The most important thing you can do as hurricane season comes to an end is to get yourself, your family, and your home prepared for next season. By starting early, you’ll avoid the rush at home supply stores and grocery stores, which are typically crowded and often chaotic when hurricane watches and warnings are issued.

Here are some basic tips on how to stay prepared for the next hurricane:

Make a Plan

  • Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation routes to take and have a plan for where you can stay.
  • Have a disaster supply kit ready to go. This includes a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.
  • Make a family emergency communication plan. Cell phones and long range walkie talkies are perfect for this.
  • Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. If you need help, try searching the internet for your town with the words “alerts or emergency information.”
  • Consider buying flooding insurance if you live in an area that is known to flood each season.

Preparing Your Home

  • High-speed winds can cause branches and even trees to fall. Before hurricane season, trim or remove damaged and risky looking trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
  • Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows, and doors, including the garage doors.
  • Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture, and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.

After a Hurricane

  • Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
  • Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Avoid floodwater as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.
  • Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
  • Early attention to risks and planning can avoid great inconvenience or even tragedy later. These guidelines will help to prepare you for Hurricanes and other emergencies throughout the year by staying ahead of hurricane season.

In the aftermath of a hurricane, ensuring personal safety and understanding one’s rights and responsibilities is paramount. It’s essential to be aware of your work injury rights in such situations, especially if you’re required to be on duty during or after the storm. Additionally, staying updated with general safety guidelines can be beneficial. For instance, if you’re participating in events like Mardi Gras, being informed about Mardi Gras safety tips can be crucial. On the roads, understanding the aftermath of a car accident during such times can be lifesaving. Always consider consulting with professionals who specialize in various practice areas to ensure you’re well-informed and protected.

In 2003, after being dissatisfied with the quality of legal care for victims of car accidents, Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia sought to establish a new firm focused on providing high-quality legal services to aid injured victims and their families. J. Bart Kelly, sharing Rico’s passion for upholding justice, joined the firm later that year, and established a partnership.

  • They helped me with every need possible. The back issues I had could have been much worse if they didn’t step in and help me. Bart, Megan, and all the people that work for this legal team are amazing. I would recommend them to anyone. Thank you all for helping me each step of the way. I can’t thank these people enough.

    - T. Gibson-Warren

  • I want to thank the whole team for all your help and persistence with my settlement. I truly appreciate.

    - A. Alfortish

  • Great experiences every time I need you guys. I always recommend your firm.

    - W. Young

  • Bart and his team were wonderful to work with. It was clear that their vision and determination to fight for our case, is why we were able to reach a settlement, where my previous attorney was not.

    - C. Perez

  • Bart Kelly and his legal team reevaluated my case after another attorney backed away from a legal challenge, I just want to say Thank You to mr kelly and his team for the hard work and dedication to my case to make it successful . Thank You

    - N. Gex

  • Attorney Kelly is an impeccable attorney. He has represented me extremely well. I was very, very, very pleased with the outcome of my settlement. He’s highly recommended … to give assistance to anyone. I thank him for his services and I’m super elated over the way he handled the case. He is a phenomenal lawyer.

    - S. Spears

  • I’ve learned the importance of having good coverage insurance, thanks to Mr. Kelly explaining everything to me. We do not hope or wait for accidents, but rest assured that I will call Mr. Kelly again if I need his services. Thank you.

    - Ann Zimmer

  • Being represented by Mr. Kelly and his legal team was a very awesome experience. They were very patient and they worked really hard in resolving my case. I would most definitely refer them to all my friends and associates. Thank you very much.

    - Nathaniel Bonney

  • I am very grateful for Mr. Bart’s assistance. He was very professional and fair. I never felt like a client with him. I always felt like a close friend. Also, I would like to thank everyone in the office for being friendly, kind, and for helping me.

    - Glac Mantuso

  • Just want to say thanks a lot because I received way more than I expected. You guys did a wonderful job of getting the max for myself and my family. Everyone I met or spoke to on the phone was really professional and nice. Once again, thanks a lot.

    - Jessica Quinn

  • J. Bart Kelly is the best attorney I have ever met. He is intelligent, caring, understanding, and knows how to protect his clients. I love his strong take-charge attitude to fight for what is right.

    - Teri Haas

  • My lawyer took the time to explain everything in a clear and concise manner. I’ve been treated fairly and with the utmost respect. I am very appreciative of all of the staff at AKD for their services.

    - James Barber

  • I am grateful for the way that my case was handled. Thanks.

    - Darryl Hill

  • Thanks to Bart and Meg. Fantastic group of people and team. Love you guys.

    - Claudine Hope

  • I was involved in a terrible accident and had a lot of serious injuries. I was so happy that Bart (and his team, including his nurse paralegal) was my attorney. The results were much more than expected as far as the settlement. Thanks.

    - Karen Bourgeois

  • I received exceptional service from the law office of Bart Kelly. He is a great attorney who cares about what you are going through, and I am very pleased with the outcome.

    - Melissa Sanchez

View all
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION