So You Just Moved to Louisiana? Here’s How to Prep for Hurricane Season Like a Local

Welcome to the storm. We party through it.

First off, bless your heart.

If you just moved to Louisiana and someone told you hurricane season "isn't that bad" — they lied.But here’s the thing: we don’t panic. We don’t overthink.We prepare like locals.

So if you’re new to the boot and want to ride out your first storm the right way, here’s what you need to know:

1. Yes, You Need Supplies. No, You’re Not Buying the Right Ones.

Your instinct says:“Water, flashlights, canned goods.”

That’s adorable. You’re trying.But if you walk into a Louisiana grocery store 24 hours before landfall, you’ll notice the first thing to vanish isn’t water — it’s liquor.

Beer. Whiskey. Daiquiri gallons.Because if we’re gonna lose power, we’re gonna lose it hydrated and vibing.

2. Cook Everything Before the Power Goes Out

Your fridge is full now. It won’t be by tomorrow. So fire up the pit, pull out the cast iron, and start cooking everything that might spoil.

Your neighbors will do the same. The block will smell like brisket and boudin.Congrats, it’s your first hurricane party.

3. That Generator in Your Garage? You’ll Set It Up Drunk.

You meant to test it in April. You didn’t.

Now you’ll be out there, beer in hand, yelling at a tangle of extension cords while someone yells, “You gotta flip the choke, baw!”

But it’ll run. Eventually.

Probably just long enough to keep the TV and chest freezer going.

Priorities.

4. Your Hurricane Kit Needs a Few Local Additions

• Mosquito spray (the post-storm apocalypse is real)

• Propane tanks

• Wet wipes

• A portable fan (if you find one, guard it with your life)

• A full tank of gas (we all forget until it’s too late)

• A cash stash (card readers don’t work without power)

• A good playlist, because you will absolutely be sitting in your driveway talking trash while the rain comes sideways

5. Prep Like You’re Staying — Even If You’re Leaving

Locals know:Even if you plan to evacuate, storms change. Traffic snarls. Hotels fill.

You may stay whether you mean to or not.

And if you do?You’ll want everything set to go — not because it’s fun — but because being calm in chaos is a Louisiana specialty.

6. It’s Not About Ignoring the Danger — It’s About Owning It

We don’t throw hurricane parties because we don’t care.We throw them because we’ve done this before, and we know the recipe:

• One part caution

• One part community

• And a heavy pour of “ain’t no storm killing the good time”

Final Advice: Don’t Overthink It. Just Don’t Under-Respect It Either.

Yes, get your food and water.

Yes, make your checklist.

But also know:The real prep is about knowing your neighbors, checking your gut, and leaning into the chaos without losing your cool.

Welcome to Louisiana.

We don’t just survive hurricane season. We tailgate it.