New Orleans, LA – As Tropical Storm Alex gained strength moving towards Mexico, Mayor Mitch Landrieu encouraged New Orleanians to register for the city’s emergency text message alert system. Registered citizens will receive text messages with information and instructions from the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness during an emergency.
“Although it looks like we will not take a direct hit from Tropical Storm Alex, we are early in what is expected to be an active hurricane season and we must remain vigilant, especially given the oil spill in the Gulf,” Mayor Landrieu said. “I encourage residents to take this opportunity to sign up to receive text messages that will provide accurate information in real time during an emergency.”
To sign up, log onto www.nolaready.info or simply text message NOLA4U (665248). Currently, only 12,000 people are signed up for this emergency alert system.
Landrieu added, “For residents that do not have internet access, this is an important resource. We’ve also found that when the internet is down or when folks are out of town without access to local media, text messaging is a very effective means of communicating critical information.”
City Council President Arnie Fielkow said, “The importance of hurricane preparedness is something that we in the City of New Orleans all understand. Preparing early is essential to a smooth and safe evacuation in the event that a hurricane threatens our City. I hope all New Orleanians sign up for this helpful tool soon as hurricane season is already upon us.”
Council Vice President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson said, "We as a City are doing all we can, using every tool at our disposal, to get our residents prepared for Hurricane Season. We need our residents to respond by preparing themselves. Participating in this innovative notification system is an excellent place to start."
District A Councilmember Susan G. Guidry commented, “Our residents who endured the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina either at home or in evacuation know full well that landline and cellular service were interrupted for a long period of time, and that texting was one of the only methods of communication. This underscores the importance of signing up to receive emergency text messaging.”
District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer added, “It is extremely important that each and every one of us is adequately prepared for the impact of hazardous weather situations that may affect our community. I strongly urge that we all have a plan that will address the health, safety and evacuation needs of your family. I encourage everyone to register with the agencies that are available to ensure that you will receive the pertinent information regarding the status of approaching weather conditions”
“While Hurricane Alex is not a direct threat to us, it serves as a reminder that storm season is upon us once again. Now is the time to make preparations and plans in case we are in the path of the next storm,” said District D Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell. "Don't forget the lessons of Katrina. Don't forget the lessons of Gustav. And don't underestimate what's going on with this oil, we have no idea what kind of impact that will have if we are visited by another hurricane.”
District E Councilmember Jon Johnston stated, “I want to strongly encourage the residents to stay tuned to the newscast and listen for any information and direction that may come from the Mayor’s office. React accordingly and take the opportunity to completely prepare for this hurricane season. If my office can be of any assistance, feel free to call upon us. Also, please take this opportunity to register with the City of New Orleans for emergency directions.”
Col. Jerry Sneed, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, also urged residents who have no means of evacuating on their own to sign up for the City Assisted Evacuation Plan (CAEP). This may be due to financial need, unreliable or no transportation or homelessness.
“We are committed to getting everyone out of harm’s way during an emergency,” Col. Sneed said. “We encourage people to sign up now, so we have time to prepare and plan for the number of people who will need the city’s help to evacuate. Do not wait until a hurricane is bearing down on us.”
If you feel you may be eligible for the CAEP, call the city’s 311 hotline or call 504-658-4000. You will be asked to complete a phone survey. Currently, more than 23,000 individuals are registered with the CAEP.
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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
MAYOR LANDRIEU TO ADDRESS DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL RESPONSE OPEN HOUSE
The City of New Orleans, in conjunction with state and partner agencies responding to the disaster, is hosting an Open House Expo concerning the Deepwater Horizon incident on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at the Pavilion of Two Sisters, within the Botanical Gardens of City Park in New Orleans from 6pm to 8pm.
The Open House Expo will offer Orleans residents the opportunity to engage one-on-one with experts to address their concerns about environmental quality, wildlife, safety and resources being used in the spill response.
For more information on the open house itself, please contact the Houma Community Liaison Office: 985-493-2791.
WHO:
Mayor Mitch Landrieu and representatives from the following organizations or companies: BP, U.S. Coast Guard, Vessels of Opportunity, NOAA, Small Business Administration, LSU Ag Center, EPA, Louisiana Small Business Development, Alternative Response Technologies, LA Department of Health and Human Services, LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, LA Department of Social Services, & LA Department of Environmental Quality.
WHAT:
Open House Expo on Deepwater Horizon oil spill
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
6-8:00 PM CST
NOTE: Mayor Landrieu will make brief remarks at 6:00pm.
WHERE:
The Pavilion of Two Sisters at City Park
12 Victory Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70124
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