Surviving Katrina: Lessons on Information, Power and Simple Gear for Storms

In August 2005 the author arrived in New Orleans for a weekend, only to become stranded in the Ritz-Carlton as Hurricane Katrina struck. Although the hotel advertised upgraded windows, a generator and stocked provisions, staff brought their families inside, overwhelming the emergency plan and leading to food rationing and fuel-sharing for the generator. Flooding cut off exits, cell service faltered, and the author managed to contact KTLA anchor Carlos Amezcua from a makeshift phone line.

A later helicopter rescue hinged on locating the exact latitude and longitude, a detail he now insists every household should pre-save. He recommends practicing satellite-SOS on iPhone or Samsung devices, keeping a SAME-capable NOAA Weather Radio, maintaining portable chargers and a UPS, and using zip-top bags to protect electronics. The piece also advises storing a week’s water, duplicating supplies in the vehicle, and keeping emergency cash, all drawn from the hard-won lessons of Katrina.