Tagged: disaster preparedness

As officials gear up to respond to what’s expected to be Hurricane Isaac, New Orleanians went shopping for supplies. Flashlights and batteries were sold out of several stores.

With Tropical Storm Isaac bearing down on New Orleans, one of three key Army Corps of Engineers pumping stations that help drain the city during a storm is only at partial capacity — far less than what is needed to keep the Orleans Avenue Canal from filling.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says he’s optimistic that the city will be able to handle the anticipated fallout from Tropical Storm Isaac. Isaac is on track to be at hurricane-strength when it makes landfall, and city officials say they’re ready for what’s predicted.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says the city is ready to face Tropical Storm Isaac.

Noting that Isaac should arrive at the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Landrieu said Monday that officials feel very good about the ability to cope with Isaac.

Landrieu, who declared a state of emergency on Sunday, urged about 900 residents who live outside levee protection in eastern New Orleans evacuate. The remainder of the city is not under an evacuation order.

He told residents to hunker down and make due with supplies on hand.

The following checklist of emergency supplies is provided by the Louisiana's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness online at www.GetAGamePlan.org.

Put together an emergency kit

Be sure to include these items:

Given the projected path and strength of Tropical Storm Isaac, the University of New Orleans will cancel all classes beginning at noon today, and all non-essential personnel are released at this time.

Campus will officially close at 4:30 p.m. today and will remain closed at least Tuesday and Wednesday. Please continue to monitor your e-mail, the UNO website, social media and local news media reports for updates on when UNO will reopen campus and resume classes.

You may also call the UNO main switchboard at (504) 280-6000 or 1-888-514-4275 to receive updates.