The president urged residents to leave NO on Saturday and by Sunday, he practically demanded that the Mayor order a mandatory evacuation.
Bush Urges People to Flee Hurricane (August 28th) AP ^ | 8-28-05
Posted on 08/30/2005 11:50:16 PM EDT by Uncle Joe Cannon
Bush Urges People to Flee Hurricane
- By JENNIFER LOVEN
Sunday, August 28, 2005
(08-28) 13:13 PDT Crawford, Texas (AP) --
President Bush, as he readied the federal government for a massive relief effort, on Sunday urged people in the path of Hurricane Katrina to forget anything but their safety and move to higher ground as instructed.
"We cannot stress enough the danger this hurricane poses to Gulf Coast communities," Bush said as the storm roared across the gulf toward New Orleans and other communities. "I urge all citizens to put their own safety and the safety of their families first by moving to safe ground."
With forecasters warning of a category five storm, the president made sure the federal response would not be delayed by already declaring emergencies in Mississippi and Florida just hours after a similar declaration for Louisiana. Such declarations make federal aid available to assist with disaster relief, but they are rarely made before a storm even hits.
Working from his Texas ranch, Bush participated via videoconference in a large meeting of federal, state and local disaster management officials preparing for the storm's onslaught. Separately, he spoke by phone with the governors of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
"We will do everything in our power to help the people and the communities affected by this storm," the president said.
Winds reaching 175 mph and a potentially devastating storm surge were feared when Hurricane Katrina reached land early Monday. The 485,000 residents of New Orleans were ordered to evacuate the city.
On Saturday the president declares a state of emergency and orders Federal aide to the area. During his Saturday radio address, he fails to mention Katrina.