Q: What’s in the guide?
A: Storm prep checklists, tips for staying safe through COVID + hurricane prep, and special considerations for LGBTQ individuals. Created by native New Orleanians and disaster prep professionals.
Q: I think I’ve seen this. Is it the same guide as before?
A: Yes and no — we update it every year. Our first guide was released in 2017. With a storm in the Gulf, we quickly threw together a “Queer Guide to Hurricane Season” with tips for people who may be experiencing their first storm. While this intention is still at the heart of the guide, the 2021 edition is for everyone. It includes tips for our queer and transgender family, along with information about how to take precautions for COVID-19 throughout your usual hurricane prep. The information in this guide is fact checked and compiled by multi-generational New Orleanians, hazard mitigation specialists, friends, and neighbors who want you to see you survive and thrive. This year, we have also included additional information for folks located in Southwest Louisiana.
Q: What if I have more questions after reading the guide?
A: On Instagram (@imaginewaterworks), we run a “24/7 Storm Prep Q&A” any time a named storm enters the Gulf. You can follow along or ask us questions there anonymously, and we’ll respond publicly so that everyone can learn together. Questions on the Instagram Q&A range from “Can I find sandbags anywhere today?” to “Are you worried more about flooding or wind for this storm?”. We respond like humans — casually but factually — to help make prep info more accessible and less stressful.
We also have mutual aid groups on Facebook for the Greater New Orleans Area, Southwest Louisiana, and Houma. These groups are facilitated by our team, and we welcome questions about storm prep there any time.
Q: Can I print copies?
A: Absolutely. We only ask that you credit/tag Imagine Water Works, let us know if you’re distributing multiple copies, and refrain from making modifications to the guide without our consent.
Q: How can I support?
A. Many ways! If you can, donate here. Are you a visual artist looking to volunteer your time? We’d love to add art to the guide. If illustrations or collages are your jam and this sounds like a fun thing to do with your free time, let us know! We’re also looking for a permanent or semi-permanent physical space to work from + stage our mutual aid and hurricane prep supplies. If you have leads on available autonomous spaces or want to help illustrate the guide, email klie@imaginewaterworks.org.