Lest We Forget: Hurricane Katrina and Louisiana—What I Remember Most

What I remember most about Hurricane Katrina was that before we could catch our breath, wrap our head around the cataclysmic devastation, or even mourn our beloved Crescent City, Hurricane Rita hit and its aftermath nearly flattened Lake Charles.

What I remember secondly was the outpouring of global love and support, and the 18-wheel trailers that rolled into Louisiana. One pulled up in front of our nonprofit organization’s central office in Lafayette where we helped disadvantaged populations.

We never knew just how disadvantaged our populations would become.

And what I remember thirdly was that Hurricane Katrina turned everyone’s world upset down, and the have’s became the have-not’s, and everyone just tried to survive—physically and mentally.

I remember people who were not used to being in such a situation actually apologized on the phone for having to request assistance from our agency. I tried to reassure them that they need not apologize because that was why we existed.

But—I could tell that they were holding on to their wits before they had a nervous breakdown. They had never imagined themselves as a have-not, and were not sure how to navigate the unknown.

Last week marked the 20th anniversary of August 29th when Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana, particularly New Orleans, after wreaking havoc across the Gulf.

It seemed as if it saved the worst for our Bayou State, leaving a trail of unabashed havoc and turmoil that still ignites PSTD in some.

I remember we prayed.

And when I did get a chance to breathe, I accepted that my fond memories had drowned with the Big Easy, which seemed quite small in the realm of the natural disaster.

One thing was clear: Hurricanes were war. We were at war with Hurricane Katrina, a natural force.

And we were losing.

It would have been so easy to accept victimhood. And—to put our hands over our ears, and scream with all our might, Stop the madness!

But was anyone listening?

The Bible verse—2 Chronicles 7:14—comes to mind: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

And Mark 4:39: And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Yes, Hurricane Katrina made us realize just how vulnerable we were. When nearly a whole city goes under water, it becomes mental overload and anguish a hundred-fold.

And then some.

For many, the scary part was having no electricity and no idea what was happening. I thought of the many people who must have wondered in the darkness: Was anyone coming to rescue me?

The scary part must have also been traveling like a turtle on interstates and highways, and wondering if you and your family would escape to safer grounds like Lafayette, which is about two and a half hours away from New Orleans.

I thought about the helpless, the elderly in nursing homes. I will be honest: I tried not to think about them. Only pray.

At our nonprofit agency, we worked around the clock, and were grateful for additional federal funds that rolled in so that we could help even more because they never stopped coming. And calling.

I did not think about the story consciously at the time, but someone recently referred to it, and I believe it is the best analogy for the impact of Hurricane Katrina:

A little boy is throwing washed-up starfish back into the water.

A woman walks up to him, and wants to know why because hundreds have washed ashore.

Isn’t the little boy wasting his time?

But he bends down, lifts yet another, and throws it back into the safe water.

“This one is safe,” he says, and moves to the next.

That was how we felt at times.

They were so many starfish. But—we could not become overwhelmed, hopeless or apathetic.

I remember Christmas drew near, and I thought about the young children of one single mother who had escaped Hurricane Katrina from New Orleans, and sought help from our nonprofit.

In the enormity of everything, I wanted to make sure her children had Christmas gifts, even if only a few. The mother assured me they were OK, and that they were blessed because they had gotten away.

But—for me, and many others, the mother was a starfish, and her children were baby starfish.

Hurricane Katrina, and Rita, who wreaked terror on Katrina’s heels just a few weeks later, let us know that we never know what crises we will face in life, or when they will occur. A crisis is a crisis no matter how big or how small.

And while we cannot stop the devastation, we can at least be prepared to curtail it.

For that, I asked ChatGPT for 25 recommendations for preparation during natural disasters, and here are the responses:

25 Ways to Prepare for a Natural Disaster

Emergency Planning

1. 1. Create a family emergency plan – decide meeting spots, evacuation routes, and contacts.
   2. Establish an out-of-town emergency contact for check-ins if local communication is down.
   3. Practice evacuation drills at home and work.
   4. Know your community’s disaster plans (shelters, evacuation routes, emergency hotlines).
   5. Prepare for pets with food, carriers, and supplies.

    

   Emergency Kits

   1. Build a 72-hour emergency kit (water, food, flashlight, radio, batteries, meds, hygiene).
   2. Keep at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3–7 days.
   3. Store non-perishable food for at least 3–7 days.
   4. Pack a first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and prescription meds.
   5. Include cash (small bills) since ATMs and cards may not work.

    

   Home & Safety Preparations

   1. Secure important documents (IDs, insurance, deeds) in waterproof/fireproof containers.
   2. Back up digital files to cloud or external drives.
   3. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with fresh batteries.
   4. Reinforce doors, windows, and roofs if in hurricane/tornado-prone areas.
   5. Trim trees and secure outdoor items to prevent damage during storms.

    

   Communication & Technology

   1. Charge portable power banks ahead of time.
   2. Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates.
   3. Download emergency apps (Red Cross, FEMA, local weather alerts).
   4. Keep a list of emergency contacts on paper in case phones die.
   5. Learn basic emergency signals (like how to text 911 in some areas).

    

   Health & Survival Readiness

   1. Know how to shut off utilities (gas, water, electricity) safely.
   2. Take CPR and first-aid training.
   3. Prepare for special needs (infant supplies, medical equipment, elder care).
   4. Stock protective gear (masks, gloves, sturdy shoes).
   5. Keep mental health resources handy (journals, faith-based readings, stress-relief practices).

    

   And here additional disaster readiness recommendations for homeowners, also from ChatGPT:

   25 Homeowner Disaster Preparedness Tips

   Insurance & Financial Protection

   1. Review your homeowner’s insurance policy – make sure it covers natural disasters common in your area (floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires).
   2. Purchase flood insurance – most standard policies do not cover flooding (check FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program).
   3. Take photos and videos of your home and belongings for insurance claims.
   4. Keep receipts and appraisals of valuable items.
   5. Store insurance documents in a waterproof/fireproof safe and digitally (cloud).

    

   Home Structure & Property

   1. Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows if you live in hurricane-prone areas.
   2. Anchor the roof and reinforce the garage door – both are vulnerable in strong winds.
   3. Elevate appliances and utilities (water heaters, electrical panels, HVAC) if in a flood zone.
   4. Install sump pumps with battery backup to prevent basement flooding.
   5. Seal cracks in the foundation and walls to reduce water intrusion.

    

   Landscaping & Outdoor Safety

   1. Trim large trees and remove dead branches near your home.
   2. Anchor outdoor furniture, grills, and sheds to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
   3. Clear gutters and drainage systems to prevent water buildup.
   4. Create defensible space around your home if in wildfire-prone areas (clear brush, wood piles).

    

   Utilities & Emergency Systems

   1. Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity to prevent fires or flooding.
   2. Install a backup generator (with proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning).
   3. Surge protectors and lightning rods to protect electronics and appliances.
   4. Consider solar panels with battery storage for alternative power during outages.

    

   Long-Term Preparedness

   1. Create a household inventory list (appliances, furniture, electronics, clothing).
   2. Plan for temporary housing – know local shelters, hotels, or family you can stay with.
   3. Budget for a disaster fund – unexpected repairs and living expenses can add up.
   4. Check local building codes and make sure your home meets or exceeds them.
   5. Hire a professional inspection to identify structural vulnerabilities.
   6. Talk with neighbors about mutual support and neighborhood safety planning.
   7. Revisit and update your plan yearly before storm, wildfire, or earthquake season.

    

   No one is immune. We have witnessed hurricanes, flooding, forest fires, mud slides, volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis.

   In addition to natural disasters, there are manmade violence, from terrorism to gun violence.

   And while we may be resilient, it comes at a heavy, heavy price. Especially for our children.

   That is why we must always prepare for the worst, and pray for the best: Lest we forget…

    

   ~ ~ ~

   I’m Ruth Anita Foote, an award-winning journalist, historian, author, and online entrepreneur—passionate about helping you enhance your business, career, and lifestyle. Whether you need writing, editing, research, or online business development, I’m here to support your growth. My goal is to empower you to elevate your success and make a lasting impact in your field. You can connect to all my social media platforms through Linktr.ee