Loading city guide...
Your comprehensive, actionable guide to navigating emergencies in New Orleans.
This guide uses AI-researched data and is being verified by our team. Routes and locations should be confirmed before use in an emergency.
New Orleans' primary evacuation route is I-10 West to Baton Rouge with contraflow lanes activated during mandatory evacuations. I-55 North to Jackson, Mississippi provides a longer but more complete escape to higher ground. I-10 East to Slidell connects to I-59 North to Hattiesburg, MS as an eastern alternative.
CRITICAL: New Orleans is largely BELOW sea level and dependent on pumps and levees. When evacuation is ordered, leave IMMEDIATELY. During Katrina, those who delayed evacuation were trapped for days in attics and on rooftops. The city becomes a bowl that fills with water when levees are overtopped or pumps fail. Contraflow on I-10 is managed by Louisiana State Police - monitor 511la.org.
Communication: Text messages work when calls fail. Designate an out-of-state relay contact. Download NOLA Ready app. Register for city emergency alerts at ready.nola.gov. Know that cell towers can be destroyed - have a backup communication plan.
Meeting Points: Primary: Nearest high ground (levee, overpass, elevated parking structure). Secondary: Caesars Superdome area (shelter of last resort). Out-of-area: Pre-arranged host family in Baton Rouge, Jackson MS, or Houston.
Roles: Person A: Grab go-bag with documents, medications, family photos. Person B: Load vehicle, secure home (turn off gas at main), fill bathtubs with water. Person C: Coordinate family, manage pets, confirm contraflow and evacuation route status.
Use this guide as a base for your personalized strategy.