There are virtually no communications operating in New Orleans. One radio station has managed to get back on the air, but most people don't have access to a working radio. Just how would you recommend that they plot a passable course out of there? Last I read, officials were saying there's only one passable road by which to transport supplies and evacuees in and out of the city. And that road is not necessarily accessible from all parts of the city, even for people who know which road it is.
Would you just sit there for 3 or 4 days waiting? You, of all people, would find your way out I would think. I would have been walking towards civilization. Just staying there is obviously not the smart thing to do under these dire circumstances.
" but most people don't have access to a working radio"
What? No radios or batteries amongst all the stuff that's been looted?