Weather Emergency Resources for Families

Hurricanes and flooding are part of life in Louisiana, and hopefully you and your family already have a game plan in place for a weather emergency. Even if you do, it’s a good idea to review the Louisiana Office of the Governor’s Get A Game Plan website for tips on additional short-term preparations, like using sandbags to keep water away from your home.  You can find tips and extra support for:

Remember to be weather safe and follow the recommendations of your local officials. Stay up to date with weather updates and important safety information:

  • Follow the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness on Facebook and Twitter
  • Check Emergency.Louisiana.gov for the latest emergency updates in English and Spanish.
  • Check 511LA.org for road closure information or call 511. Do not drive through flooded streets or areas. It does not take much water to carry away a vehicle, and it is difficult to tell how deep water on the road is. Do not drive around road barriers – you do not know if a road or bridge has been washed out.
  • Get weather updates and detailed forecasts from the National Weather Service or the National Hurricane Center.

If an evacuation order is issued or you decide you need to leave your home, you can find shelter and evacuation information here:

  • Visit GetaGamePlan.org, Emergency.Louisiana.gov, or the Louisiana State Police website.
  • Call 211, a statewide helpline supported by the Louisiana Association of the United Ways.
  • Call the American Red Cross’s toll-free number: 866-GET-INFO / 866-438-4636, or use the American Red Cross Emergency Smart Phone App (for iPhone or Android)
  • If you or a family member has medical or special health needs, contact your Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness if you need help during an evacuation or need a special medical needs shelter. When possible, it’s a good idea to call them in advance of a storm to join your parish’s registry for citizens with special medical needs.

In case of emergency, you should always call 911 first. If you need non-emergency help or information, call 211. Other important numbers include:

  • Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
    225-925-7500
  • Parish-Specific Offices of Emergency Preparedness
    Find your parish contact information here
  • National Weather Service Forecast Office
    (New Orleans/Baton Rouge) – 504-522-7330
    (Lake Charles) – 337-477-5285
  • Louisiana State Police
    225-925-6325 or *LSP from any cell phone
  • Louisiana Attorney General Hurricane Hotline
    1-800-351-4889
  • American Red Cross
    1-866-GET- INFO (1-866-438-4636)
  • Cleco Corporation
    1-800-622-6537
  • Entergy
    1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749)
    Power Outages: 1-800-9OUTAGE (1-800-968-8243)
  • Demco
    1-800-262-1160
  • Washington St. Tammany Electric Cooperative
    985-643-6612
    Power Outages: 1-866-672-9773

Other Resources

July 11, 2019