Growing up in New Orleans, I’m very familiar with hurricane season. (and hurricane parties too, but that’s a whole other post ) Until Katrina, neither my family or myself thought too much about Hurricane Season. It was just part of life living in southeastern Louisiana. It was known as the “5th season” in our house.

Of course, we sprang into action when a hurricane turned our way. We ran out and got our supplies (batteries, water, canned food, etc) and bought our plywood to board up our windows.

Then Katrina came along.. and our thoughts completely changed. Katrina took so much away for my family and many families like ours. My family still living in Louisiana have changed their outlook and are much more prepared if another ” big one” comes their way.

But for military families living in “hurricane alley ” (East Coast and Gulf Coast states) they probably don’t have much experience dealing with hurricane preparedness and I don’t think the Army does enough to help them get prepared.

Here are some tips for Hurricane Preparedness for Military Families (courtesy of USAA ) :

• Contact the installation Command Post or your unit’s Command Section for any particular directions for military personnel, including hosting programs at other military base communities for temporarily displaced military families. Be alert to guidance provided by the Office of Emergency Management serving your area.
• Ensure your unit’s Disaster Preparedness Officer, the installation Command Post, or designated Point of Contact knows your anticipated evacuation location, and develop an evacuation and family communication plan.
• Build a communication network in advance with neighbors, friends and relatives, and clarify how you will provide updates on your family’s status.
• Create a record of your possessions, including purchase prices, dates purchased, serial numbers and receipts. Keep the inventory in a safe location. Consider consulting with your local JAG office for guidance on keeping these records safe during a major hurricane.
• Check to ensure your property, renters and auto insurance coverage levels are adequate. Also, keep in mind that flood damage is not covered by a homeowners insurance policy. A separate policy to protect against this risk is available through the National Flood Insurance Program.