NEW ORLEANS -- Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency Wednesday as models predicted Tropical Storm Gustav would turn into a hurricane headed toward New Orleans and the Louisiana coast by early next week.

Hurricane Center

Jindal also said he will activate 3,000 National Guard troops and an additional 2,000 troops could be called.

A few hundred National Guard troops still patrol New Orleans in the lasting wake of Hurricane Katrina, the third anniversary of which will be Friday.

Meanwhile, New Orleans’ homeland security chief, Col. Jerry Sneed, warned New Orleanians to have a bag packed, and be prepared to evacuate if Mayor Ray Nagin gives the order.

As state and local agencies prepared to evacuate people, the Louisiana SPCA closed early Wednesday to begin evacuating pets. It also put out a general call for help transporting and sheltering its animals.