OT: Katrina Disaster Relief

[Guest guest]

I'm sure that most folks here - no matter where in the world you are,

have heard about and seen the catastrophic disaster that is going on

right now in the Central Gulf Coast of the US because of hurricane

Katrina.

 

A lot of people have lost their lives, their homes, their towns and

cities even. Parts of Mississippi have been leveled to rubble. The city

of New Orleans, the 34th largest city in the US, is over 80% flooded and

the ENTIRE city is being evacuated because it is completely unlivable

and will only get worse in the coming days with raw sewage everywhere

and bodies floating in the streets. There is no power, no food, no clean

water, just devastation - and HOT weather. Current estimates range from

1-3 months clean up time. In some places they will never recover fully.

Many people will be without power or drinkable water for weeks. Many

people will be without homes for much longer than that.

 

Many people who were unable to evacuate before the storm, due to not

having a way out (no car, no relatives, etc), or the money to get out,

or just plain ol' didn't get out, took refuge in the Superdome sports

stadium, which sustained damage in the storm and that is flooded now

too. Those are being transported here to Houston - to the Astrodome,

which is an old sports stadium that has been converted into a Red Cross

shelter in the wake of this disaster. These unfortunate displaced people

will be here for a while (possibly a big understatement). Many more

people who have no place to go and are desperately trying to get out of

New Orleans and other ravaged areas will no doubt end up here in Houston

and other areas in the region, who all welcome them with open arms.

 

The company my husband works for is setting up a goods donation which

will be happening this week and all items donated will be going into a

truck that day and driven directly to the Astrodome. Soap is a big item

on the list of needs, so we're going to be donating a big box of soap to

the folks.

 

I know a lot of folks are wondering what they can do to help. The

Salvation Army and Red Cross are actively on the job.

Salvation Army <http://www.redshield.org/crisis> (1-800-SAL-ARMY) or

the Red Cross <http://www.redcross.org/> (1-800-HELPNOW)

 

Also, here is a link to the official list from FEMA of organizations and

things folks can do to help.

http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/resources_katrina.shtm

 

Hurricane season is about to hit its peak in September, and won't be

over until November. Put out those prayers to whomever you put prayers

out to that the remainder of the seasons is quiet (even though it looks

like another one is brewing in the Atlantic as I type this)

 

Truly another one of those reminders to count your blessings, appreciate

all you have (like water to drink) and most importantly appreciate those

you love.

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Chris,

 

Do you know where we can send donatable items? I have some clothes I've

been meaning to donate and also some blankets that I stocked up on during a

recent sale (did you know you can get fleece blankets real cheap during an

August heat wave ; )). I also have some soap I can send.

 

I looked on the websites you linked to below but they only had how to give

cash ... unless they really only want cash and not goods??

 

lmk

 

~Bonnie

 

-

" Christine Ziegler " <chrisziggy

 

Wednesday, August 31, 2005 3:17 PM

OT: Katrina Disaster Relief

 

 

I'm sure that most folks here - no matter where in the world you are,

have heard about and seen the catastrophic disaster that is going on

right now in the Central Gulf Coast of the US because of hurricane

Katrina.

 

A lot of people have lost their lives, their homes, their towns and

cities even. Parts of Mississippi have been leveled to rubble. The city

of New Orleans, the 34th largest city in the US, is over 80% flooded and

the ENTIRE city is being evacuated because it is completely unlivable

and will only get worse in the coming days with raw sewage everywhere

and bodies floating in the streets. There is no power, no food, no clean

water, just devastation - and HOT weather. Current estimates range from

1-3 months clean up time. In some places they will never recover fully.

Many people will be without power or drinkable water for weeks. Many

people will be without homes for much longer than that.

 

Many people who were unable to evacuate before the storm, due to not

having a way out (no car, no relatives, etc), or the money to get out,

or just plain ol' didn't get out, took refuge in the Superdome sports

stadium, which sustained damage in the storm and that is flooded now

too. Those are being transported here to Houston - to the Astrodome,

which is an old sports stadium that has been converted into a Red Cross

shelter in the wake of this disaster. These unfortunate displaced people

will be here for a while (possibly a big understatement). Many more

people who have no place to go and are desperately trying to get out of

New Orleans and other ravaged areas will no doubt end up here in Houston

and other areas in the region, who all welcome them with open arms.

 

The company my husband works for is setting up a goods donation which

will be happening this week and all items donated will be going into a

truck that day and driven directly to the Astrodome. Soap is a big item

on the list of needs, so we're going to be donating a big box of soap to

the folks.

 

I know a lot of folks are wondering what they can do to help. The

Salvation Army and Red Cross are actively on the job.

Salvation Army <http://www.redshield.org/crisis> (1-800-SAL-ARMY) or

the Red Cross <http://www.redcross.org/> (1-800-HELPNOW)

 

Also, here is a link to the official list from FEMA of organizations and

things folks can do to help.

http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/resources_katrina.shtm

 

Hurricane season is about to hit its peak in September, and won't be

over until November. Put out those prayers to whomever you put prayers

out to that the remainder of the seasons is quiet (even though it looks

like another one is brewing in the Atlantic as I type this)

 

Truly another one of those reminders to count your blessings, appreciate

all you have (like water to drink) and most importantly appreciate those

you love.

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

I don't mean to rain on anyone's parade, but unless they specifically ask

for donated items such as clothing, please do not send. The reason is that

the agencies have no where to store these items and they have to rent a

place to store them or they end up burning them. I've worked many disasters

and I know that's what they do. What any relief agency needs is money.

That way, folks can be given vouchers to purchase exactly what they need.

Donated items have to be sorted and manpower is not available to do this in

a disaster. If you want to donate these items, please give them to your

local goodwill or salvation army thrift store.

 

I have worked seven disasters (I do work in state emergency management) and

unless there is a call for items such as these, please do not send them and

burden the system more than it is now. After the last few hurricanes,

clothing and other items were being burned as they came in because the

manpower to process them was astronomical.

 

Thank you for caring and wanting to help, but even $5.00 to the red cross

would go a long way.

 

Vickie

[Guest guest]

Hi Bonnie,

 

This link will give you some info on organizations that are accepting

goods (and what goods) as well as those only accepting cash.

 

http://www.click2houston.com/news/4915332/detail.html

 

*Smile*

Chris

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

 

 

 

 

On Behalf Of Bonnie Walker

 

Chris,

 

Do you know where we can send donatable items? I have some clothes I've

 

been meaning to donate and also some blankets that I stocked up on

during a

recent sale (did you know you can get fleece blankets real cheap during

an

August heat wave ; )). I also have some soap I can send.

 

I looked on the websites you linked to below but they only had how to

give

cash ... unless they really only want cash and not goods??

 

lmk

 

~Bonnie

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Thanks for posting this info for folks Vickie!

 

I just put up a local Houston area link where there are places listed

that will take some actual goods, but in general it is prudent for folks

to make sure that good can be sent before they are just sent cause in

some cases its more of a burden than a help if the organizations are not

equipped to deal with them.

 

And you are SO right - even $5.00 can make a difference!

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

 

 

 

 

On Behalf Of Vickie Durham

 

 

I don't mean to rain on anyone's parade, but unless they specifically

ask

for donated items such as clothing, please do not send. The reason is

that

the agencies have no where to store these items and they have to rent a

place to store them or they end up burning them. I've worked many

disasters

and I know that's what they do. What any relief agency needs is money.

That way, folks can be given vouchers to purchase exactly what they

need.

Donated items have to be sorted and manpower is not available to do this

in

a disaster. If you want to donate these items, please give them to your

 

local goodwill or salvation army thrift store.

 

I have worked seven disasters (I do work in state emergency management)

and

unless there is a call for items such as these, please do not send them

and

burden the system more than it is now. After the last few hurricanes,

clothing and other items were being burned as they came in because the

manpower to process them was astronomical.

 

Thank you for caring and wanting to help, but even $5.00 to the red

cross

would go a long way.

 

Vickie

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Chris, you're absolutely right. Houston will probably be able to use

things, but I dare say it would not be economically feasible to send things

through the mail for the simple reason the USPS, FedEx, and UPS have said

that their costs will be going up and deliveries will take even longer than

usual. If someone is near Houston, then it is wise to wait a little while

and see if they want donated iteems. I''m sure they will since they will

have 25,000 people arriving with not much more than the shirts on the backs.

 

Vickie

[Guest guest]

Hi Christine,

After H Andrew struck So Florida the Homestead

Military Base (although itself badly damaged) it was

used as a site upon which temporary housing was set.

Thousands of tents were made available, provisions

for water and food were flown in from around the

country via the Red Cross. The staging of medical

attention, distribution of supplies was then orderly

and well organized.

 

Dosen't North Eastern Louisana have a huge military

base. Don't they have more than one?

 

The news reports indicate that thousands will be

bused, 8 hr drives to other states, namely Texas. To

the Houston Astro Dome.

 

It seems the intention is to situate people in the

Astro Dome and convention centers?

 

The actions being taken do not seem logical.

 

Why wouldn't the state use existing Military bases.

Most of the soldiers are in Iraq.

[Guest guest]

My understanding is that it's all under water as well. And electricity

is scarce if not nonexistent. The best thing to do is to get those

people away from the water.

 

Steph })

www.foxesdensoap.com

 

 

 

On Behalf Of Carol Ann

 

Hi Christine,

After H Andrew struck So Florida the Homestead

Military Base (although itself badly damaged) it was

used as a site upon which temporary housing was set.

Thousands of tents were made available, provisions

for water and food were flown in from around the

country via the Red Cross. The staging of medical

attention, distribution of supplies was then orderly

and well organized.

 

Dosen't North Eastern Louisana have a huge military

base. Don't they have more than one?

 

The news reports indicate that thousands will be

bused, 8 hr drives to other states, namely Texas. To

the Houston Astro Dome.

 

It seems the intention is to situate people in the

Astro Dome and convention centers?

 

The actions being taken do not seem logical.

 

Why wouldn't the state use existing Military bases.

Most of the soldiers are in Iraq.

[Guest guest]

On 01/09/05, Carol Ann <saffireskyes wrote:

>

> Hi Christine,

> <snip>

> Dosen't North Eastern Louisana have a huge military

> base. Don't they have more than one?

>

> The news reports indicate that thousands will be

> bused, 8 hr drives to other states, namely Texas. To

> the Houston Astro Dome.

>

> It seems the intention is to situate people in the

> Astro Dome and convention centers?

>

> The actions being taken do not seem logical.

>

> Why wouldn't the state use existing Military bases.

> Most of the soldiers are in Iraq.

 

Hi Carol

I'm in UK so not that familiar with the Gulf coast but this may help answer

why they are moving people right out of the affected areas.

 

" Michael Leavitt, secretary of Health and Human Services, announced that he

> had declared a public health emergency in the area stretching from Louisiana

> to Florida. " We are gravely concerned about the potential for cholera,

> typhoid and dehydrating diseases that could come as a result of the stagnant

> water and the conditions, " he said.

 

" We are dealing with one of the worst natural disasters in our nation's

history, " Bush said. " This recovery will take a long time. This recovery

will take years. "

See http://tinyurl.com/7qjfn for full article.

I'm watching US and UK news coverage on this horrendous disaster and from

what I'm seeing (second hand and from a distance, granted) it is possible

the bases you refer to no longer exist?

HTH - and thinking of you all in US at this very sad time for your nation.

Liz

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

So much is damaged or destroyed in the region, including some military

bases:

http://www.kron4.com/Global/story.asp?S=3785792

<http://www.kron4.com/Global/story.asp?S=3785792 & nav=5D7lBwNh>

& nav=5D7lBwNh

http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=3783950

<http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=3783950 & nav=23iidvJk>

& nav=23iidvJk

 

The whole region is a gigantic mess with rubble everywhere, massive

flooding, no power, etc ...

 

Here are 2 satellite pics from NASA to see just what happened to New

Orleans:

 

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/natural_hazards_v2.php3?

img_id=13095

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/natural_hazards_v2.php3?

img_id=13094

 

This storm appears to have more damage than any other hurricane, ever!

 

*Sigh*

Chris (list mom)

http://www.click2houston.com/news/4915332/detail.html

 

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

 

On Behalf Of Carol Ann

 

 

Hi Christine,

After H Andrew struck So Florida the Homestead

Military Base (although itself badly damaged) it was

used as a site upon which temporary housing was set.

Thousands of tents were made available, provisions

for water and food were flown in from around the

country via the Red Cross. The staging of medical

attention, distribution of supplies was then orderly

and well organized.

 

Dosen't North Eastern Louisana have a huge military

base. Don't they have more than one?

 

The news reports indicate that thousands will be

bused, 8 hr drives to other states, namely Texas. To

the Houston Astro Dome.

 

It seems the intention is to situate people in the

Astro Dome and convention centers?

 

The actions being taken do not seem logical.

 

Why wouldn't the state use existing Military bases.

Most of the soldiers are in Iraq.

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

> " Michael Leavitt, secretary of Health and Human

> Services, announced that he

> > had declared a public health emergency in the area

> stretching from Louisiana

> > to Florida. " We are gravely concerned about the

> potential for cholera,

> > typhoid and dehydrating diseases that could come

> as a result of the stagnant

> > water and the conditions, " he said.

 

 

You have sewage contaminating the water supply, " said

Dr. Irwin Redlener, head of Columbia University's

National Center for Disaster Preparedness. " You not

only have the danger of the sewage itself, the need

for water is one of the primary needs that must be

fulfilled and people will drink dirty water, if they

get thirsty enough. "

 

Even if non-contaminated water can be found to drink,

the water flooding homes and streets may pose a

significant hazardous material situation.

 

" There's all the chemicals within the city -- from the

gasoline storage facilities, storage plants, and of

course coffins. We will have a large number of coffins

released, " explained Ivor van Heerden, director of the

Center for the Study of Public Health Impacts of

Hurricanes in Baton Rouge. " This all mixed together in

New Orleans is what we term this 'toxic gumbo

 

 

Best regards,

Carol

 

_______________________________

Never Accept Only Two Choices in Life.

The problems of Today cannot be solved by the same thinking that created them.

-Al Einstein.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__

Start your day with - make it your home page

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

Liz,

Yes, Katrina = horrendous and Hurricane season

continues until the end of October.

 

It looks as if Lake Ponchatrain has reclaimed its

natural boundaries. What is so difficult for people

to accept is that a historical city such as New

Orleans, so rich historically, may no longer be

habitable by humans. I read that Thomas Jeffersons

home was completely destroyed. What boggles the mind

in this day and age is that a whole city may

eventually have to be moved further inland. It is a

challenge to humanities sense of superiority over the

forces of nature.

 

Best regards,

Carol

 

 

--- Liz <liztams wrote:

 

 

>

> " We are dealing with one of the worst natural

> disasters in our nation's

> history, " Bush said. " This recovery will take a long

> time. This recovery

> will take years. "

> See http://tinyurl.com/7qjfn for full article.

> I'm watching US and UK news coverage on this

> horrendous disaster and from

> what I'm seeing (second hand and from a distance,

> granted) it is possible

> the bases you refer to no longer exist?

> HTH - and thinking of you all in US at this very

> sad time for your nation.

> Liz

[Guest guest]

It does boggle the mind, however, not the fact that

we've done more damage to the face of the earth than

we can fix. New Orleans is an unsurmountable loss...

but when you're dealing with a city that's built

beneath sea level, and only protected by a couple of

levees... well... it's easy to understand what

happened. I think what we're seeing is something

that's pretty natural, only the fact that so many

people are so tragically affected makes it so much

more terrible.

 

It is very sad to think that so many wonderful things

may be destroyed forever. I can only pray, and hope,

and help donate to the cause.

 

Best,

Kirstin

 

 

--- Carol Ann <saffireskyes wrote:

>

> It looks as if Lake Ponchatrain has reclaimed its

> natural boundaries. What is so difficult for

> people

> to accept is that a historical city such as New

> Orleans, so rich historically, may no longer be

> habitable by humans. I read that Thomas Jeffersons

> home was completely destroyed. What boggles the

> mind

> in this day and age is that a whole city may

> eventually have to be moved further inland. It is a

> challenge to humanities sense of superiority over

> the

> forces of nature.

>

 

 

 

__

Start your day with - make it your home page

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

I'd like to add another relief effort and fundraising organization to the pot

for listmembers to be aware of and help if they can. Below is a reprint of

earlier emails I have been sending out all day. We've raised several thousand

already and have serious hope to make a dent in the tragedy somewhere.

 

For Those Who Can Help:

 

Some of you may have heard about Officers of Avalon, Inc., which is a

non-profit 501c3 organization incorporated in the state of Florida as a

Fraternal Order of Pagan/non-mainstream religion police officers, fire

fighters and EMS. Our website is at www.OfficersofAvalon.com .

 

I am one of the founders of OOA, and currently on the Board of Directors. I

have spearheaded our charitable fund, which is named Avalon Cares. We raised

money for the tsunami victims, and we are presently in full swing to raise

alot more for Katrina victims.

 

We need your help. If you'd like to find a Pagan/secular charity that is doing

real

work, has members out in the field working with the victims directly, and is

responsible, this is one. It is receiving

the support of a very broad based coalition of Pagan communities, and

volunteers from outside the OOA membership to make it bigger and better as a

fund raising effort.

 

OOA, Inc is a non-profit, 501c3 organization, incorporated in Florida and

includes international membership of Police, Fire and EMS personnel. For the

moment, as we work on getting an AC Fund-specific information and contact

community up online, you can go to www.OfficersofAvalon.com and donate through

the link there for the relief fund. Except for PayPal fees, ALL monies donated

to our Relief Fund get distributed. When we get someone with time to donate for

website design, we'll be updating the informational site about the Fund and hope

to make a major difference for victims beyond our personal service. A donation

link is there at OOA and we are presently blitzing our supporters via email and

media releases and help is coming in past our expectations.

 

May your people be alive and well.

 

Please help and please feel free to forward this.

 

Mambo Joie Balindjo

Chancellor General

Officers of Avalon, Inc.

 

 

 

Deborah Joie

www.OfficersofAvalon.com

[Guest guest]

A pagan charity? Right on!

I'll tell my witchy sisters.

 

Ien in the Kootenays

****************************

" To treat life as less than a miracle

is to give up on it. "

~Wendell Berry

Rainforest Miracles:

http://wildhealing.net

****************************