Gustav Makes Landfall, Just Missing New Orleans
Hurricane Heads Toward Houma and Morgan City
Authorities, Residents Agree: Evacuation Is Going Smoothly
Jim Guidone, an American Red Cross volunteer, said he thinks Nagin's impassioned statements have done their job: People are leaving in droves.
"The tone was incredibly serious – to get out," Guidone said. "It's working."
Working so well that Guidone already has been able to secure 3,000 volunteers on the perimeter of New Orleans to re-enter the city as soon as it is safe after the storm. There are 500 shelters around the city already prepared with supplies and food.
"As soon as they say, 'Get in,' we're in," Guidone said of the Red Cross' first response team.
Guidone, who was in New Orleans during Katrina, said compared to three years ago things are going much smoother.
"People can't believe it's happening again, and a lot of them are upset and simply need a hug," he said.
"But the lesson has definitely been learned – they're leaving."
Do you have more information about this topic? If so, please click here to contact the editors of ABC News.
