I need this point clarified by someone a lot more knowledgeable than I

[Dissent Is Patriotic]

Did someone tell New Orleanians who had stayed in their homes after the hurricane to go to the convention center? if so when did they begin to be told to congregate at the convention center? was it after the levee broke or before? is the government suggesting they convened at the convention center on their own? why was no one sent to aid in the evacuation, meaning, is that not part of the local/state/federal governments responsibilities?

Please help me with these points.

Thanks. Erica