Did You Know...

Tis’ the season! For hurricanes, that is. Of course, the Cotton Mill survived Katrina so there’s nothing to worry about, except…windows blowing out and roof leaks (both of which occurred during Katrina), loss of power, which means no refrigeration and no water, and no security, no wireless service, and quite possibly no transportation through or out of the city after an evacuation.

The Cotton Mill management has an extensive list of procedures it will follow depending upon specific conditions, which you can read at http://www.thecottonmillneworleans.com/documents/pdfs/Hurricane_Preparedness.pdf However, for now you should be at least aware of the following steps you should take long before a storm appears in the Gulf:

• Keep in mind that if a storm threatens, the property management and maintenance staff will be required to leave the city prior to the storm so you should not anticipate being able to communicate with the management office pending the storm’s impact. Also, many of the building’s safety systems will be compromised in the event that the building loses power so remaining at the property during a mandatory evacuation is not recommended and may be dangerous.

• Your first step in preparing for a hurricane should be to develop a personal emergency response plan. It is imperative that you provide the on-site management office with updated contact information for you and your family. You can get an Owner/Resident Contact Form from the office. Your emergency plan should include specific arrangements for shelter outside of the city (preferably north of I-12). Be sure to tell someone outside of the storm area (a family member or friend) where you are going and include that person’s name and contact information on your Owner/Resident Contact Form. Consult the Louisiana Citizen Awareness & Disaster Evacuation Guide.

• Evacuation Routes – Consult the Louisiana Gov website.

• Emergency numbers – Put the following emergency numbers in your phone book: Cotton Mill Emergency – 504.566.9700; Property One – 504.899.4374. You can also get information at our website or Property One Remember, the resident login name is cottonmill and the password is the current four-letter door code.

• Personal Property Insurance – If you do not have personal property insurance, you should seek such coverage immediately from your insurance agent. Personal property is not covered by the property/building insurance.

• Prepare your condo – Before you leave, pick up all items from the floors and store in drawers and closets. Move upholstered furniture away from windows. Close and lock your windows. Bring inside any items you may have on balconies. Turn refrigerator and freezer temperature gauges to maximum. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly. Unplug stereos, TVs, electronic equipment and lamps.

• Pets – It is mandatory that you take all pets with you. No exceptions.

• Refrigerator – Prior to vacating the property, you should consider taking or disposing of all perishable items in your refrigerator in the dumpster/trash chute. Another option is to buy large Ziploc bags for food items to take with you, or you can leave some items sealed in the bags. Many residents have also purchased ice chests so they can take food items with them when they evacuate and have a source of food and drinks for a long evacuation drive.

• Computers and electronics – Back up computer data and take a copy with you. Cover your computer and other electronic equipment with plastic sheeting or large plastic garbage bags.

• Store water – Fill clean, airtight containers to store as much water as possible. Also, consider filling your bathtub before you leave. You’ll need water to flush the toilet if you return before water/power is restored.

• Protect important documents – Place your documents in waterproof containers to take with you or store at the highest, most secure point in your unit.

• Your vehicle – Check all fluids and tire pressures (including spare). If you leave your vehicle at the property, make sure it is parked in your assigned parking space and be aware that any damage to your car will not be the responsibility of the property or management.

• Have cash on hand – ATMs will not operate should the area experience a power failure.

• After the Storm – Listen to local news media for up-to-the-minute information regarding medical help, food programs and general assistance. Stay where you are if it is safe until authorities give the “all-clear.” Monitor the Property One website here or the Cotton Mill site here , and call the numbers provided above for up to date information and status of the property.

For additional information on hurricanes and storm preparations, check the following websites:

American Red Cross
City of New Orleans