Mayor Nagin Urges Citizens Living In Travel Trailers To Prepare For Possible Evacuation
As Hurricane Gustav threatens the New Orleans area, Mayor C. Ray Nagin has urged citizens to make certain they have an evacuation plan, and has reminded those living in trailer trailers that the structures are unsafe in tropical storms or hurricanes.
“Citizens who are living in travel trailers need to plan now to evacuate the trailers if they are advised to do so by city officials,” said Mayor Nagin. “Travel trailers are unsafe during heavy winds. As we continue to monitor and prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Gustav, I want all of our citizens to make certain they have a plan for leaving the trailers when advised to do so.”
In addition to the threat travel trailers pose to people inside them during strong winds, the winds also can turn the trailers into missiles that damage nearby structures. As of early this week, there were 2829 FEMA trailers in Orleans Parish.
Mayor Nagin also encouraged citizens with special needs and who otherwise cannot evacuate on their own to register for the City Assisted Evacuation. Citizens who register for the plan will be picked up at one of 17 pick-up locations and will be transported to the Union Passenger Terminal. From there, they will be transported to a safe location out of town. Maps that identify the 17 pick-up locations are available at www.cityofno.com.
To register for the City Assisted Evacuation Plan, dial 311 or (504) 658-2299.
All citizens should have the following as a part of their plans:
- Identify a location for evacuation
- Make an evacuation kit
- Evacuate with elders/special needs family members
- Evacuate with pets
- Evacuate when pregnant
ITEMS FOR EVACUATION
- Local and regional maps
- Cash
- Water for at least 3 days
- Non-perishable food/pet food
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and batteries
- Battery operated, hand- held radio (weather radio if possible)
- Medications
- Important family documents
- Change of clothing for at least 3 days
Source: “Mayor Nagin Urges Citizens Living In Travel Trailers To Prepare For Possible Evacuation.” City of New Orleans Press Releases. 28 August 2008.
Tags: Hurricane Gustav, New Orleans city assisted evacuation, New Orleans evacuation, New Orleans preparations, New Orleans special needs, Orleans Parish, Orleans Parish evacuation, Tropical Storm Gustav
