Governor Blanco Declares "State of Emergency" in Louisiana

"Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco declared a state of emergency late Thursday as an unpredictable weather disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico had potential to intensify and wreak havoc along the coast.

Mark Smith, a spokesman for the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said the governor had ordered 100 school buses to be put on standby, along with ambulances and workers for emergency evacuation shelters. In addition, he noted, the declaration allows for the Louisiana National Guard to be put on alert as well." | Read more|