Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu joined City officials as they outlined the City’s preparedness plans for this weekend’s heavy rain and wind event caused by Tropical Storm Lee. Mayor Landrieu declared a state of emergency for the City earlier today as Tropical Storm Lee's path became more evident that the city could be on the storm's "hit" list..The City is taking the following precautions:
- Emergency Operations Center is at Activation Level 2, with 24/7 operations at this time.
- All 24 Sewerage and Water Board pumps are 100% operational, and backup generators at the Sewerage and Water Board Power Plant are active.
- In conjunction with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the City and Sewerage and Water Board are monitoring water levels in canals and the Lake. As a result of water reaching the operational trigger of 2.5 ft. and rising at the London Ave. Canal, Col. Ed Fleming, New Orleans District commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers, ordered the canal gates closed today at 4:30 p.m. The gates took about 50 minutes to close and, once closed, the Corps began pumping water from the canal into Lake Pontchartrain to maintain the safe water elevation of 5 ft.
- The City has added enhanced Mississippi River monitoring with the Coast Guard and DEQ.
- 3-1-1 will operate 24/7 for residents to get updated information and report problems.
- The Department of Public Works has two contractors on standby for road repair and debris removal.
- The Departments of Parks and Parkways and Sanitation have equipment staged and ready to clear roadways for fallen trees or debris.
- Sanitation contractors will continue regular trash pickup unless streets have standing water. Once trash is picked up, residents should secure trash cans.
- Capital construction projects have ceased at this time.
- New Orleans public libraries have been closed as of 1:00 p.m. today. Libraries will return to normal operation on Tuesday, September 6.
- All NORDC activities for this weekend are cancelled at this time.
- The Louis Armstrong Airport is operational at this time, but the City is in constant communication with airlines.
- RTA is operating as normal at this time.
- The City is communicating with hospitals and nursing homes. Homeless shelters have added extra bed capacity.
- The City is also coordinating with tourism leaders to ensure the safety of visitors.
The City is allowing residents to secure their vehicles on the neutral ground throughout the weekend.
Additionally, the NOPD will ticket vehicles that drive faster than 5 miles per hour down streets with standing water.
In advance of the weather, the City is asking residents to take the following precautions:
- Clean or clear catch basins near your home.
- Prepare emergency supply kits to ensure your personal safety and well-being in the event of loss of power or heavy street flooding.
- Secure debris and loose furniture on your property.
HOMELESS SHELTERS
The following shelters will be available for homeless persons through the morning of Tuesday, September 6:
- Covenant House: 611 N. Rampart Street, (504) 584-1111. Males and females 16-21 years old, or any females with children are welcome.
- New Orleans Mission: 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, (504) 270-4967. Males and females are welcome. The Mission is closed on Monday.
- Ozanam Inn: 843 Camp Street, (504) 523-1184. Males of any age are welcome.
- Salvation Army: 4530 South Claiborne Avenue, (504) 896-7315. Males of any age are welcome.
EMERGENCY SUPPLY KITS
According to Emergency Preparedness officials, families should build an emergency supply kit at home that includes:
- Water (one gallon per person, per day – three day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
- Non-perishable food (three-day supply for evacuation and a two-week supply for home)
- Can opener for food
- Radio (battery-powered or hand crank)
- Flashlights
- First aid kit (medications and medical supplies, seven-day supply)
- Whistle
- Dust masks
- Sanitation items
- Personal hygiene items
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Maps
- Important family documents
EMAIL AND TEXT ALERTS
Citizens are encouraged to sign up for email and text message alerts by going to www.nolaready.info or sending a text message to “NOLA4U”. This service allows City officials to contact citizens during emergencies, which includes life-threatening weather events, evacuation or shelter in place information, and other pertinent emergency information.
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