State, New Orleans activate emergency weather plans

Published: Sunday, January 09, 2011, 4:14 PM
Updated: Sunday, January 09, 2011, 4:45 PM

By Dennis Persica, The Times-Picayune




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Gov. Bobby Jindal


Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency Saturday night in advance of wintry weather headed into the state, and the city of New Orleans implemented its freeze plan to help homeless people find shelter.

Jindal's declaration helps the state better facilitate its response to parish reqests for assistance.

While the weather is expected to impact north and central Louisiana more seriously than the southern portion of the state, high winds forced the closure of the Causeway bridge across Lake Ponchartrain by about 3 p.m. Sunday.

New Orleans, meanwhile, implemented its freeze plan as of about 4:30 p.m. Friday.

The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness's Crisis Action Team is monitoring for rain, sleet, snow and other possible hazardous conditions that could impact parts of Louisiana over the next couple of days. GOHSEP also remains in contact with the National Weather Service and parish officials in the event state resources are requested. GOHSEP personnel are located in each region to assist affected parishes.

Louisiana State Police has extra troopers on standby to monitor hazardous road conditions, the Department of Transportation and Development remains on standby to assist with the de-icing of roads and the Louisiana National Guard is also on standby and prepared to assist if needed, the governor's office said in a press release.

GOHSEP Director Mark Cooper urged residents to pay attention to local weather forecasts, especially advisories to stay off icy roads.

Under the New Orleans freeze plan, people needing shelter will be accepted at the following locations under the following conditions:

•The Salvation Army, 4500 South Claiborne Ave. - Is accepting males and females.
•The New Orleans Mission, 1130 Oretha C. Haley Blvd. - Will accept males and females starting at 7 p.m.
•The Ozanam Inn, 843 Camp St. - Will accept males only starting at 7 p.m.
•The Covenant House, 611 N. Rampart St. - Will accept males and females between the ages 16-21, their dependent children, and any female with dependent minor children starting at 7 p.m.
All shelters will be opened free of charge to persons seeking shelter during this period of inclement weather.



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