Chertoff, Gustav head to New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is going to New Orleans as Hurricane Gustav churns into the Gulf of Mexico, Chertoff's spokeswoman says.

Chertoff will be in the Crescent City Sunday to observe final preparations ahead of the Category 4 hurricane's arrival, Homeland Security press secretary Laura Keehner said in a statement issued Saturday.

"We continue to remind Gulf Coast residents about the importance of taking precautionary measures to prepare for an emergency situation or evacuation before Gustav approaches our shores," she said. "The department's Ready Campaign encourages citizens to get an emergency supply kit, make an emergency plan, and stay informed of instructions from local authorities."

Keehner said people in harm's way can visit www.ready.gov for resources and information on personal and business emergency preparedness.