Film Industry, Red Cross Partner for Emergency Plans

  The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Industry is rolling out the red carpet for people all across the state, offering shelters during times of disaster.


It's a new partnership, between the Industry, the Red Cross and the state, to use local film resources during emergencies.


Patrick Mulhearn, President of the Louisiana Industry for Film and Entertainment says all eight stages at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge can quickly be transformed into shelters. And workers in the film industry here could be mobilized in an instant.


Mark Cooper, Director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says it's a good fit. "It just makes total sense because they have generators; they have a food service; they have all those wrap around services that are necessary for a shelter."


The plan is also good for the state's budget, cutting the cost of sheltering Louisiana residents out of state. Cooper says during hurricane Gustav that cost taxpayers $100 million to $150 million, for just one week.

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