June 14, 2010

Dear Community Member,

Over the past few weeks we have all been more concerned about the catastrophic oil spill rather than the weather. But now that hurricane season is upon us, we must be prepared for any eventuality—and the purpose of this letter is to bring you up to date regarding emergency plans for the Jewish community.

Two years ago both the city and the Jewish community were well prepared and the evacuation and reentry for Gustav was fairly smooth. We debriefed with agencies and synagogues following the storm, making some changes and improvements based on the lessons learned.

The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans will endeavor to stay in touch with its community members in the event of a major hurricane in 2010.  Of course we all wish for a quiet summer, but we hope that you have made thorough evacuation plans for yourself and your family members in the event of a storm.

Please take a look at the changed evacuation contraflow maps and get an update on shelter sites and important resources here. 

Following the end of camp on August 15, URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, Mississippi will once again be available as a last resort place of shelter for evacuation.
 
Please make note of the details below which itemize ways in which the Federation will try to assist you following any possible hurricane that may affect the New Orleans area.

• In preparation for a storm which necessitates a mandatory evacuation, the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus in Metairie will close, and communications will be made either by regular email and cell phone or through special numbers as explained below.

• Following a storm which necessitates a mandatory evacuation, a message will be updated at least once every 24 hours on our website at www.jewishnola.com.

• Following a storm which necessitates a mandatory evacuation, a voice message will be updated at least once every 24 hours on our toll free emergency number: 1-800-510-8133.  You will not be able to leave a message at this number, but you will be able to receive updated information from Federation.

• Email contact can be made through “Contact Us” at www.jewishnola.com or by sending an email to emergency@jewishnola.com  or to jfgno1@gmail.com.

• Following a storm which necessitates a mandatory evacuation, emails will be responded to as quickly as possible.

• We will also notify you where the Jewish Federation offices have been relocated if this becomes necessary.

The Jewish Federation will not be responsible for the personal evacuation of individuals but we will be happy to assist in any way if we are able.

Looking forward to a quiet and productive summer ahead.

Michael

Michael Weil
Executive Director
Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans