Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Politics, random thoughts and all else aside...

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Shocking isn't it. Granted I take a political stance with the right on most topics I think with what has happened this weekend down in Louisiana and Mississippi with Hurricane Katrina kind of brings us all back to Earth and back to a level playing field. With all the tragedy and horrible things that happened, it's nice to see Americans becoming united for this one.

I can't belief it myself. I am posting something from a liberal blog. The following was posted this morning. This is useful information that should help anyone regarding the relief effort or who are in need of help from Hurricane Katrina. The was posted by Bastard at Bring It On:

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Politics Aside - Hurricane Assistance Information

Paul from Wizbang has asked, as bloggers, to put our Monday morning quarter-backing to the side and compile as much information as possible so that people affected by the hurricane (like himself) don't have to spend hours looking for information. So, here is a list of information that might be helpful if you have been directly affected by Hurricane Katrina. I will keep updating this list as I compile more information. If you find information that you think might be useful leave the information in the comment section and I will add it to the list. Paul has some good tips on what people will be looking for so head over to Wizbang to get some ideas for what to help with.

For starters the Network For Good website is jam packed with donating information and information for the victims.

IMPORTANT: If you are trying to locate a loved one the American Red Cross maintains a database to help you find family. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information. Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.

Evacuees can call the American Red Cross’ information line at 1-866-GET-INFO for information regarding emergency assistance and public safety information and road closures. In addition, Louisiana residents can call the Louisiana State Police at 800-469-4828 to check on roadways that are open and safe for travel in less impacted areas.


FEMA: The Disaster Assistance Process for Individuals

  • For use ONLY by people in designated federal disaster areas.
  • Be prepared to give your Social Security number, describe your losses, provide financial information, and give directions to the damaged property.
  • If you get a busy signal, try to call in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on the weekends when call volumes tend to be lighter.

Tips for Applying for Federal Disaster Assistance

People who lose their jobs due to the disaster may apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) which provides weekly benefits to individuals who are unemployed and not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance compensation. You can call 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) or the local unemployment office for information.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance From the Department of Labor

  • Louisiana – To file a claim, individuals may report in person to the nearest Job Center. For general information and locations of Job Centers, you can visit Louisiana Works Department of Labor website at http://www.laworks.net or call (225) 342-2937.
  • Mississippi – Unemployed individuals must file their claim in person at the nearest local WIN Job & Claims Center. Individuals will need their Social Security card, or a Driver's License, and the names and addresses for the places he/she worked during the past 18 months. A listing of WIN Job and Claims Centers can be obtained on Mississippi Employment Security website at http://mdes.ms.gov. For convenience, individuals may complete an online registration form, print it and take it to a WIN Job & Claims Center.

FEMA can provide disaster housing assistance to those whose homes are damaged or destroyed. To apply for assistance, all you have to do is call the special toll free telephone number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and register. Specially trained operators at one of FEMA's National Processing Service Centers will process your application.

This is some of the information off of FEMA's web site. They have a great FAQ's section if you need to find out more information such as I Don't Have Any (or enough) Insurance?, What About My Pets?, Apply for Disaster Assistance?

Disaster Recovery A Guide to Financial Issues

Mississippi Insurance Commissioner - What To Do After A Hurricane Hits

USDA, Natural Disaster Assistance - Hurricane Assistance

Alabama Emergency Management Agency

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency

Louisiana Emergency Management Agency


Louisiana State Information

Louisiana State Police

LSP Hotline 1-800-469-4828 for 911 emergencies only. Do not call for road closures.

Report Roadway Emergencies: Dial *LSP (*577) on your cell phone to report roadway emergencies.

Louisiana Citizen Awareness and Disaster Evacuation Guide

Evacuees can register children for school in Lafayette Parish

Shelter Information:
Red Cross- 1(866)-GET-INFO (438-4636)
Special Needs Shelter Information
Triage Phone Numbers:
Alexandria: 800-841-5778 Shreveport: 800-841-5776
Baton Rouge: 800-349-1372 Monroe: 866-280-7287
Houma/Thibodaux: 800-228-9409 Slidell/Hammond: 866-280-7724
Lafayette: 800-901-3210
Lake Charles: 866-280-2711

Equine Shelter/Evacuation Site Information

Locations for Animal Evacuation:
Alexandria - Large & Small 318-442-4222 (all vet clinics will accept)
Lamar Dixon - Gonzales - Large Animals
Shreveport - LSU-S (pets only, no livestock)
West Monroe - Ike Hamilton Coliseum

Louisiana Hotel Information
1-800-99-GUMBO

Emergency Shelter Information Points:

Tourist Welcome Center, US 65 & 84, 1401 Carter St. (US 84), Vidalia, LA
Tourist Welcome Center, TA Truck Stop, Tallulah Exit (Hwy 65 & I 20)

Paragon Casino, 711 Paragon Place, Marksville LA
Sammy's Truck Stop, I-49, Exit 53, 3601 LA 115W, Bunkie, LA
Med Express Office, 7525 US 71, Alexandria, LA
P.E. Gym, LSU- Shreveport, One University Place, Shreveport, LA
Pickering High School, 180 Lebleu Rd., Leesville, LA
Mowad Civic Center, 5th & 10th St., 1 Block off US 165, Oakdale, LA
Offices of Emergency Preparedness
Orleans Parish 504-565-7200
Jefferson Parish 504-349-5360
St.Bernard Parish 504-278-4268
St.Tammany Parish 985-898-2323
Lafourche Parish 504-446-8427
Assumption Parish 985-369-7386
St.Charles Parish 985-783-5050
St.John Parish 985-652-2222
St James Parish 225-562-2364
Plaquemine Parish 504-297-5500
Tangipohoa Parish 985-748-9602
Terrebonne Parish 985-873-6357
Washington Parish 985-732-5200
St.Mary Parish 504-385-2600
Orleans City Departments Phone Numbers
Office Of Emergency Preparedness 504-565-7200
Mayor's Public Advocacy Office 504-565-7115
Mayor's Communications Office 504-565-6580
New Orleans Police Department 504-821-2222
New Orleans Fire Department 504-565-7800
Public Works Department 504-565-6844
Park & Parkway Department 504-286-2100
Sewerage & Water Board 504-585-2000
Hurricane Evacuation Shelter Coordinator 504-565-7208
Human Relations Commission 504-565-7916
Emergency Numbers
Southeast La. Red Cross 504-587-1500
New Orleans Public Advocacy 504-565-7115
New Orleans Human Relations Commission 504-565-7918
New Orleans Council on Aging 504-821-4121
American Red Cross 1-888-737-1997
For police, fire, and medical emergencies call 911.

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