Louisiana · Preparedness Guide
Hurricanes, flooding, coastal erosion, and winter storms that kill — Louisiana demands year-round preparedness and has the disaster history to prove it.
About this guide
Louisiana is one of the most disaster-prone states in the country and one of the most geographically vulnerable. The coast is eroding — Louisiana loses a football field of land to the Gulf every 100 minutes. South Louisiana parishes sit below sea level, protected by levees that held after Katrina was rebuilt but remain a permanent vulnerability. The Atchafalaya Basin and the Red River flood regularly. North Louisiana deals with tornadoes and winter storms — the January 2026 storms killed nine Louisianans and triggered federal disaster declarations. Every parish has a real risk. Get A Game Plan is Louisiana's official preparedness campaign — it is worth using.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Hurricanes & Storm Surge, Flooding, Coastal Land Loss
LA has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 8a (north) to 9b (New Orleans / Gulf Coast)
Unemployment: up to $275/week for 26 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the LA risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours