How Long Should You Prepare To Go Without Power When A Hurricane Hits?

Photo by Andre Furtado: Pexels

With hurricane season in its most active period, the main energy provider of New Orleans recently informed the public of how long it may take for them to restore power in the event of a major storm.

Entergy, the largest power company in the Greater New Orleans area, held a presentation laying out the expected wait times for residents who lose power to get their energy restored.

Here are Entergy’s estimates for how long you’ll be without power based on hurricane strength:

When New Orleans Residents Expect Power To Be Restored After A Hurricane?

Hurricane Strength	Days Without Power
Category 1 Storm	7 Days
Category 2 Storm	10 days
Category 3 Storm	14 days
Category 4 Storm	21 Days
Category 5 Storm	More than 21 Days

How To Check The Status Of A Power Outage Near You

In the Greater New Orleans area, you can check the status of a power outage near you by going to Entergy’s website here.

Once you click on your state, you’ll see a map that shows where power is flowing. Green lines generally indicate that power is on. Red lines typically mean that power is out.

Entergy’s website says, “While a green line is an indication that power has been restored to the area, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that power is on at your specific location.”

How To Prepare For A Major Storm

In the event that a major storm, hits the Gulf Coast region, including New Orleans, there are some things you can do to prevent the worst of conditions from occurring.

Buy A Generator

Most appliance stores sell either whole-house or portable generators, which are sufficient for major storms and hurricanes.

Remember to never run a generator in an enclosed space. They generate deadly fumes that can kill you. Here are some top portable generators you can purchase.

Champion Power Equipment 100519 6250-Watt Open Frame Inverter

Stock Up On Canned Goods

You’d be surprised how good some food in a can tastes when you’re starving. Hopefully, you never have to find out, but to be safe, it’s a good idea to have some canned goods stored for a rainy day.

Here are some food stuffs you should invest in:

Swanson Chicken & Dumplings W/ White & Dark Chicken Meat

Have A Go-Bag Ready

When it’s time for you to flee your home, it can be very hectic trying to find the items you will think you need to take with you. That’s why it’s always a good idea to prepare a go-bag — a book sack or bag filled with your necessities — so that you can be on the move in a hurry.

What are some things to put in a go-bag?

Final Word

There’s little that can be done to thwart a major storm headed toward New Orleans, but you can take steps to get out of the dark in the event of a power outage.

Most residents in places like Orleans and Jefferson parishes are used to losing power for days on end when big storms come. No matter what, remember not to panic and to keep your senses at all times.

Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.