NEW ORLEANS – On Thursday, May 16, New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) CEO Lona Edwards Hankins was joined by emergency management, first responders and other public safety officials for the 16th Annual Hurricane Preparedness Meeting for Seniors and People with Disabilities at the Andrew P. Sanchez & Copelin-Byrd Multi-Service Center in the Lower Ninth Ward.

Officials provided an overview of the City-Assisted Evacuation Plan (or CAEP), emphasizing the RTA’s commitment to support the City’s oversight of evacuation efforts during hurricanes and other high-level emergencies.

“As an integral part of the New Orleans community, the RTA stands as a supportive partner in the City of New Orleans' comprehensive hurricane preparedness efforts. This annual meeting underscores our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities, during times of crisis,” said CEO Hankins. “Collaborative events like these are crucial in equipping our riders with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate through hurricane season effectively.”

“The Board in partnership with the RTA leadership remains committed to meeting our passengers where they are, especially our senior riders and riders with disabilities, to keep them informed and prepared for hurricane season. With more intense and faster-moving storms, it's imperative that we prepare as quickly and thoroughly as possible,” said RTA Board of Commissioner Chairman, Mark Raymond Jr. “I extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated RTA staff and our esteemed community partners for organizing this vital event. By uniting in our commitment to readiness, we empower ourselves to navigate through the challenges posed by hurricane season with resilience and strength.”

Riders are strongly encouraged to register with NOLA through its Smart 911 option. (Click on the link here.) Or text NOLAREADY to 77295. During a hurricane, in case of an evacuation residents should go to their regular bus stop for pick-up by an RTA fixed-route bus. All buses will provide drop-off at the Smoothie King Center, the City of New Orleans designated Parish Pickup Point.

Residents without other transportation options were advised to utilize public transportation, specifically RTA buses, as a safe means of evacuation. For those unable to board buses due to medical conditions or disabilities, assistance may be accessed by calling 311. Additionally, RTA will accommodate small pets, in carriers, placed on the owner's lap during evacuations.

VIDEO: Watch the Facebook Live recording of the event here

Preparation for the season includes:

• Developing a comprehensive plan to brace for any weather event.
• Compiling a list, accounting for potential power outages where electronic devices may be inaccessible.
• Familiarizing oneself with items permissible for transportation on buses.

The 2024 Hurricane Preparedness Guide, available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, is available at RTA Headquarters.

The RTA worked in partnership with the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Council on Aging for this event.

CEO Hankins was joined by Damon Singleton, WDSU Meteorologist; Craig Toomey, RTA Senior Director of Emergency Management & Safety; Richard Chatman, Deputy Director, New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP); Peter Edmunson, Emergency Manager for Mass Care, NOHSEP; LaToya Baylor, Community Engagement Coordinator, New Orleans Health Department; Jerry MaGee, Captain and NOHSEP liaison, New Orleans Fire Department; Shayna Goldfine, NOHSEP Liaison, New Orleans Emergency Medical Services; and Howard L. Rodgers, III Executive Director, New Orleans Council on Aging.

Residents may also follow NOLA Ready through their website and social media channels (@nolaready). For transit-related information, visit www.norta.com, call the RTA Rideline at 504-248-3900, check the Le Pass app, and follow RTA on X (formerly Twitter) at @neworleansrta.

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The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana which is operated by an independent Board of Commissioners that serves Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes. The agency operates car and passenger ferries, fixed-route buses, paratransit, streetcar, and limited on-demand service.