What to Do in a Disaster
Disasters can take different forms. Some disasters, like hurricanes or floods, can often have warning signs before they strike. Other disasters, like a tornado or man-made threat, can strike with little or no warning to the people in danger.
Whether there are warning signs or not, there is something you can do to protect yourself and those you love from a disaster.
Be prepared
Hurricanes, floods and tornadoes are among Louisiana’s more common disaster events. Learn what you can do to be prepared before the danger is here.
- Read the State of Louisiana’s Emergency Preparedness Guide to learn how to prepare, prevent, respond and recover in different disaster events.
- Read the Louisiana Department of Health’s Generator Safety Guide
- Read the Magellan Healthcare Disaster Resource Guide
Know where to get information
Before, during, and after a disaster, it is important to have answers and information that can help keep you safe and find recovery.
- Emergency Louisiana: The official Louisiana government site for information about disaster response and general information to the public.
- Ready.gov: FEMA’s website to support citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.
- National Weather Service: Up-to-date weather forecast, advisories and warnings.
- American Red Cross: 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). For missing persons call 1-866-GET-INFO.
- Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness: Available for emergency declarations, resources and support across Louisiana.
- Magellan’s Provider Search website will be updated, to the extent possible, regarding the availability status of providers (those closed permanently or temporarily) and any alternative providers that may be available in the event of a disaster.
- 511LA: Provides updates on road conditions in the event of flooding or wintry weather conditions.
- Magellan operates a call center (1-800-424-4489) where members can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for assistance.
Ask for help, even after a disaster
A disaster can be very traumatic. You, or someone in your family, may need help coping with loss, anxiety or depression. You may also need help with housing, food or clothing after a disaster has happened.
**In the event of a disaster, your wraparound facilitator will reach out to you and your family to make sure you have a safety plan in place and to see if you need help.**
- What to do if you have a behavioral health concern.
- Call toll-free: 1-800-424-4489. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 7-1-1 to use the Louisiana Relay Service or call TTY/TDD number at 1-800-846-5277. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide confidential assistance.
- How to find resources to help with housing, clothing and other needs.
- FEMA: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Or call 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).
- FirstGov: This is the U.S. Government’s official site for information and resources.
- HUD Housing Counseling Center: Call HUD at 1-800-569-4287.
The Adobe Reader is required to view PDF files.