Pretty good info from the hospital awareness folks.

Wife forwarded me this info from the people who keep her hospital abreast of whats going on:


One Tuesday, the Unified Command Group met at the Region 8 EOC. The purpose of the meeting was to allow for briefings from all critical agencies regarding possibilities threats from Mississippi River flooding. Below are the notes from the meeting by organization.

Unified Command Conference Briefing 5/10/11

*All agencies agreed that at this time, the greatest challenge is preventing the spread of mis-information and insuring that decisions are made based on the facts.


Corp of Engineers-Rick Shelton
-There is absolutely no reason to believe that there will be any failure in the levee system.
-The levees are high enough to protect against the projected river level.
-There will be some localized flooding of low lying and back water areas during the event. However, the risk of severe flooding is in those areas is reduced due the fact that the backwater areas are currently well below flood stage going into the event.
-Projected crest for Vicksberg/Natchez=May 21-26
-Opening of Bonnie Carre and Morganza Spillways will have little if any affect this far north. Net effect between 6 inches & 1ft.
-Work continue to give additional protection.
-Levee system inspection will continue throughout the event.

5th Levee District-Jason Trichell
-Seepage and Sand boils being dealt with as they arise. (This is normal).
-Security has been increased significantly as a precautionary measure.

State Police-Capt Reeves
-Coordinating with other agencies
-Pooling Resources
-Transporting prisoners
-Rapid response teams on alert.

Wildlife and Fisheries-Lt. Scott Mathews
-Monitoring and patrolling
-Search and rescue on alert
-Supporting local agencies
-Monitoring animal migration patterns

Red Cross-Carol Babb
-Per person sq’ ft’ has been increased from 20’ to 40’ per person.
-Planning for a 20-30 day event should shelters need to be opened.

GOHSEP-Joe Stewart
-Plan-Don’t Panic.
-Currently under a State and Partial Federal Declaration for this event.
-Monitor and Communicating.
-Next Regional Coordinator’s Meeting May 17.