With rapidly intensifying storms and heat that breaks records, the city once again looks to provide shelter for those who cannot self-evacuate in case of a storm.
The ever-decreasing decision-making time makes it critical that the city identifies those with the most need.
Collin Arnold, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says certain people just cannot be left behind to fend for themselves with the changing weather patters.
“We want to know about our elderly, those with physical and medical limitations, and we have a list of retirement homes as well. If power is out for any amount of time or if we should need to transport, we can do so from this shelter.”
As the city explores its options for a shelter of last resort it seems they may land on the Morial Convention Center.
Arnold says it will be easy to identify who the shelter is aimed at housing. “The elderly person that lives nine floors up, no a/c, some medical history, no elevator or utilities; these are the folk we are interested in.”
