Twenty years ago, on August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced millions of Black people along the Gulf Coast, and particularly New Orleans, to flee their homes. With climate change accelerating, we're still at risk, especially in the South, where 60% of us live, often in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Here’s how you can prepare for a flash flood.
Create An Emergency Plan-Know your local evacuation routes. Determine designated meeting spots with your loved ones so all family members know where to go in case of flooding or evacuation orders.
Build An Emergency Kit-Stock up on non-perishable food, water by the gallon, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. You should sign up for local emergency alerts and bookmark NOAA’s Weather Radio stream for updated weather and warning information.
Protect Your Valuables-Keep important documents like identification and medical records in waterproof containers and securely store digital copies as backup. Protect your home by ensuring that gutters are clean, storm shutters are installed, and consider flood insurance, especially in high-risk areas.
Climate change exposes the built-in anti-Blackness infrastructure of cities and towns across the U.S. We can’t control what they do. However, we can prepare by building, investing, and supporting our communities rather than waiting for outside help. Research local Black-led grassroots organizations and mutual aid networks already doing this work in your neighborhood. We all we got.