14 Steps You Must Take for 2026 Hurricane Preparedness

Ochsner Health is your partner in care, providing the tools and knowledge you need to stay safe and well during hurricane season. Use this checklist to organize your essentials and ensure you and your loved ones are ready for a safe evacuation.

Hurricane season is unpredictable. If you wait until there is a storm in the Gulf of Mexico, you may not have time to search for the supplies you need. Now is the time to look ahead and start planning for the possibility of a large storm making landfall near you.

Here are eight essentials to have on hand for hurricane season: 

1. Waterproof container: Store all your essentials needed for an evacuation in a waterproof container, preferably one that is insulated.
2. Medications: Keep a list of medications that you and your loved ones take, along with at least a week’s supply of your regular medications and medical supplies. 
   1. If you regularly take insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity or another medication that requires refrigeration, bring a small cooler that you can fill with ice. 
   2. Remember special medical supplies, such as EpiPens and inhalers. 
   3. In the case of a prolonged evacuation, patients with chronic conditions treated by controlled substances should carry a pharmacy printout and letter from their doctor for seeking refills out of state.
   4. If you use oxygen therapy or other medical equipment requiring electricity, have a backup plan or a generator. 
   5. If you find yourself feeling ill or having a question about a chronic illness, make sure you are able to connect digitally with your provider via an Ochsner Connected Anywhere Virtual Visit or your MyOchsner app.
3. Batteries and weather radio: 
   1. Stock up on extra batteries for everyday items like hearing aids, radios and flashlights. 
   2. Pack a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to receive critical safety updates when power goes out.
   3. Another must is a portable phone charger to ensure you have enough battery life to reach family, friends, medical providers or co-workers if necessary.
4. First aid kit: Stock (or restock) your first aid kit. Make sure to include Ace bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, gauze, medical tape, scissors, tweezers, pain relievers, antihistamines, hydrocortisone cream, disposable gloves, Band-Aids and personal hygiene items.
5. Food: Pack a seven-day supply of nonperishable foods like peanut butter, protein bars, canned goods, meal replacement shakes and cheese crackers.
6. Water: Have at least a seven-day supply of clean, drinkable water per person in your household. Estimate 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.

7. Infant supplies: Pack enough formula, baby food, clean bottles, diapers and wipes to sustain your baby for at least seven days. Include extra pacifiers and a favorite comforting toy.

8. Pet supplies: Prepare for your furry family members by bringing at least a seven-day supply of pet food, extra water, necessary medications, a sturdy carrier, a leash and updated vaccination records.

9. Communication plan: In addition to having your mobile phone and a back-up battery, talk with family or friends ahead of time to develop a plan. Designate a place to meet up with them in the event you are unable to reach them by phone. Keep a printed list of emergency contacts with your physicians, pharmacies and family members name and number in the aforementioned waterproof container in case digital devices lose charge or signal.

10. Cash: Keep a supply of small bills on hand. Power outages often disrupt credit card readers and ATMs, making cash essential for emergency purchases.

11. Fuel: Fill your vehicle's gas tank completely before the storm arrives. Store extra fuel in approved containers in a secure location.

12. Infection prevention supplies: Keep in mind that unfamiliar places such as hotels, motels and hurricane shelters can be crowded. In case you have to evacuate, it's a good idea to have face masks and hand sanitizer with you to protect you and your family from others who might have contagious illnesses.

13. Medical documents: Keep photocopies or digital backups (stored securely or encrypted) of medical documents such as medical histories, insurance cards, vaccination records and advance directives, in case original documents are lost or damaged.
14. Generator safety: If you plan to use a generator this hurricane season, inspect and prepare it and read our safety tips for operating one safely.

By taking the necessary steps now, you can ensure that you are prepared for anything that might happen during hurricane season.