Regional leaders convened at the Port of New Orleans June 1, the first day of hurricane season, to spread a unified message to the public: be prepared.

Speakers included General Ed Fleming of the U.S. Army Corps, St. Bernard Parish President Dave Peralta, Mayor of New Orleans Mitch Landrieu, Jefferson Parish President John Young, Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser and St. Charles Parish President V.J. St. Pierre.

Fleming stressed that the Corps’ Hurricane Risk Reduction System is only one part of a safe season– the other integral part is having a personal plan which includes everything from supplies to evacuation routes.

President Peralta stated that hurricane protection was not a parish-wide issue– it effects everyone in the Greater New Orleans area.

“This is not about one parish, one city,” said Peralta, “It is about us all.”

Peralta also stated that strong hurricane preparedness gives way to a strong economy, especially in St. Bernard  parish, where residents and businesses are still hesitant about returning post-Katrina.

“When people see our strong levees and hurricane risk reduction system, they will feel safer and are more likely will come back and invest in the community,” Peralta explained.

In addition to having adequate supplies and an evacuation plan, officials also stressed the importance of listening to public officials when the call to evacuate is made.

Mayor of New Orleans Mitch Landrieu put the message quite simply: “A good evacuation leads to a good recovery.”