Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 5 - 11

PINEVILLE, La. – May 6, 2024 – As the start of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has designated May 5 – 11, 2024, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week to raise awareness of the hazards posed by hurricanes and strengthen the nation’s readiness before hurricanes form.

“Hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through November, "said Clint Robichaux, director of distribution operations and reliability. “Having a plan in place can be life-saving.”

Meteorologists from Colorado State University are predicting an extremely active season with 23 named storms. They expect 11 of them to become hurricanes and five to become major hurricanes which is a Category 3 storm or higher.

Below are steps customers can take to prepare for the 2024 hurricane season: 

 Prepare a storm kit. 

• Gather supplies you might need during a power outage, including cash, batteries, battery powered radio to receive news updates, flashlights, canned food, a manual can opener, bottled water, medication, back-up charging devices and a first aid kit.  

Review your insurance policies. 

• Contact your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance checkup to ensure you have adequate insurance coverage for property damage. Take pictures or video of the inside and outside areas of your home or business for potential insurance needs. Inquire about flood insurance, if needed. 

Develop an evacuation plan. 

• Find out if you live in a flood-prone area and plan where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate your home. Also, plan for medical or special needs and pets. 

Test your generator to make sure it’s working. 

• Portable generators, when used correctly, can provide backup power to your home or business in the event of a power outage. Always operate your generator according to manufacturer instructions and in an open, well-ventilated area.