More about Hurricane Katrina and what you can do to help
Mood:  crushed out
Now Playing: Wouldn't it be good by Nik Kershaw
To begin with, it is great to see many high traffic websites such as Yahoo and Google, partnering with the Red Cross to insure that people will be able to donate.

I could lament that we always wait until catastrophies such as this in order realize how valuable the work that relief organizations do.

That would be neither here not there.

The internet has been one of the best resources of disseminating information. I have gathered some information and though it can definitely be found in other places and though none of it is new, nevertheless I want to do my part in sharing, since it is what I do.


Up to the Minute Information:
NOLA.com is published by the New Orleans Times Picayune.

Up-to-date information on the situation in New Orleans as well as links to emergency services, postings for lost family and friends and available emergency housing can be found here.

The Times-Picayune has temporarily ceased publishing print editions but reporters are publishing electronically to provide the most important information to those affected by the situation in New Orleans. Please check this site for all things related to the disaster effort.

Transport out of New Orleans:
Only essential emergency services are allowed into the affected areas of New Orleans and martial law has been declared.

Only relief flights are currently allowed into (or out) of New Orleans. Flight space is restricted. Charter flights are not even possible at this time.
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The FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) website is a great resource for information about emergency transport and breaking information:
http://www.fema.gov

Other Resources for Breaking News:

http://www.cnn.com/

Fema has listed organizations accepting donations: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18473

Emergency contact numbers for people in distress

These numbers are from the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard strongly urges people in distress in the greater New Orleans area contact the emergency search and rescue phone lines for the state Office of Emergency Preparedness:
(225) 925-7708
(225) 925-7709
(225) 925-3511
(225) 925-7412

People inquiring about family and friends that did not evacuate the greater New Orleans area should contact the American Red Cross at (866) 438-4636.


Other Resources from other sources
The Boston Event Guide has posted a listing of relief organizations that their readers can donate to.

The Truth Laid Bear has not only posted charities that are providing relief for the victims of Hurricane Katrina but also organized a Relief Day for bloggers:
http://www.truthlaidbear.com/katrinacharities.php


Tony Maciulis at MSNBC pointed out in his listing of resources that text messaging is a possible way to reach loved ones. Not a "for sure" method but it is something.

HurricaneKatrinaSurvivors.com is one website with message boards and information.And there are message boards for survivors and people looking for family members.
http://eyesonkatrina.blogspot.com/2005/08/im-ok-line.html