Hurricane Ida Survival Guide: What To Do During, After Storm

Ida made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane with winds measured at 150 MPH Sunday (August 29) afternoon.

Nearly 290,000 residents are reported to be affected by power outages as the hurricane continued to make its way through the state of Louisiana at 2:00 p.m. CT.

The storm struck on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which tied with Laura (2020) and the Last Island Hurricane of 1856 as the most powerful storms to ever hit the state and led to historic devastation.

Travels.com has provided a survival guide for individuals caught in hurricanes which includes the following:

What do Do During a Hurricane?

Residents are advised to evacuate as directed or if they feel unsafe in their home. If they do chose to stay at home, however, they should take the following procedures:

• Use a portable radio to monitor important storm updates, information and instructions.
• Stay inside and away from all windows, skylights and glass doors; remain in safe areas such as interior rooms, closets or downstairs bathrooms.
• Avoid going outside of home or shelter before there is confirmation that the storm has passed as it's possible for a temporary lull with more high winds approaching.
• Keep refrigerator closed to keep cold air trapped inside if power is lost.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions if using a portable generator, which should be grounded properly to avoid electrical shock.

What do Do After a Hurricane?

Once authorities confirm the storm has passed, you can asses any potential damage to your home and property by following these tips:

• If you evacuated, only return to your home after authorities confirm it is safe to do so.
• Avoid downed power lines.
• Protect property from further damage by boarding up broken windows in an effort to prohibit vandalism or additional weather damage; arrange for reasonable temporary repairs.
• Be aware of any gas lines that may have experienced damage during the storm; stay out of property until utility company deems it to be safe.
• Be cautious of hazards caused by the storm including water due to flooding, sharp or broken objects, damaged tree limbs or other structures.
• Keep accurate records of expenses and save bills and receipts from temporary repairs.
• Separate and inventory any damaged personal property.
• Contact your insurance company to discuss finding temporary accommodations if you think you might be unsafe due to storm damage.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said he expects the storm to bring "a big challenge for us" on Sunday.

During a recent appearance on State of the Union with CNN's Jake Tapper, the governor said Louisiana "is as ready as we can be" but noted that he expected Ida to be "a very serious test of our levy systems, especially in our coastal Louisiana."

Louisiana has made significant investments in shoring up its levy system following the devastation of Katrina in 2005.

Gov. Edwards said Ida "will be the most severe test" of the levees, but expects them to hold.

"The next 24, 36 hours are just going to be very, very critical for us here in Louisiana," Edwards added.