Hurricane Evacuation FAQ's

The following information is from a variety of government sources. Please refer to the appropriate agency (contact information provided) for further clarification.

Q. Should I evacuate?
Yes. For your own personal safety and the safety of your family, evacuation is strongly recommended.

Q. What if I don’t have personal transportation?
Please call the City’s 311 number NOW and you will be able to register for city-assisted transportation. If you are elderly or have special medical needs, you are strongly advised to call 311 ASAP so that the City will be prepared to accommodate your needs. Be aware that if you choose City-assisted evacuation, you will not be in control of your final destination.

Q. Who do I contact in Lake Vista if I have special needs and require
the City's assistance to evacuate?
Andrew Larimer is a native New Orleanian who recently graduated from NYU and returned home to Lake Vista and has generously volunteered to act as the primary Lake Vista contact for the New Orleans Hurricane Evacuation project. Andrew can be contacted at: 504-343-1865

Q. Where can I find shelter?
Contact family or friends who live outside the danger zone now. If you do not have a destination already planned, there will be NO shelters of last resort in the City of New Orleans or South of I-10.

Q. What about my pets?
If you do not have personal transportation, the City has plans for evacuating pets. Please refer to the 311 number for assistance.

Q. Can I evacuate to a hotel in New Orleans?
No. There will be no vertical evacuation.

Q. What are the criteria for mandatory evacuation?
Each storm will be assessed according to the individual threat it poses. It may be that evacuation is called for with a strong Category 2 storm or a storm that threatens to compromise public safety, regardless of its designation.

Q. Can I stay?
You are responsible for your own actions. If the City orders a mandatory evacuation, then you will be subject to a curfew and arrest if you step off your property.

Q. Will there be emergency services available if I stay?
No. The City will NOT provide emergency services in the event of a mandatory evacuation.

Q. Can I take my FEMA trailer?
No.

Q. Will I have access to utilities?
Power will most likely go out with any storm event with strong winds. Sewerage and water pressure may not be available due to the fragility of the current infrastructure. There is NO guarantee that you will have access to utilities.

Q. What about the security of my home?
There will be multiple government and law enforcement agencies that will begin patrolling as soon as weather conditions allow. It is highly recommended that you take any personal items with you that are irreplaceable.

Q. How long will I be gone?
That will depend on the severity of the storm and any subsequent damage. The American Red Cross suggests you take a 7-day supply of essential personal & medical supplies.

Q. When can I come home?
That will depend on many factors. Areas that are not vital to re-establishing crucial services (such as hospitals) will not be deemed important. Roads may be impassable until such services are restored and the area is deemed safe. Lack of sewerage & water pressure is considered a safety hazard and would negate re-entry. This may take up to 2 weeks or longer depending on the severity of damage.

Q. How will I know when it is safe to return?
The media (print, radio, visual and Internet) will be your best bet in terms of keeping residents informed as to the status of the City. The LVPOA web site will be accessible at all times and will post information as it is received and verified for accuracy.

Q. Can I get messages on my cell phone, pager or through my e-mail?
Yes. Contact www.nolaready.info - this is the City’s website that will allow you to register, for free, your cell phone number, e-mail address (home or work), pager or Blackberry. Please note that the City will not charge for registration but there may be a fee assessed by your carrier – it is up to the consumer to check about any additional charges for text messaging services.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION:

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS: DIAL 311
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS: 1-800-229-8191
LA CITIZEN AWARENESS AND DISASTER EVACUATION GUIDE (AM. RED CROSS): 1-504-620-3148 mharms@arcno.org
LA STATE POLICE: TROOP B – 1-800-964-8076
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: 1-225-925-7500
CITY COUNCIL OF NEW ORLEANS: www.cityofno.com - ACCESS TO EACH DISTRICT MEMBER’S CONTACT INFORMATION