[gitmo]

In the first instance, FEMA is charged with "before the fact" disaster mitigation by ensuring that effective disaster relief plans were in place at the local level

Effective disaster relief plans were in place at the local level.

STATE OF LOUISIANA EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN SUPLEMENT 1A.

And here: Louisiana State Emergency Plan.

And here Southeast Louisiana Hurricane Evacuation and Sheltering Plan:

and finally the Shelter Plan.

(links supplied by Sonar5.)

that exercises were periodically conducted to ensure an appropriate local response,

FEMA cannot force locals to conduct exercises. However, Louisiana did have dry runs. City of New Orleans Emergency Preparedness. There were exercises two years ago with a fictitious Cat-5 hurricane.

[infocats]

Thanks for the GREAT update.

"FEMA cannot force locals to conduct exercises."

FEMA's Mitigation Directorate is charge in PARA 2.42 with the management, training, and testing of local programs to ensure preparedness and compliance.