America's top emergency manager came to New Orleans and was in the city Thursday, making sure the federal response is in place if Tropical Storm Gustav makes landfall on the Southeast Louisiana coast.

Federal Emergency Management Administrator David Paulison said Thursday if the worst-case scenario happens, disaster aid will be swift -- and complete. 

Paulison said the days of waiting for help – like following Hurricane Katrina – are over.   

He told Eyewitness News that federal agencies are already on the ground and staging supplies along the Gulf Coast. 

Paulison spent the morning at FEMA headquarters on the West bank meeting with staff and going over last minute plans for Tropical Storm Gustav. 

A planned bus tour of Katrina-damaged neighborhoods was canceled so emergency managers can focus on this latest storm.   

Paulison said since Katrina, FEMA has gone from a reactive to a pro-active agency.   

FEMA has 4 million meals ready to eat. They are pre-positioned throughout the Gulf Coast, along with 2.5 million liters of water. 

Paulison said other federal agencies are also involved on the front end. 

“Health and Human Services is moving in several, 250 hospital beds into the state,” Paulison said. “(We Are) working with the Corps of Engineers to make sure to make sure their supplies are going to be ready to move in, making sure that they're monitoring the levees.”. 

Paulison said FEMA is also working with the National Guard to make sure troops are available