For Immediate Release, Wednesday, August 16, 2006

 

EVACUATION CRITERIA BROADER THIS YEAR 

            Residents who live in FEMA or other travel-type trailers may be asked to evacuate their homes for weather events that might not have warranted such orders in the past, Parish Government officials have announced. 

            Generally, residents are only asked to leave their homes in low-lying areas for strong storms – Categories 2 and higher – and seek shelter north of I-12.  Given the limited ability of trailers to withstand even 45-mph winds, however, Parish officials have made plans to open shelters for weaker tropical weather. 

            In the event that a tropical storm or weaker hurricane seems poised to impact St. Tammany, officials will open temporary evacuation shelters for those in travel trailers.  According to FEMA, roughly 10,000 trailers remain on-site in St. Tammany Parish. In addition, many residents bought their own travel trailers rather than await FEMA housing.  It is unknown how many of the trailers are still occupied and how many await removal by federal authorities, but Parish President Kevin Davis wants to be as prepared as possible. 

            “If a weak tropical system is looming, we will likely ask for voluntary evacuations of travel trailers,” Davis said. “We’ve made arrangements with the School Board and American Red Cross to open shelters throughout the parish for short-term use by trailer occupants.  Citizens should monitor local media daily for updates on tropical weather in the Atlantic and Gulf, and should be prepared to evacuate if asked to do so.” 

            Residents are reminded of the distinction between travel or FEMA trailers and mobile homes.  Mobile homes can typically withstand stronger winds than travel trailers, and may not be asked to evacuate for the same wind threat as trailer occupants.

 

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