While Hurricane Laura heads up the Texas-Louisiana state line, New Orleans is spared the blunt impact of her destructive winds and rain.
The City of New Orleans has an intimate relationship with hurricanes, but especially a hurricane’s aftermath.
That is why New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Collin Arnold announced in a Wednesday press conference that they are ready to assist search and rescue teams in neighboring parishes impacted by Laura.
Related: STSO sends deputies, equipment to SW Louisiana to help after Laura landfall
“We will be ready to assist or neighbors to the west with rescues, incident management or however we can help, as soon as those mutual-aid requests come in to the state, which typically follows the storm,” said Arnold.
Arnold says the city is assessing equipment and personnel in their Urban Search and Rescue Team, preparing them to help in the recovery efforts.
“We have one of the best swift water rescue outfits probably in the country,” said Arnold. “It is a priority for the mayor and it is a priority for all of us.”
He adds, “We can look forward to assisting our neighbors when needed.”
