By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-971308.mp3
New Orleans, La. – Mayor Landrieu says now is the time to confirm with friends and relatives if it's still O-K to stay at their place should a hurricane head toward New Orleans. And he recommends stocking up on supplies, like bottled water and batteries.
"If the evacuation goes smoothly and goes well, if people are well prepared and take care of themselves, and take responsibility, then however catastrophic the even the recover is always better if the evacuation goes well."
Deputy Mayor Jerry Sneed says the city is ready to help up to 30-thousand people get out of harm's way. They can sign up for city assistance by calling 3-1-1.
"For a category three or higher storm, the mayor will order a mandatory evacuation. There are no shelters in the city of New Orleans for a category three or higher storm."
Landrieu says no one should expect any last-minute changes.
"It's not going to happen. It's not going to happen. We do not have shelters of last resort in the city."
The Army Corps of Engineers is finishing up its improvements to the flood protection system. But Landrieu says it's only as strong as its weakest link. The National Hurricane Center says as many as six major hurricanes could develop this season, which ends November 30th.
For WWNO, I'm Eileen Fleming.