Homes can and do withstand strong hurricanes, if they are designed and reinforced for the wind hazard risk of the area.
Wind loads and construction standards developed by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) are referenced and illustrated in wind design maps in building codes. Louisiana first adopted a statewide uniform residential building code shortly after hurricane Katrina, and the version now in effect for single-family homes is based upon the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC), with some Louisiana amendments. The IRC can be accessed online at www.iccsafe.org.
An easy way to find the current wind design speed and other hazard information for your home address or city is a great new online Hazards by Location search tool developed by the Applied Technology Council (ATC). An example result for Lake Charles, LA is shown below.
Keep in mind these tips:
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture