How We Louisiana Folks Prepare For Hurricanes

As I sit listening to the winds of Hurricane Isaac, I am reminded that over the years I have had my share of hurricanes and tropical storms. Some have been devastating, while others pan out to be just another windy storm with a few inches of rain. States on the coast know the seriousness of how dangerous these storms can be. However, on a lighter note, I am going to share with you a way that most Louisiana residents prepare for these types of storms. We have a bit of a strange necessity list when it comes to preparing for these storms. Yeah, batteries, candles and other things of that nature are important, but none of those items are going to be on this list. This list will contain items that most of the readers will think are not necessity, but when you live in Louisiana, they are. I mean after all, we have had many of these storms.

First on the list is shelter. I mean duh, right? But I am not talking about your typical shelter. I am talking about locating the shelter that will be hosting this hurricane party. You have to post up at one of your friends house and wait the storm out in style. Or you can simply host your own. There is nothing better than good company during a hurricane. And it is also a great tip to invite musicians along so that you will have hours and hours of free entertainment to help pass the time.

Second on the list is water. Well, sort of water. I mean a form of water. Yes, I think you may have guessed it. Booze! You have to have your beer and liquor ready. And of course you must have the ingredients to make those famous New Orleans hurricane drinks. I mean, you do have a theme going, might as well celebrate in traditional form.

Next, you must have ice and a nice cooler or ice chest. For leftover food if the power goes out? Nope. Not for the food, but for the beer and liquor. I mean, who wants to drink a warm beer right? If there is room, you can throw some food in there, but it’s mainly there to save your beer.

After that, the next thing is make sure you have a grill. That’s right, you have to eat and there is nothing better than meals you can cook on the grill. Whether it is charcoal or propane, make sure you load up on foods that can be cooked on the grill. And who cares if you power is out or not, grilling in hurricane conditions puts a bit more hair on your chest. A smoker works too. As I am typing this, I have a nice brisket smoking outside. I am hoping Isaac does not take that away with these winds

Last on the list are board games. I mean you must be able to entertain yourself if the power goes out. But you mustn’t get your typical board games; you must get the ones that can be turned into drinking games. I mean regular board games will get too boring. You have to remember storms like this could last for days.

So this list is pretty much the essential way that we Louisiana folks prepare for these storms. I mean we have experienced so many of them that they are becoming second nature to us. Louisiana knows to make the best out of any situation. Hurricanes are just another way for us to enjoy some time off of work and have fun doing so.

One thing is for sure, Louisiana knows how to handle their tragedies. And when something like this happens, or a major flood occurs, the community comes together and helps each other no matter what. I have truly experienced that when we had our flood. It is amazing how quick people will stop and help no matter what. I will always hold a special place for Louisiana in my heart.