Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco announced today that citizens of southeast Louisiana can now pick up their own copy of the state’s 2006 southeast emergency evacuation guide at dozens of locations throughout the area.
“Last year, 1.3 million residents followed this map and safely evacuated before Hurricane Katrina made landfall,” Gov. Blanco said. “That success was due to the cooperation of our citizens and a well-developed plan that worked. I encourage all residents to pick up their map now and be prepared for hurricane season. It’s important that everyone stays on the ready should another hurricane head this way.”
The 2006 version of the plan contains some updated safety and contact information. But the evacuation map and contraflow plan have remained the same. People who have the 2005 version can still use the map portion for planning purposes.
Blanco said that to use the guide properly, every family should develop its own personal evacuation plan.
“Residents should decide where to go, educate themselves thoroughly about the plan and then write down a personal evacuation plan. Make a list of all your travel needs now and post it where you can easily find it,” Gov. Blanco added.
Louisiana State Police, the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), and the American Red Cross urge residents to take the following steps:
- Get a copy of the plan and read it carefully. The plan is available at dozens of locations, including Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, libraries and post offices.
- Come up with your own personal evacuation plan BEFORE the need for an evacuation arises. Residents should know where they are going and how to get there.
- If a storm is approaching, leave as early as you can. The sooner you leave, the safer you will be.
Gov. Blanco kicked off the guide distribution today at the State Police Troop B building in Kenner. Evacuation maps for southwest Louisiana residents will be distributed before Hurricane season.
In addition to the printed map, residents can access the map on the following Web sites: State Police at www.lsp.org; Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, at www.ohsep.louisiana.gov; Department of Transportation and Development at www.dotd.louisiana.gov/maps; and the American Red Cross, www.batonrouge.redcross.org, www.arcno.org or www.preparelouisiana.redcross.org.
DOTD’s Customer Service Center representatives can answer questions about the evacuation guide. The center is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Please call (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683) with questions.
Additional Media Contact:
Lt. Lawrence McLeary
Public Information Officer
Louisiana State Police
225.925.6202 (office)