Last Updated: July 2025 | Reading Time: 12 minutes
Living in New Orleans means dancing with hurricanes every summer. From June through November, we're all watching the Gulf, hoping this year won't be "the big one." But hope isn't a strategy, cher. After witnessing everything from Katrina to Ida, we know preparation saves lives.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what your family needs to weather any storm that rolls through the Crescent City. Whether you're staying put or heading out, these essentials will keep you safe, fed, and connected when the lights go out.
Why New Orleans Families Need Special Considerations
Our city sits below sea level, surrounded by water, with aging infrastructure that can fail even during moderate storms. Add in our unique culture of "riding it out" and multi-generational households, and you've got survival needs that differ from anywhere else in America.
Your hurricane kit isn't just about the storm itself—it's about the days or weeks after when supply chains break down, power grids fail, and normal life stops. Remember, after Katrina, some neighborhoods were without power for months.
The Complete Family Hurricane Kit Checklist
Water & Hydration (Priority #1)
Immediate Needs:
1 gallon per person per day (minimum 3 days, ideally 7-14 days)
Additional water for pets (½ gallon per animal daily)
Water purification tablets (Potable Aqua or similar)
Portable water filter (LifeStraw Family or Sawyer Mini)
Collapsible water containers for storage
Pro Tip: Fill your bathtub before the storm hits. That's 50+ gallons of emergency water right there.
Food & Nutrition
Non-Perishable Essentials:
3-day minimum food supply per person (7-14 days recommended)
Can opener (manual) and eating utensils
High-energy foods: peanut butter, granola bars, dried fruit
Canned goods: vegetables, fruits, soups, meats
Instant meals: MREs, ramen, instant oatmeal
Baby food and formula if needed
Pet food and supplies
Cooking Solutions:
Portable camping stove with fuel
Matches in waterproof container
Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
Paper plates and cups (conserve water)
Power & Communication
Essential Electronics:
NOAA Weather Radio (hand-crank or battery-powered)
AM/FM radio for local updates
Portable power banks (20,000+ mAh capacity)
Solar chargers for long-term outages
Extra batteries (all sizes you need)
LED flashlights (one per family member)
Lanterns for area lighting
Communication:
Fully charged cell phones
Car chargers for all devices
Two-way radios (FRS/GMRS) for neighborhood communication
Whistle for emergency signaling
Medical & First Aid
Complete Medical Kit:
Prescription medications (2-week supply minimum)
First aid supplies: bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers
Thermometer and blood pressure monitor
Insulin and diabetic supplies if needed
Feminine hygiene products
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Hand sanitizer and soap
Special Considerations:
Medical equipment backup power (CPAP, oxygen concentrators)
Medical alert devices
Emergency contact information for doctors
Copies of prescriptions and medical records
Shelter & Comfort
Indoor Comfort:
Sleeping bags or extra blankets
Pillows and comfort items for children
Plastic sheeting and duct tape for broken windows
Tarps for roof protection
Battery-powered fans for heat relief
Clothing:
Weather-appropriate clothing for each family member
Rain gear and waterproof boots
Extra socks and underwear
Work gloves for cleanup
Sanitation & Hygiene
Essential Supplies:
Toilet paper and tissues
Feminine hygiene products
Diapers and baby wipes
Hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo and personal care items
Garbage bags and plastic ties
Disinfectant and cleaning supplies
Important Documents
Waterproof Document Storage:
Driver's licenses and passports
Insurance policies (home, auto, flood)
Bank account information
Medical records and prescriptions
Emergency contact information
Photos of family members and pets
Property inventory with photos
Digital Backup:
Cloud storage of all important documents
USB drives with document copies
Contact information stored in multiple formats
Tools & Equipment
Essential Tools:
Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
Hammer and nails
Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
Adjustable wrench
Utility knife and extra blades
Rope and bungee cords
Duct tape and electrical tape
Emergency Equipment:
Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (battery backup)
Emergency ladder for upper floors
Crowbar for emergency exits
Cash & Financial Preparedness
Money Matters:
Cash in small bills ($500-1000 minimum)
Coins for vending machines
Credit cards and bank information
Emergency fund access information
Special Considerations for New Orleans Families
Multi-Generational Households
Many NOLA families include elderly relatives or young children. Your kit needs:
Medications for chronic conditions
Mobility aids (walkers, wheelchairs)
Special dietary needs
Comfort items for children
Games and activities for extended indoor time
Pet Preparedness
Your furry family members need supplies too:
Pet food (2-week supply)
Water and food bowls
Medications and first aid
Collars with ID tags
Carriers or crates
Leashes and cleanup supplies
Comfort items (blankets, toys)
Neighborhood Networks
New Orleans survives on community. Coordinate with neighbors:
Share contact information
Identify special needs residents
Plan for resource sharing
Establish communication protocols
Designate meeting points
Storage and Maintenance
Proper Storage Solutions
Waterproof Containers:
Plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids
Waterproof bags for electronics
Elevated storage areas (avoid basements)
Easy-to-grab locations for quick evacuation
Rotation Schedule:
Check expiration dates every 6 months
Replace batteries annually
Update documents as needed
Refresh water supply quarterly
Kit Locations
Multiple Locations:
Primary kit at home
Smaller kit in vehicles
Workplace emergency supplies
Evacuation route cache points
Budget-Friendly Assembly Tips
Gradual Building
Don't try to buy everything at once. Build your kit over 3-4 months:
Month 1: Water, basic food, flashlights
Month 2: First aid, medications, radio
Month 3: Tools, documents, comfort items
Month 4: Specialized equipment, backups
Smart Shopping
When to Buy:
Off-season sales (December-May)
Bulk purchasing with neighbors
End-of-season camping gear sales
Generic brands for basic supplies
Where to Shop:
Warehouse stores (Costco, Sam's Club)
Military surplus stores
Online retailers with bulk options
Local hardware stores for tools
Testing Your Preparedness
Family Drills
Monthly Practice:
Emergency contact procedures
Kit accessibility checks
Communication device tests
Evacuation route timing
Seasonal Reviews:
Update weather radio programming
Check battery levels
Review evacuation plans
Update contact information
Real-World Testing
Use smaller emergencies to test your kit:
Power outages
Water service interruptions
Severe weather events
Practice evacuations
Local Resources and Support
New Orleans Emergency Management
Official Resources:
Ready New Orleans (ready.nola.gov)
Hurricane evacuation zones
Shelter information
Emergency alert systems
Community Resources:
Neighborhood associations
Faith-based organizations
Local emergency services
Amateur radio networks
Supply Chain Considerations
Local Suppliers:
Hardware stores often stock better than big box stores
Pharmacy relationships for medication refills
Local food distributors
Community gardens and co-ops
The Bottom Line: Peace of Mind
A well-stocked hurricane kit isn't just about survival—it's about maintaining dignity and comfort during one of life's most stressful experiences. When you're prepared, you can focus on what matters most: keeping your family safe and helping your neighbors.
Remember, the best kit is the one you'll actually use and maintain. Start with the basics, build gradually, and adapt to your family's specific needs. Hurricane season comes every year in Louisiana, but with proper preparation, you'll face each storm with confidence.
Your family's safety is worth the investment. Start building your kit today, because when the next storm forms in the Gulf, it'll be too late to wish you'd prepared.
Quick Action Steps
This Week: Start with water storage and basic food supplies
This Month: Complete your family's medical and communication needs
This Season: Build your complete kit and test all equipment
Ongoing: Maintain, update, and practice with your supplies
Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember—we're all in this together. That's the New Orleans way.
Want more Louisiana-specific survival tips? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on local threats, seasonal preparations, and community resources.
