Spring is already here and heating up, and while we’re starting to look forward to sunny days, summer vacations, and afternoons by the pool. People are talking about their summer exercise plans, but summer storm season is what we really need to prepare for. From sudden thunderstorms to major hurricanes, Louisiana weather doesn’t play around when it decides to come to the party. And, neither should you when it comes to protecting your home, family, or business.
At Henry Insurance, we’re not a big corporation, we’re part of the Baton Rouge community. You can always talk with a real person. We’ve experienced the aftermath of bad hurricanes and big floods alongside you, and we want to set you up to stay safe and secure throughout the summer season. Let’s get into five key areas to make sure you’re ready for whatever the rest of 2025 brings.
Hurricane Prep Tips for Louisiana Homeowners in 2025
1. Review Your Insurance Coverage (Before Baton Rouge is in the Path of a Cat 5!)
When’s the last time you read through your policy? Did you throw away the notice about the latest updates and changes? If you’re not completely sure what’s covered, now’s the time to find out. Not when you’re gutting a flooded home or when you’re trying to find a reliable roofer after damaging winds. Many homeowners mistakenly assume their standard policy covers flood damage, only to realize too late that it doesn’t.
Take a moment to review your coverage for wind, hail, flood, and other storm-related damages. Need help deciphering the jargon? Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to walk you through it, explain your options, and make sure you’re not caught off guard later. Most insurance companies aren’t known for their clarity, but at Henry Insurance, we don’t believe in overcomplicating it.
2. Create a Home Inventory to Protect Your Valuables (and Your Sanity)
Imagine trying to list every item you own from memory? Then, add the mental and emotional stress that you’re dealing with after a major storm. Sounds pretty overwhelming, right? Creating a home inventory now saves you from that headache later.
Take photos and videos of each room and be sure to capture valuable items like major electronics, appliances, fine jewelry, and furniture. Organize the content in an album in your phone, which you can even share with your family members so everyone can contribute. You can caption each photo with any relevant information that may be helpful down the road. Keep a list of serial numbers, purchase dates, and receipts when possible.
If you store this info digitally or in a waterproof safe, it will be a lifesaver when you’re faced with filing a claim after a disaster. Yes, it takes an investment of time on the front end, but if disaster hits, having an existing inventory will save you a lot of time, money, and energy.
3. Strengthen Your Property: ‘Honey Do’ Some Small Upgrades for Big Protection
Small upgrades and regular maintenance can make a huge difference. It’s time to make that ‘honey do’ list and actually get it done. Here are some common areas to address:
- Trim trees and secure loose items to prevent wind damage. There’s so many beautiful oak trees through Baton Rouge and the surrounding area, and making sure they’re shaped up properly can be the difference for your roof or your neighbor’s.
- Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows. These can feel like hefty upgrades, but they pay dividends in safety, protection, and energy efficiency.
- Reinforce garage doors. Even a couple weak spots can lead to significant structural damage.
- Check your roof for loose shingles or vulnerable spots. Sometimes existing problems can create issues or cause ineligibility when you file a claim.
Not only will these preventative measures will help you better protect your home in preparation for the storm season, but they will typically also qualify you for discounts on your insurance premium. Don’t you want to save even more money? Let’s talk about where you can focus your efforts.
4. Build an Emergency Kit and Evacuation Plan
No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but having a plan is empowering. Consider the changes to your household this year. Did you welcome a new baby? Did an elderly parent move in with you? How will those factors affect your emergency needs and evacuation plans? Avoid the traffic to the last minute grocery store rush and prep a simple emergency kit now that includes:
- A couple gallons of water
- A basket of non-perishable food (Pro Tip: Get a small, portable camping stove for heating food in a pinch)
- Several flashlights with new batteries (and some extra batteries for good measure)
- First aid supplies (and an extra kit just in case)
- Medications
- Important documents (insurance policies, copies of IDs, important records)
Most importantly, make sure your family has a clear evacuation plan. Folks in Baton Rouge are one of a kind, and we tend to throw parties when a hurricane is coming. But, when the weather gets truly serious, have a plan to get out. Know where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and how to stay connected if cell service goes down.
5. Stay Informed
The best tool you have in a storm? Information. It’s the best way to make smart decisions for you, your family, and your business. Download weather alert apps, follow local news, and have a plan to communicate when the power goes out or cell service is down. Baton Rouge officials and weather services do an incredible job keeping us informed, so stay tuned in and act fast when needed. Here’s some popular emergency apps to download now (when you know you have reliable cell service):
- LA Get a Game Plan App
- Weather Radar – NOAA + Channel
- GasBuddy
- FEMA App
- Life360
- 511 Louisiana App
TLDR: Pro Tips on Hurricane Coverage
- Check Your Policy: Ensure you’re covered for wind, flood, and other storm-related damages.
- Know Your Deductibles: Understand what you’ll pay out of pocket for different types of claims.
- Bundle Smart: If you’ve upgraded your home (new roof, shutters, etc.), make sure your policy reflects it because you might qualify for savings.
- Ask About Gaps: Standard policies often don’t cover flooding or specific types of water damage. Henry Insurance can help you fill in the gaps.
- Keep Digital Copies: Store your insurance documents digitally so they’re easy to access in an emergency.
Stay Storm Ready with Henry Insurance
At Henry Insurance, we’re here to protect what matters most to you. We live, work, and raise our families right here in Baton Rouge, so we’re committed to helping our community get ready for whatever this storm season brings.
Give us a call or stop by, and let’s review your coverage and tackle the tough questions. After all, staying prepared isn’t just smart, it’s how we take care of each other.
