KENNER, La. (WGNO) — Experts anticipate an active hurricane season in 2024. So, nearly 20 state and local agencies met at Vineyard Church of New Orleans Monday morning for Jefferson Parish’s annual Public-Assistance Evacuation exercise.
“This exercise is critical. It’s going to help us hone this down so that we really have a seamless operation,” said Director of Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Joe Valiente.
A Public Assisted Evacuation plan is enacted when the parish issues a mandatory evacuation order and is available for those without access to their own transportation.
Jefferson Transit buses will pick up people and their pets at all bus stops across the parish and then bring them to a centralized location for evacuation to larger shelters in northern Louisiana or surrounding states.
When evacuating with a pet, they must be on a leash or in a carrier, and you should also bring your pet’s medications, food and vaccination records.
Evacuees will be brought back through the same system once it is safe to return to the parish.
If you can’t reach a bus stop because of a medical or mobility need, you can sign up for the Jefferson Parish Medical Needs Registry online or by calling 504-323-1818.
For the latest information from the parish, you can text “JPALERT” or “JPNOTICIAS” to 888-777.
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