Hurricane Recovery

[DiamondDeb]

Everyone here is concerned about the devastation from hurricanes. Katrina is going to be horrible, we all know. We are helpless to prevent it but many of us can help afterward with hurricane recovery process. Besides monetary donations we can donate our time. There will be a lot to do, all sorts of things that need volunteers. If you are at all interested and able to do something like this, please do look into it. It is important & rewarding work.

There will be groups forming all over the country to help. If you are close enough and can spare the time, you many be able to help on weekends. Many churches have groups. I was involved in a recovery group from my church after the storms here in Florida last year and plan to do what I can again this year. If it is possible for me to go & help I will. I will see what my church plans to do to help the victims of Katrina. People came from all over to help us last year & it was very much appreciated.

[scigirl3]

Also for those of you so inclined, this is a good organization that will help with pets and animals effected by the hurricane. http://www.noahs-wish.org


Kelly

[NutinHonie]

Thanks, Kelly for that link!

[DiamondDeb]

Thanks Kelly!

Nice to see so many interested in helping.

[NutinHonie]

Another rescue foundation:

http://www.searchdogfoundation.org/98/html/index.html

They haven't updated their website regarding the gulf, but I'm sure once the water recedes, their services will be needed.

Other charitable organizations are listed on these pages:

http://rdu.news14.com/content/hurric...3849&SecID=431

http://www.nvoad.org/

[dimepiece1]

I am so glad you guys posted those links. We just sat around wondering how we could help after watching the news last night!

[NutinHonie]

Also, don't forget about local shelters and local food banks (which often get overlooked when devastation strikes elsewhere in the country).

[AllisonB]

You should also check out CERT (Community Emergency Response Training) in your area. I took this through a neighboring community's fire department. It was 1 night a week for 6 weeks.

I think I would have gotten more out of it if 90% of our class wasn't over the age of 80 (and they adjusted the activities for that ), but I got a good basic sense of what to do in case of a local disaster, and also a backpack filled with a cheap hard hat, a tool to turn off gas meters, and other stuff.

The class is free (funded by FEMA) http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CERT/

[SueShopper]

If anyone you know needs a place to stay:
Hello, I want you to let your readers know that there is a place where they can come for a safe place to live temporarily. My husband has access to over 500 acres available in southwest Virginia for refugees of Katrina to camp. We are poor people and cannot afford to feed all that may come. I can try to help find temporary employment to help folks get back on their feet. Please post my EMAIL address for them to contact me. Again, we are offering this out of the willingness to help those in need, FREE of charge until FEMA claims are received or arrangements can be made by them to return or find a better place. They will have to provide everything to live except the ground that they are welcome to camp on. Our Prayers go out to all of the residents affected by this disaster!Only those that are sincere and honest should reply.Blessings, Lisa Hairston Danville, VirginiaLMHairston@aol.com

[NaturalDisaster]

Originally Posted by AllisonB

You should also check out CERT (Community Emergency Response Training) in your area. I took this through a neighboring community's fire department. It was 1 night a week for 6 weeks.

The class is free (funded by FEMA) http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CERT/

I agree with this. I am Chief Coordinator for one of our CERTs. I, along with many of my teammates, begin fast track training via Red Cross next week. By next Thursday I will be on the deployment roster to be sent down south.

If you have the ability to do so, contact the red cross for the fast track courses (two days). This means leaving my husband and three children for 21 days minimum, but these people need my help along with everyone elses.

[Sheila K]

Originally Posted by NaturalDisaster

If you have the ability to do so, contact the red cross for the fast track courses (two days). This means leaving my husband and three children for 21 days minimum, but these people need my help along with everyone elses.

Thank you!

[Diamondlv]

I live in Atlanta, and I am heartbroken for our human family that is going through this devastation in NO and the Gulf Coast.

I would just like to share some information for those victims that are here in GA, and this may apply to those in surrounding states.

If you, the victim, of Katrina, was employed before this tragic event, you may apply for unemployment here in GA. I heard this on the radio from the Lt. Governor.

Here is a link, I know it may take time to get the money, but at least it is a resource to consider, especially for those who really didn't have anything before Katrina.

http://www.dol.state.ga.us/

[greenbean]

EMERGENCY LISTINGS

FEMA- REGION 6 RRCC (Denton,TX) 1-940-898-5433

(Mississippi State EOC Rescue Hotline)1-601-352-9100

FEMA- REGION 4 RRCC (Atlanta, GA) 1-770- 220-5600

Kentucky (EOC) 1-800-928-2380 0r 1-800-255-2587

Salvation Army www.satern.org

U.S. Coast Guard 1-800-DAD –SAFE to search for a loved one. 3 2 3 7 2 3 3

American Red Cross (victims registry) 1 866-438-4636

They will do a welfare inquiry (search/rescue) after 48 hours.
Must have full name, full address, age, work number for the person(s) being sought and all the seeker’s contact information as well. They will do a welfare inquiry (search/rescue) after 48 hours.

Local (ATL) (ARC) (404 ) 876-3302

American Red Cross Donation Line 1-800 435-7669

Individual Assistance- ESF 11 Margaret Hester #5572

www.mstraffic.com for traffic info

WDSU (NBC ) AFFLIATE IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Webb site www.wdsu.com

WLBT (NBC) AFFLIATE IN JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
Webb site www.wlbt.com

Below is information regarding Time and Attendance, Emergency LeaveTransfer Program, EAP (Employee Assistance), FEGLI, FLTCIP, FSAFEDS and FEHB Programs, and Charitable Donations
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PLAS INFORMATION: Yesterday, August 30, 2005, an HR Messenger was sent concerning excusal information for Federal employees affected by Hurricane Katrina. In accordance with the current Human Resources Flexibilities available, DCMA employees who are eligible are being granted excused absence (PLAS Code LN) now and will be until the current emergency is declared at an end.

Once the Federal Government re-opens in the affected areas, employees who may require additional time off in connection with this emergency. They may request to be approved as a recipient in the Emergency Leave Transfer Program. Requests as a result of this emergency will be processed through the same channels as the Voluntary Leave Donation program. An employee requesting emergency leave would annotate the Remarks Section of the Voluntary Leave Request form Emergency Leave, Hurricane Katrina. POC for the Voluntary/Emergency Leave Program is Ms. Karen Moon: karen.moon@dcma.mil.

Below is additional information regarding relief for employees affected by Hurricane Katrina:

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EAP Resources for Hurricane Katrina Relief

General Information

Websites for local TV stations have the updated info on emergency resources

Links

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ - National Hurricane Center – Tropical Prediction Center

http://www.fema.gov – Information on soliciting assistance

http://www.entergy-neworleans.com/nola/safety/after.asp Articles about what to do AFTER a hurricane

http://www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx?portal=46 Printable emergency guide

National Relief Agencies

Red Cross: 1-800-HELP-NOW

Episcopal Relief & Development: 1-800-334-7626

United Methodist Committee on Relief: 1-800-554-8583

Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Catholic Charities: 1-800-919-9338

Mobile, AL

Salvation Army : 251-438-4729

American Red Cross: 251-438-2571

United Way: 251-433-3624

Waterfront Rescue Mission of Alabama: 251-433-1847

Alabama Homeless Shelters: http://www.gtii.com/members/lannin/shelters/alabama.htm

Louisiana

American Red Cross: 1(866)-GET-INFO (438-4636)
State Police Road Closure Hotline: 1-800-469-4828
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

Louisiana Homeless Service Organization: http://www.nationalhomeless.org/local/louisiana.html

Louisiana Interagency Action Council: http://www.bowmansystems.com/dev/lia...s_shelters.php

Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness~
7667 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
225-925-7500 http://www.loep.state.la.us/

Mississippi

From the Biloxi, MS website – residents are being urged to call 1-866-453-1925 if they need to let someone know they are ok.

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency: 1-800-222-MEMA or http://www.msema.org

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OPM Information (excerpts)

Hurricane Katrina and the FEGLI, FLTCIP, FSAFEDS and FEHB Programs


Our hearts go out to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.* Here’s a quick update on how this disaster may affect our various benefit programs. *
*
Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI)
The Office of Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) has already instituted its expedited
payment procedures. If there is a death as a result of Katrina, the ABC-C will advise the survivor of the
necessary information for the expediated processing.

Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
* FLTCIP enrollees who live in the affected areas and miss premium payments during this time of crisis will not
have their coverage cancelled. *Long Term Care Partners will work with these enrollees at a later time to bring
their accounts up to date.*

Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS)
It is possible, though rare, that FSAFEDS enrollees who work for an agency serviced by the National Finance Center may find that an allotment was not taken out of their pay for one or possibly two pay periods.* That should be rare, because NFC only makes changes to the FSAFEDS allotments if there is a change in the amount of the allotment.** For most enrollees, there isn’t a change in FSAFEDS allotments from one pay period to the next.* Please contact OPM at fsa@opm.gov if there are any issues with FSAFEDS allotments or claims that are causing a hardship on affected employees and their families.

Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB)
OPM is contacting FEHB carriers to ask them to demonstrate maximum flexibility under their OPM contract, including the following:
-OPM expects fee-for-service carriers to relax certain provisions such as their pre-certification requirement that the plan must be notified within two business days of an emergency admission.
-OPMexpects fee-for-service and HMOs to relax requirements about notification and levels of benefit payment when victims are taken to non-plan and/or non-PPO hospitals or other treatment centers.
- OPM expects plans to make certain that FEHB members get additional supplies of medications as backup for emergency situations if necessary.
-Though charges for work-related injuries sustained by Federal workers are payable by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), we are encouraging FEHB plans to provide immediate payment and seek subsequent reimbursement from OWCP.

CHARITABLE DONATIONS: Many Federal employees have inquired about the best way to provide assistance to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Federal employees are advised that the best means for providing immediate assistance is through cash contributions directly to relief organizations which are working in the affected areas. In a recent statement, President Bush identified two national organizations, the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org) and the Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org) which have both mobilized to care for those in need. Both are participating charities in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) this year. You can visit their respective websites for more information on how to assist those in need in the affected areas.
In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has developed a list (http://wwwJema.gov/news/newsreleaseJema?id=18473) and provided instructions on how to provide immediate cash donations to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina on its website. Many of these organizations identified by FEMA are also national CFC participating charities. Since the recovery from Hurricane Katrina will be a long process, Federal employees may also want to give through the CFC. The official CFC solicitation period begins tomorrow. Federal employees can find many worthwhile national charitable organizations that provide disaster relief in the CFC brochures that will soon be distributed within the workplace. Federal employees can contribute cash or authorize payroll deductions. Payroll deductions, while not immediate, are an important means of providing long term assistance. Individual Departments and Agencies (or subcomponents) may want to consider adopting one or more CFC-participating charities with hurricane relief programs and focus their campaign activities to the benefit of those charities.

[SueShopper]

I heard the #1 requested item now from victims

The Bible!!

[Nyna]

It looks like I'll be heading to NO pretty soon. I've volunteered to help the medical teams. I just sent in my credential verification form. I'm very excited to be able to help out. It's been SO depressing and sad watching all of this unfold on television.

I went to this website after someone posted it in the main lobby.
http://www.hhs.gov/

[Miz Grits]

Has anybody heard anything from Nyna?

[Nyna]

I've not left yet. I just went and had immunizations yesterday. I am SOOOO sore! Anyway, I can be deployed at any time. They said my travel voucher should be arriving sometime soon. I'm getting very impatient and discouraged. I just want to get there and start working.

[DiamondDeb]

Originally Posted by Nyna

I've not left yet. I just went and had immunizations yesterday. I am SOOOO sore! Anyway, I can be deployed at any time. They said my travel voucher should be arriving sometime soon. I'm getting very impatient and discouraged. I just want to get there and start working.

Lots of prep to do before you're ready to go, huh? I'm glad you got your immunizations. Hopefully, you won't be sore for too long. You'll be there before you know it. Let us know when you get your departure date, OK?

You're doing a very generous thing.

[DiamondDeb]

I've been volunteering a couple days a week at the Storm Recovery Center through the United Methodist Conference here. It is a long-term recovery center which is working on rebuilding here in Florida after last year's storms, as well as Katrina and we'll also be working on Rita and any other hurricanes this season.

I signed up today for First Response Training. Even last year, there were not enough trained people. With Katrina, and now, Rita, the need for trained people is even greater. If you are wondering how you could help, please considering this training.