verbingnouns

Louisiana Reels

The impact of hurricane Katrina really is unfathomable. Here in northeast Louisiana, we were on the very edge of the storm. Other than a few limbs down here and there and some telephone issues, Monday was like any other day. The impact on us is just starting to sink in. The only economic impact felt so far, is in the already swelling gas prices - it went up as much as 25 cents yesterday alone, in addition to the locals, people from Mississippi are heading into north Louisiana to get gas for themselves, so the fear of running out is evident in the long lines at the pumps. Apparently, Monroe has 3 main suppliers of gasoline, but 2 of them are in the New Orleans area and of course, disabled.
Our city is housing thousands of evacuees, which is typical for us during a hurricane evacuation. What is not typical is the length of time they will need to stay here. Apparently, the local Red Cross is looking for more permanent housing for the 1,600+/- people currently staying at our civic center and planning to have at least another 1,500 to house in the coming weeks. Of course, there is not a hotel room available, and I would think, since many of these folks have nothing left except what they might have in their savings accounts, they will be forced from the hotels into Red Cross shelters, etc. I know they have already begun transporting medical patients to our hospitals. I've heard (on good authority) that some evacuees have decided to put their children to our local schools. I saw in the paper that our local Catholic schools are accepting students from other Catholic schools until the other schools can re-open. They are even talking of setting up tent-cities in our area. The impact will certainly be far reaching for quite some time.
Obviously, the Red Cross needs volunteers and donations. I'm hoping to go volunteer at least one day next week. My company has been good enough to offer regular pay for those who go volunteer, as well as matching donations to relief organizations. The person I know at the Red Cross said by next week, they will have more capabilities of dealing with clothing donations.
Kathleen Blanco, the governor of Louisiana, has declared today to be a statewide Day of Prayer. Our state certainly needs it. Though the devestation is unbelievable, imagine the loss of life if we didn't have both the satellite and transportation technology that we have.

*On a personal note, my internet service is out (or questionable at best), so if you sent an e-mail to me at hotmail or gmail, I can't get it. Please send it to my work e-mail address or give me a call.