Thad Allen Quotations

We're in the process of supporting the mayor's plan for re-entry.

Right now, being in a shelter, or being in a hotel, is somewhat a bridge to nowhere.

I think we need to be very careful how we talk about how we re-enter these neighborhoods. There may be hazardous chemicals that have entered the water.

Our No. 1 priority right now is the safety of those individuals and getting medical help to them as soon as we can.

As the city of New Orleans begins its re-entry program this morning, there are continued concerns that the damaged electricity, water, sewage and safety systems are not restored to a level that can meet the basic needs of the businesses and residents who return.

I urge all residents returning to use extreme caution if they return and to consider delaying their return until safer and more livable conditions are established.

Quite clearly, the No. 1 challenge right now is more pumping capacity.

It's probably going to be years before they get it cleaned up and restore any type of a structure to the place.

I'm finding a lot of frustration, and it's a lot easier to deal with frustration than anger.