LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – May 5 through 11 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week in the United States, and here in SWLA, residents are prepping whether it be making sure they have the tools they need down to making sure they’re covered by insurance.

Linda Polk, who lives along the Kayuche Coulee in Lake Charles, is no stranger to living through disasters between hurricanes and the coulee behind her home flooding.

“I‘ve lived here so long now, and I make sure that I’m covered with insurance because if you’re not, then it’s gonna be bad. I’m not leaving my home and my gardens. I’ve put love into this home. People need to get covered to prepare – the hurricanes are coming,” Polk said.

Polk said she’s seen many neighbors come and go after storms, and some around her are in an endless state of rebuild. Polk’s home is renovated and surrounded by her garden, a stark comparison to the blue tarped roofs in her neighborhood.

“You can tell just by looking around who had insurance and who didn’t. I have always made sure me and my family have been protected,” she said.

As we move into Hurricane Preparedness Week FEMA, released the following statement:

“FEMA encourages property owners to call your insurance company or agent to make sure you have enough homeowner’s insurance to repair or even replace your home, car or other property. Remember, standard homeowners and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding. And also even if you purchase flood insurance today, there is a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect.”

As we move into hurricane season, most view flashlights, tarps and water as must-haves, but residents like Polk show us the importance of having flood and home insurance.

Gov. Landry signed several bills earlier today that put further insurance and hurricane protections in place.

Officials and residents alike say, “Prepare now.”

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