"The whole concept of relocation is overwhelming for people, they don't like to think about it," Picou said.
He believes that nearby inland towns must prepare to accommodate displaced populations in the future.
"But there's no escaping this climate.
Towns are going to have the opportunity to be receiver communities and they need to start thinking about that now," Picou said.
Community groups have already begun scouting potential escape options in neighboring Mississippi states for emergency situations.
"We're only going to leave if we're forced to leave due to hurricanes, flooding and the heavy industrialization of our neighborhoods," said Debra Campbell, chair of A Community Voice.
Campbell stated that the organization is looking into acquiring properties to act as a climate refuge.
"We're not coming to lay on your leg – we're looking for employment. We want our kids in school.
Once we're pushed out of here, we have to have somewhere to go," she said.
She acknowledged the deep difficulty of leaving behind their historic neighborhoods permanently.
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"Nobody wants to leave home," Campbell said.
The organization recognizes that a catastrophic storm could permanently alter the habitability of the region.
"We do know if something hits like Katrina, it will be a while before we can return. There may come a time where we can't return home.
This place will be underwater and no longer exist," Campbell said.
