Message from Mayor C. Ray Nagin

Dear Parish Residents,

The safety and well-being of the citizens of New Orleans is my greatest priority. For this reason, our Office of Emergency Preparedness has prepared this Guide to help individuals during times of natural or man-made disaster. The information contained is designed to help everyone deal with these emergencies in an effective and successful manner. Knowledge is power and knowing what to do during an emergency can be lifesaving. Our City, due to its central gulf location, is one of the most vulnerable in America to the furies of a hurricane. Heavy rains, because of our topography, can and do cause severe flooding. Our City’s place as one of the busiest rail centers and second busiest ports exposes us to potentially numerous hazardous materials incidents. All of these factors combine to make an effective Citizen’s Guide a necessity. This, our second annual update, serves that purpose. But, like any good tool, it is useless unless read and acted upon. Its place is not on a shelf gathering dust, but in an easily accessible family emergency kit where it can be used.

The Guide’s purpose is to:

1. Inform citizens of the hazards they face.
2. Provide guidance in preparing their own individual emergency plan.
3. Advise them of the proper procedure needed to be followed in the event of an emergency.

In reviewing its contents, the reader should pay particular attention to the section on Evacuation. Knowing the routes of egress during situations such as hurricanes, can avoid needless injury and loss of life. It is my fervent hope that the information contained in the Guide will never have to be used; however, being ready for an emergency before it occurs, through adequate preparation and planning, is the first step in surviving a disaster. Preparedness must begin with the individual and be carried over to the family, and then into the community in order to thwart any incident or disaster that may be visited upon us. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness (504)658-8700 located in City Hall Room 9W03, 1300 Perdido St., New Orleans, LA. 70112

Sincerely,

C. Ray Nagin
Mayor