Houma Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Houma.
Healthcare System
Houma operates under the U.S. healthcare system, which is private and fee-based. Medical care is of good quality but can be extremely expensive without insurance. The city has one main hospital and several urgent care clinics serving the area.
Hospitals
Terrebonne General Medical Center is the primary hospital serving Houma and surrounding areas, offering emergency services, surgery, and general medical care. Several urgent care facilities are available for non-emergency medical needs. Wait times in the emergency department can vary, with serious cases prioritized.
Pharmacies
Major chain pharmacies including Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart Pharmacy are widely available throughout Houma. Most are open extended hours, with some 24-hour locations. Prescription medications require a U.S. prescription. Over-the-counter medications for common ailments are readily available.
Insurance
Health insurance is not legally required for visitors but is STRONGLY recommended. Medical costs in the U.S. are among the highest in the world. A simple emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars, and serious medical events can result in bills exceeding $100,000. International visitors should ensure their travel insurance includes comprehensive medical coverage with high limits.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry proof of insurance and emergency contact information at all times
- Keep a list of any medications you take, including generic names, as brand names may differ
- If you have chronic conditions, bring sufficient medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Consider purchasing evacuation insurance if you have serious health conditions
- Insect repellent and antihistamines are recommended for mosquito bites and allergic reactions
- Be aware that emergency services will treat you regardless of ability to pay, but you will receive a bill afterward
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Vehicle break-ins and theft from cars are the most common property crimes in Houma, particularly in parking lots near tourist attractions, boat launches, and hotels. Thieves target vehicles with visible valuables or rental car identifiers.
Pickpocketing and purse snatching are relatively uncommon but can occur in crowded areas, festivals, and tourist spots. Opportunistic theft is more common than organized crime.
Louisiana's subtropical climate produces high temperatures and extreme humidity, especially May through September. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks, particularly for visitors unaccustomed to the climate.
Houma's wetland environment means encounters with alligators, venomous snakes (cottonmouths, copperheads), and aggressive insects are possible. While serious incidents are rare, caution is necessary.
Drowning and boating accidents can occur in the extensive waterways around Houma. Strong currents, sudden weather changes, and unfamiliarity with bayou navigation pose risks.
Louisiana has higher-than-average traffic accident rates. Risks include aggressive driving, poor road conditions in some areas, wildlife on roads, and flooding during heavy rains. Driving under the influence is a serious problem in Louisiana.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals or companies offer discounted swamp tours or fishing trips without proper licensing, insurance, or safety equipment. These may be advertised through flyers, social media, or word-of-mouth. Tours may be cancelled last-minute, or operators may lack local knowledge and safety training.
Some vendors or restaurants may claim to offer 'fresh local catch' at premium prices but serve frozen or imported seafood. Prices may not be clearly displayed, leading to bill shock.
Following hurricanes or major storms, fake charities may solicit donations claiming to help local victims. These scams can occur door-to-door, online, or through phone calls.
Individuals may pose as official parking attendants at events or busy areas, collecting parking fees that don't actually exist or are inflated.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, credit cards) separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with someone back home, especially for swamp tours or remote activities
- Keep emergency cash in a secure location separate from your wallet
- Download offline maps as cell service can be unreliable in rural areas
- Learn basic French phrases if possible, as Cajun French is still spoken by some locals
- Be respectful of local culture and private property, especially in residential areas
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for valuables, passports, and extra cash
- Check that doors and windows lock properly upon check-in
- Know the location of emergency exits and evacuation routes
- Don't advertise your room number or that you're traveling alone
- Be cautious about sharing travel plans with strangers
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
Transportation Safety
- Rent cars from reputable companies and inspect for existing damage
- Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially at traffic lights
- Don't pick up hitchhikers and be cautious of people approaching your car
- Use GPS but remain aware of your surroundings; don't rely solely on technology
- Fill up gas tank before it gets low, as stations may be sparse in rural areas
- If using ride-share services, verify the driver and vehicle match the app information
- Be extra cautious driving at night, especially on rural roads
Outdoor Activity Safety
- Tell someone your plans before heading out for swamp tours or fishing trips
- Bring more water than you think you'll need
- Wear appropriate footwear (closed-toe, water-resistant) for outdoor activities
- Apply and reapply sunscreen and insect repellent regularly
- Stay with your group and follow guide instructions during tours
- Don't touch or disturb wildlife, plants, or cultural artifacts
- Bring a charged phone and portable charger for emergencies
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, busy locations
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card freezes
- Carry only the credit cards and cash you need for the day
- Use credit cards instead of debit cards for better fraud protection
- Be discreet when handling money; don't flash large amounts of cash
- Keep a record of credit card numbers and cancellation phone numbers
- Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for important items
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink in Houma, though some prefer bottled water
- Choose busy restaurants with good hygiene ratings
- Be cautious with raw oysters if you have health conditions; ensure they're from reputable sources
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Be aware of shellfish allergies when trying local cuisine
- Ask about ingredients if you have food allergies; inform servers of serious allergies
Cultural Awareness
- Respect private property, especially in residential and fishing communities
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially in local communities
- Be mindful that some areas are still recovering from past hurricanes; show sensitivity
- Respect religious sites and cemeteries; above-ground tombs are culturally significant
- Tipping is expected in restaurants (15-20%), for tour guides, and service workers
- Be patient with the slower pace of life; 'Louisiana time' is real
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally find Houma safe, though standard precautions apply. Southern hospitality is common, but this can sometimes manifest as overly friendly behavior that may feel intrusive. The culture is relatively conservative. Solo women travelers are not uncommon, especially during tourist season. Serious incidents are rare, but awareness and common sense are important.
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar areas; use well-lit, populated routes
- Be cautious about sharing that you're traveling alone with strangers
- Consider joining group tours for swamp and outdoor activities rather than going solo
- Keep your phone charged and easily accessible
- Be aware that friendly conversation is normal in Southern culture, but you can politely disengage
- Dress modestly in rural areas and when visiting religious sites, though casual wear is fine in tourist areas
- If staying in budget accommodations, check reviews from other women travelers
- Be firm but polite if declining unwanted attention; most locals will respect boundaries
- Consider ride-share services or taxis rather than walking alone at night
- Keep hotel room numbers private and use door locks and security features
- Be cautious in bars and nightlife venues; watch your drinks and stay with trusted companions
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are legal throughout the United States, including Louisiana. Same-sex marriage is federally recognized. However, Louisiana law does not include comprehensive anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity in all contexts.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; what's accepted in New Orleans may not be in Houma
- Research accommodations in advance; major chain hotels are generally welcoming
- Be aware that some businesses and individuals may hold conservative views
- New Orleans (60 miles away) has a much more established and visible LGBTQ+ community if you want that atmosphere
- Consider the audience and setting before discussing personal relationships with strangers
- You have legal rights if discriminated against, but practical recourse may be limited
- Solo LGBTQ+ travelers may find it easier to avoid issues than couples displaying affection
- Staff at major tourist attractions and established businesses are generally professional
- Use discretion on social media regarding location sharing and personal information
- Connect with LGBTQ+ communities online before visiting for current local insights
- If you experience harassment, document it and report to authorities if you feel safe doing so
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is HIGHLY recommended for Houma due to several factors: the extremely high cost of U.S. healthcare without insurance, the risk of trip disruption from hurricanes and severe weather (especially June-November), potential for medical emergencies in outdoor activities, and the possibility of evacuation needs. The peace of mind alone is worth the relatively small investment compared to potential costs.
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