By: Chief Pentewyn
Storms Don’t Wait – So Neither Should We
Hurricane season begins on June 1st and runs through November 30th. Every year, without fail, we see the same pattern: storms forming early, and people waiting too long to act. Some of the most dangerous systems we’ve faced hit while residents were still “getting around” to preparing.
Let me be direct- when a hurricane hits Hathian, it isn’t just rain and wind. It’s isolation. It’s destruction and days without power, water, or help. It’s your roof torn off, roads flooded, and your kids scared in the dark while the wind shakes the house. And when the worst of it passes, the danger isn’t over. In many ways, it’s just begun.
The Risks Are Real
Hurricanes bring three core threats to Hathian:
- Wind: Strong enough to snap trees, tear off roofs, and send debris flying.
- Water: Storm surge can push the Gulf into our streets, while bayous and canals flood from underneath.
- Aftermath: We see looting, gas leaks, downed power lines, wild animals, and contaminated floodwaters.
Rougarou, Delphine, Batterie, and North Shore are high-risk flood zones. In these neighbourhoods, water can fill a home chest-deep within minutes. If you live in any of these areas, or a low-lying part of town, you need to take this seriously and plan accordingly.
What Preparation Really Means
Preparedness doesn’t begin when the storm is named. It begins now.
Window Protection
Measure every window in your home and cut 5/8-inch exterior-grade plywood for each one. Label them clearly and store them accessibly. Tape is ineffective. Only proper boarding prevents window failure.
Yard and Property
Clear your yard of anything that could become airborne. That includes furniture, tools, toys, and loose debris. Trim overhanging branches. Stack sandbags pyramid-style around doors and garages if you live in a flood-prone area.
Your Go Bag: What to Pack
Every person in your home should have an emergency go bag packed in advance. It should include:
- At least three days of water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food (with a manual can opener)
- Prescribed medications (at least 7-day supply)
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Phone charger and power banks
- Cash (ATMs may be down)
- Hygiene items (wipes, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste)
- Infant care items (diapers, formula, comfort objects)
- Pet supplies (food, leash, medication)
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
Waterproof folder containing:
- ID and insurance papers
- Medical records
- Photos of home and possessions
Refill medications now. Don’t rely on pharmacies or hospitals to be available during or after the storm. If your health depends on a prescription, have it packed, along with documentation.
Generator Use: Stay Safe
Generators save lives-but they can kill too if misused. Follow these rules:
- Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or under any covered area.
- Place it at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
- Only plug essentials into heavy-duty extension cords directly from the generator.
- Never “backfeed” a generator into your home’s wiring.
- Refuel only when the generator is turned off and cooled down.
- Store fuel in approved containers, outdoors, and away from living spaces.
When to Evacuate
Some homes are not survivable in a major storm. This includes:
- Mobile homes
- Raised wooden shacks
- Trailers
- Any structure with roof damage or foundation issues
If this describes your home, do not stay. Don’t rely on past luck. Every storm behaves differently.
If you live in Rougarou, Delphine, Batterie, or North Shore, you are at serious risk of floodwater infiltration. Plan your evacuation now. Don’t wait for a mandatory order. When it feels wrong, go.
Emergency Shelters
The city will announce shelter locations, opening times, and what to bring. This information will be shared through official channels and the radio.
There is no shame in going to a shelter. They exist to protect lives and are staffed by people who want you safe.
What FDH Can and Cannot Do
The Fire Department of Hathian is ready. But when conditions become unsafe, we cannot deploy.
If wind speeds exceed 50 mph or floodwaters rise over a foot, we suspend response. Our engines and ambulances are not indestructible. We won’t risk flipping or losing a crew en route to a scene. If we go down, we can’t help anyone.
This means that if you stay behind, you may be completely on your own until the storm passes and the roads clear. That may take hours or longer.
After the storm, we prioritize:
- Structure fires
- Life-threatening injuries
- Active rescues
Calls about water damage, fallen trees, or property loss will wait. That’s triage, not indifference.
After the Storm: Still Deadly
Many hurricane-related deaths happen after landfall. Please remain alert to these dangers:
- Wildlife: Snakes, alligators, and wild hogs may enter flooded buildings or streets.
- Looters: Secure your home. Do not post publicly about your evacuation.
- Floodwater: It is toxic and dangerous. Avoid walking through it. Never let pets drink from it.
- Structural risks: A standing home may have collapsed floors, unstable roofs, or downed power lines.
- Generators: Carbon monoxide is silent and lethal. Follow safety protocols strictly.
- Medical access: HGH may be understaffed or on emergency power. If you have life-threatening conditions, evacuate to a city with a stable hospital.
In Closing
No storm is ever “just wind and rain.” It’s noise. It’s pressure. It’s a chain reaction that can destroy your home and upend your life.
Preparedness isn’t panic,it’s protection. It’s how we stay alive. It’s how we look after each other.
If you think you should evacuate, evacuate.
If you think you should prepare, start today.
Because when the lights go out, the water rises, and the road is gone—you won’t be able to fix what wasn’t done.
Storms don’t wait. So neither should you.
Chief Pentewyn
Fire Department of Hathian
