occupancy and she had to be denied because there are no rooms available here. obviously, we know the threats here. storm surge 10 to 15 feet but what makes this particular location particularly vulnerable to storm surge is that i'm only 10 feet above sea level and most of the parish is roughly about the same. so you can imagine as that surge ahead of ida comes in, it is going to push the water several miles inland, especially where i'm standing, and of course, that is going to inundate businesses and home. and that's why people are getting out. jim? >> derek, such an important message. people don't want to leave their homes or go to a hotel or evacuation center but so much safer than staying in your homes in those low lies areas that are prone to flooding in the direct path of any storm surge from this hurricane. derek and allison, thanks so much. joining us now, colin arnold. director of the new orleans office of homeland security and emergency preparedness. colin, what do people need to know right now to prepare for this storm and are you seeing