coming.

Where can I find my flood zone?

Look up your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov.

How do I avoid a contractor scam after a storm?

Get written quotes from more than one company, check that the company is real and local, and never pay for the whole job before the work is done.

Hurricane season home checklist for Acadiana

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The most important things to do before it starts are: clean your gutters, trim trees near the roof, get the roof checked, take photos of every room for insurance, and buy flood insurance early, because it usually takes 30 days to start.

Before the season

Clean your gutters and make sure downspouts carry water away from the house.
Trim dead limbs and branches that hang over the roof.
Take photos and a video of every room and what is in it. Your insurance company will want proof.
Get your roof checked for loose or missing shingles and lifted flashing.
Look up your flood zone on the FEMA flood map at msc.fema.gov.
Buy flood insurance early. A policy through the National Flood Insurance Program usually has a 30-day wait before it starts.
If you have a generator, test it. Never run it inside, in a garage or near a window.

When a storm is coming

Bring in or tie down anything loose in the yard, like chairs, grills and trash cans.
Clear storm drains and ditches near your house if it is safe.
Charge phones and battery packs. Fill your car with gas.
Put important papers in a waterproof bag.
Know where to turn off your water and power.
If officials say leave, leave.

After the storm

Stay away from downed power lines and standing water that may touch them.
Take photos and video of all damage before you clean up.
Call your insurance company as soon as you can.
Cover holes in the roof with a tarp to stop more water from getting in.
Watch out for storm chasers. Get written quotes, check the company is real and local, and never pay the whole job up front.
Dry out wet areas fast. Mold can start in a day or two in our wet air.

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Questions people ask

When is hurricane season in Louisiana?: Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.
How long does flood insurance take to start?: A flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program usually has a 30-day waiting period, so buy it well before a storm is coming.
Where can I find my flood zone?: Look up your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov.
How do I avoid a contractor scam after a storm?: Get written quotes from more than one company, check that the company is real and local, and never pay for the whole job before the work is done.