The Atlantic hurricane season spans from June through November, bringing with it high winds, relentless rain, and unexpected power disruptions. But in New Orleans, hurricane season is more than just dates on a calendar — it’s something that touches all of us. We know how important it is to be ready, not just for peace of mind but also for the safety of our families and neighbors.
At Keefe’s, our goal is simple: to share practical steps you can take now so that, when the next storm approaches, your home and your loved ones are as ready as possible.
Know Your Risk & Evacuation Zone
Before you stock up on necessities, start by knowing your risk. Are you in a flood zone? Do you live near the coast or in any of these neighborhoods?
- Slidell
- Lacombe
- Kenner
- Metairie
- Jefferson
- Destrehan
- St. Rose
- Belle Chasse
- Algiers
- Gretna
- New Orleans
- Barataria
- Harvey
- Lafitte
- Marrero
- Des Allemands
- Ama
- Boutte
- Hahnville
- Luling
- Paradis
- Westwego
- Arabi
- Braithwaite
- Chalmette
- Mereaux
- St Bernard
- Violet
Use tools from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the National Weather Service to check your evacuation zone and see if your home is vulnerable to storm surge, debris, or intense wind.
Create Your Family Emergency Plan
Emergency management begins with communication. Make a family plan that includes where to go, how to stay in touch, and what to bring. Practice evacuating with pets, and make sure every family member knows where the first aid kit, extra medication, and important documents are. Write it down, print it, and stash copies in multiple places.
Build & Maintain Your Emergency Kits
Every survival kit should include a minimum of three days’ worth of food, bottled water, and hygiene supplies. Pack a flashlight, batteries, extra chargers, a radio (hand-crank or battery-powered), first aid essentials, medication, and copies of your insurance policy and IDs. Don’t forget baby formula, pet food, and plastic bags for waste.
Rotate supplies yearly, especially water and meds.
Secure Important Documents & Valuables
Gather and store documents like your homeowners insurance, flood insurance, birth certificates, passports, and any medical prescriptions. Use a waterproof plastic container, and keep digital copies backed up to the cloud or on a USB drive. If you need to file a claim after the storm, having these on hand makes dealing with your insurance company much easier.
Safe-Proof Your Home & Property
You’ve stocked your survival kit and reviewed your evacuation zone. Now, it’s time to protect your castle. Whether you’re sheltering in place or leaving town, prepping your home can reduce water damage, property loss, and repair costs. Here’s how to reinforce your key systems before severe weather rolls in.
How to Prepare AC for a Hurricane
Your AC condenser is the most vulnerable. High winds can send debris flying, and a poorly secured unit can shift or break. Start by clearing nearby furniture, trimming trees, and removing anything that could become airborne. Use plywood or an approved storm cover, not plastic wrap, to shield the unit without restricting airflow.
Schedule a pre-season AC maintenance check with Keefe’s to verify that your unit is securely fastened, the drain lines are clear, and the electrical connections are protected. Ask about water pooling hazards that could short out components if flood levels rise.
Plumbing Precautions for a Hurricane
Don’t let a storm wreck your pipes. Turn off your main water supply if you evacuate to reduce the risk of a break or contamination. Check your sump pump, inspect backflow valves, and consider installing a battery backup if power outages are common in your area. It’s also smart to fill your bathtub and containers with extra water for flushing and basic hygiene.
Keefe’s plumbing team can check for vulnerabilities, test your sump pump, and install critical safeguards to keep flood water from backing into your home.
Electrical Safety Tips for a Hurricane
Loose wires, overloaded circuits, and leaky panels don’t mix well with natural disasters. Secure your electrical panel with a weatherproof casing, unplug major appliances, and use surge protectors where possible. Move power strips and electronics off the floor to avoid water damage, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
Keefe’s licensed electricians can inspect your main service panel to make sure your system is up to code and ready for severe weather. If you’ve had any past storm damage, now’s the time to catch problems before they return.
Consider Installing a Generator Before Hurricane Season
Let’s talk peace of mind. When the power outage lasts longer than expected (and it often does), a standby generator can keep your fridge cold, your lights on, and your sump pump working overtime. Choose a unit powered by propane or gas, and test it monthly during hurricane season.
At Keefe’s, we service and install whole-home generators tailored to your household’s needs and budget. We’ll guide you on proper placement (away from windows, vents, and glass) and make sure your generator is ready before the next storm surge threatens your home.
Stay Informed: Weather Alerts & Communication
You can’t react to what you don’t know. Reliable weather forecasting is key to making fast decisions, whether it’s when to evacuate or how long to hunker down. Sign up for emergency texts and alerts through your county’s emergency management system. Tune in to the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), or even old-school AM/FM radio for up-to-date storm tracking.
Keep a charged battery bank on hand, and back up important contact numbers in case your phone dies. And yes, talk to your neighbors because preparedness is always better when shared.
After the Storm: Safety, Claims, Recovery Steps
Once the storm passes, stay cautious. Watch for downed power lines, avoid standing water, and don’t re-enter your home until officials say it’s safe. Take photos of any water damage, broken glass, or structural issues, as this will help when contacting your insurance company.
Start your homeowners insurance or flood insurance claim immediately. Review your insurance policy before hurricane season hits so you’re not caught off guard about what’s covered.
Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane with Keefe’s
From securing your AC and testing your sump pump to inspecting water heaters, electrical panels, and plumbing systems, Keefe’s is your go-to team for storm-season readiness. We’re not just here to fix problems after they happen — we’re here to help you avoid them altogether.
Our technicians are trained, local, and ready to roll out when the NOLA skies start looking stormy. Let’s make your home hurricane-ready! Book your AC, plumbing, or electrical service with Keefe’s today and ride out this Atlantic hurricane season in comfort and confidence.
