The safety of employees, visitors, customers, and meeting attendees is paramount, especially in the event of hurricanes and natural disasters. New Orleans & Company has extensive experience in managing such situations and we will be with you every step of the way before, during and after any weather event to keep you and your stakeholders informed and safe. We follow a detailed crisis plan developed and tested multiple times over the past 20 years.
New Orleans & Company collaborates closely with officials from the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana. Over the past two decades, nearly $15 billion has been invested in upgrading the levee system and flood protection to withstand a 100-year storm. Entergy New Orleans has also invested over $35 million since 2019 to strengthen and upgrade the power delivery system, enhancing grid reliability against frequent and intense weather events.
The crisis communications plan ensures direct contact with local and state partners, providing consistent and timely updates for leadership, stakeholders, attendees, and exhibitors. Emergency plans should be requested from each contracted vendor and hospitality partner to ensure a cohesive strategy. New Orleans & Company will maintain constant communication and provide updated details throughout the process.
During an emergency, New Orleans & Company’s Executive Team and Communications Department will establish round-the-clock communication with city and state officials, as well as the airport, hotels, convention venues, restaurants, and attractions. Convention Sales and Services sales leaders will maintain contact to provide the latest information and assist in disseminating updates to audiences, ensuring a smooth transition through each phase of the emergency plan.
When New Orleans is threatened by an approaching storm, New Orleans & Company participates in daily 9 am briefing meetings with the New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) and all City of New Orleans agencies for the most up-to-date information.
City messaging and timely updates will be shared via this page with resources and specific information on the current emergency situation, including updated statements from New Orleans & Company. The website will be updated multiple times a day as needed, and a banner at the top of the homepage will direct visitors to these updates.
Regular updates will be provided via email to member businesses to ensure consistent messaging. Updates will also be shared on social media platforms. Follow New Orleans & Company on Instagram, Facebook, and X for the latest information.
The City of New Orleans sends regular emergency alerts that can be received by texting “NOLAREADY” to 77295. For Spanish-speaking recipients, text “ESP” to 77295. This information is primarily directed to residents and homeowners and may not always apply to visitors or customers.
If New Orleans is in the projected path of a storm, the path and strength of the storm will determine the City and State’s course of action. Each storm is different, and factors such as expected location of landfall and storm strength will determine if evacuation is necessary. The Convention Sales and Services team at New Orleans & Company will provide resources and answer any questions.
Options for group departure include:
Hurricane Season: June 1- November 30
Dangers from these storms include high winds, heavy rain, tornadoes, flooding, and power outages. Tropical weather begins with a low-pressure area of circulating winds over water. The most active months are usually August and September.
A system can develop into a:
Hurricanes are categorized 1 through 5 based on wind speed. Category 3-5 hurricanes are considered major hurricanes.
The forecast cone visualizes the probable track of the storm's center and is often referred to as the Cone of Concern or the Cone of Uncertainty.
The size of the cone is based on the accuracy of the National Hurricane Center’s forecasts over the past 5 years. The center of the storm generally stays in the cone for 2 out of 3 forecasts. Hazards associated with a storm usually extend beyond the edge of the cone. Strong winds, storm surge, heavy rain, and tornadoes are still possible outside of the cone, so it’s important to listen to the local emergency management agency.
The cone shows where the center may go, how big the storm is at that moment, and current coastal wind watches and warnings.
New Orleans & Company is prepared to guide you through each step if a storm threatens the area. Follow NOLA Ready and neworleans.com/updates for the latest information, contact the sales and services manager with questions, and know that support is available every step of the way with constant communication and updated details.