Multi-State Hurricane Evacuation and Icy Roadway Planning Meeting

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is joining local emergency managers and officials from Mississippi and Alabama for a hurricane evacuation planning and icy roadway planning meeting.

Topics on the agenda include the contraflow evacuation process for each state, county and parish. Past experiences with this method will be examined while leaders look for improvements. Geographic elements in each region will be reviewed to better understand the evacuation timeline. Agencies participating in the event will look at communication to determine the best ways to share information prior to an emergency activation. The impact of last winter’s ice storms will also be examined. Emergency leaders will look at the effect on the interstate system and review the state responsibilities during this type of event.

GOHSEP Director Kevin Davis says, “Many emergencies that threaten Louisiana also threaten our partners along the Gulf Coast. It is important to review past events and coordinate plans on all levels of emergency management. This is a chance for the entire region to benefit by examining these issues now, before a disaster strikes.”