When a Gulf storm aims for Terrebonne Parish, you may have only a day or two to secure your Cocodrie camp. If you split time between Chauvin and elsewhere, the speed of preparation can feel overwhelming. This guide gives you a clear, local checklist you can follow before, during, and after a storm, including steps for boats, lifts, shutters, power, and documentation. Let’s dive in.
Why Cocodrie camps face higher risk
Cocodrie and Chauvin sit low along marshes and open bayous, which makes storm surge and coastal flooding the top threats. Wind and rain add to the risk, and access can be cut off early as roads and bridges flood. Power and cell service may be out for days, sometimes longer, so plan to be self‑sufficient. Learn how surge works and why it is so damaging along this coast by reviewing the National Hurricane Center’s guidance on storm surge risk.
Hurricane season runs June through November, with peak activity in August through October. The National Hurricane Center notes a trend toward rapid intensification, which means a tropical storm can strengthen faster than expected. Keep a flexible plan that you can activate quickly. You can review season patterns on the NHC’s climatology overview.
Your hurricane plan at a glance
A simple timeline helps you act in the right order. Follow the steps below for your home, boat, and lift, and adjust for your property’s layout and elevation.
72+ hours out
- Confirm your evacuation plan and meeting place. Check current parish alerts and evacuation guidance through the Terrebonne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness and GOHSEP.
- Move vehicles and trailers to higher ground. Bring outdoor items inside, including grills, furniture, and yard tools.
- Elevate items on ground floors to counters or upper levels. Back up insurance documents, titles, and photos to secure cloud storage and a USB.
- Test your generator, prepare extension cords rated for outdoor use, and stage fuel safely in approved containers.
48 hours out
- Recheck local orders and road conditions. If evacuation is ordered or you do not have a safe shelter, leave early.
- Fill fuel, charge batteries, and pack your go‑bag with medicines and essentials. Double‑check haul‑out or mooring plans for your boat.
- Deploy shutters or panels per manufacturer guidance. Secure garage doors and lock all doors and windows.
24 hours out
- Turn refrigerators and freezers to the coldest settings. Move valuables and electronics to upper floors or take them with you.
- Shut off water and non‑essential breakers if advised by your utility or local guidance. If instructed, turn off natural gas at the meter.
- Take timestamped photos and video of your home, dock, and boat before final departure.
Hours before landfall
- Follow local evacuation orders. If sheltering in place is explicitly allowed and safe, stay away from windows and have supplies ready.
- Keep NOAA weather alerts active and conserve phone battery. Do not operate a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Boats, lifts, and docks
Securing a vessel early often prevents the most costly damage. If possible, haul boats inland. If haul‑out is not available, move to the most sheltered berth you can find, then double or triple lines to fixed pilings with chafe protection.
- Remove electronics, sails, canvas, and loose gear. Store them ashore in waterproof containers.
- Fill fuel tanks to reduce sloshing and add stabilizer if the boat will sit for a while. For trailered boats, block wheels, tie down bow and stern, and lock the trailer.
- For engines, raise the outboard, remove drain plugs, and secure hatches. Keep bilge pumps powered as long as safe.
For boat lifts, removal and storage ashore is best if you can schedule it. If the lift must stay in place, remove the motor, control box, and removable wiring, and store them above the likely surge level. Secure the platform with heavy straps to pilings and remove decking if your manufacturer recommends it. Always follow your lift manufacturer’s and marina’s model‑specific guidance.
Shutters and openings
Permanent roll‑down or accordion shutters allow faster deployment, while temporary panels can work well when installed correctly. Pre‑stage hardware, check fasteners, and secure garage doors. Close and lock all doors and windows. A tight envelope reduces wind pressure and water intrusion.
Power and generator basics
Decide ahead of time if you will rely on a portable unit for essential circuits or a whole‑house generator. Many homes cover essentials like refrigeration, lighting, a sump pump, and a small AC zone with a 5–7 kW portable or small standby unit. Whole‑house coverage often requires 10 kW or more, which should be sized and installed by a licensed electrician with a transfer switch.
- Operate generators outside on a level surface with clear ventilation. Never run a generator inside a home, garage, or enclosed porch.
- Keep fuel in approved containers and away from ignition sources. Use stabilizer for stored fuel and rotate the supply.
- For whole‑house systems, verify propane or diesel levels and test the automatic transfer switch before the season.
Documentation and insurance
Wind damage is generally part of a homeowners policy. Flood damage is not covered unless you carry a separate flood policy. Most flood policies have a standard 30‑day waiting period before coverage starts, so consider needs well before the season. Learn the basics of coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program’s consumer site, FloodSmart.
Before a storm, create a digital folder with policy numbers, your agent’s contact, proof of ownership, and recent photos or video of the interior and exterior. After a storm, document all damage before cleanup and keep receipts for temporary repairs. For flood claims, review FEMA’s steps for filing and managing an NFIP claim.
Second‑home owners: remote prep
If you do not live at your camp full time, set up local help early. Identify a caretaker, neighbor, or marina contact and give written authorization for emergency decisions. Share keys or access codes and store copies of insurance and boat documents in a secure, accessible place.
Consider prepaid haul‑out or protected mooring arrangements that guarantee a spot when storms threaten. Put your instructions in writing and confirm phone, text, and email contacts so you can coordinate quickly when a system forms in the Gulf.
During the storm: safety first
Your safety comes first. Follow evacuation orders from Terrebonne Parish and GOHSEP. Do not drive or walk through floodwater. Six inches of moving water can knock you over, and one foot can sweep away a vehicle.
If you shelter in place, stay inside, away from windows, and monitor official alerts. Keep a battery radio on hand, maintain ventilation, and avoid generator exhaust near doors and windows.
After the storm: first 72 hours
Wait until officials say it is safe to return. Expect road closures and hazards like downed lines, gas leaks, broken glass, and wildlife. Wear boots, gloves, and eye protection.
- Photograph and video all damage before cleanup. Make a detailed inventory with purchase dates and serial numbers when possible.
- Notify your insurance agents promptly and keep a log of all calls, claim numbers, and receipts.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further loss, such as tarping a roof or boarding broken openings. Save all receipts and do not start permanent repairs until an adjuster inspects.
For wet interiors, start drying within 24 to 48 hours to reduce mold risk. Pump out standing water, ventilate, and run dehumidifiers when safe. For boats and lifts, do not attempt salvage until the marina or Coast Guard authorizes and conditions are safe. Photograph before any work, then coordinate with licensed professionals for inspections and repairs.
Permits and local contacts
Rebuilding docks, lifts, and some coastal structures may require parish and state permits. Check requirements with Terrebonne Parish, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before starting work. Keep your elevation certificate on file to inform mitigation choices and flood insurance pricing.
For current evacuation routes, shelter information, and local alerts, consult the Terrebonne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness and GOHSEP. These sources provide the most timely guidance for our area.
Ready to prepare with a local plan?
If you are buying or selling a camp or home in Cocodrie or Chauvin, you deserve local guidance rooted in real experience. Our team understands coastal risks and the practical steps that help protect value before and after a storm. When you are ready to make a move, talk with the trusted local pros at Unknown Company. We are here to help you plan ahead with confidence.
FAQs
What are the biggest hurricane risks for Cocodrie camps?
- Low elevation increases exposure to storm surge and flooding, while wind and rain can cut power and limit access to roads and bridges.
When is hurricane season in Terrebonne Parish?
- Hurricane season runs June through November, with the highest activity typically from August through October.
Should I haul out my boat or secure it on the lift?
- Hauling out inland is best when you can get a spot; if the lift must stay, remove electronics and motors, secure the platform with heavy straps, and follow manufacturer and marina guidance.
What size generator do I need for essentials?
- Many homes cover essentials like a refrigerator, lights, a sump pump, and a small AC zone with about 5 to 7 kW; whole‑house systems often require 10 kW or more and should be sized by a licensed electrician.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage from storm surge?
- No, flood damage typically requires a separate flood insurance policy through NFIP or a private provider; there is usually a 30‑day waiting period before coverage starts.
What should I document for an insurance claim after a storm?
- Take dated photos and video of all damage before cleanup, make an itemized list with purchase dates and serial numbers when possible, and save all receipts for temporary repairs.
