Get your tetanus and other shots up to date.
Also, visit or call the red cross or other relief organization and ask them how you can help. The city is currently closed, and it is not likely that you will be able to get in without help. I am a resident, and I even can't get to my house until next week. After the city opens, it is likely that their will be a curfew.
Perhaps you could also call shelters in Texas and see if they need assistance. Or maybe your church could arrange for some families to get housing and jobs in your community. Considerable amounts of people will not be able to go back to New Orleans for a long time, and most of them want to get back to work and get a sense of stability in their lives, even if it is hundreds of miles away from home. Personally I think this is the most helpful thing individuals can do at this time. I'm in Austin with friends if anyone needs a java programmer or someone with plc experience.
As for helping with fixing or tearing down damaged structures, I would let professionals with heavy equipment take care of that. Most of the damaged homes have been sitting in several feet of water for a long time, and they may not be structurally sound.
If you do decide to go into the city, make sure that officials know exactly where you are going to be, and check in with them regularly. Find someone who knows the city and is familiar with it in its current state. There are downed trees and powerlines all over the place, and as entergy trys to restore power, some of those lines may become live. You may also need to arrange for shelter away from the city, as the livable areas of the city are already full of officials and residents. Also keep in mind that there is no power, water or sewage, and cell phones may or may not work.
In short, let the RedCross, FEMA, the Military and Police do their job, and work with them and ask them what assistance you can provide. And thanks in advance for your help.
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Get your tetanus and other shots up to date.
Also, visit or call the red cross or other relief organization and ask them how you can help. The city is currently closed, and it is not likely that you will be able to get in without help. I am a resident, and I even can't get to my house until next week. After the city opens, it is likely that their will be a curfew.
Perhaps you could also call shelters in Texas and see if they need assistance. Or maybe your church could arrange for some families to get housing and jobs in your community. Considerable amounts of people will not be able to go back to New Orleans for a long time, and most of them want to get back to work and get a sense of stability in their lives, even if it is hundreds of miles away from home. Personally I think this is the most helpful thing individuals can do at this time. I'm in Austin with friends if anyone needs a java programmer or someone with plc experience.
As for helping with fixing or tearing down damaged structures, I would let professionals with heavy equipment take care of that. Most of the damaged homes have been sitting in several feet of water for a long time, and they may not be structurally sound.
If you do decide to go into the city, make sure that officials know exactly where you are going to be, and check in with them regularly. Find someone who knows the city and is familiar with it in its current state. There are downed trees and powerlines all over the place, and as entergy trys to restore power, some of those lines may become live. You may also need to arrange for shelter away from the city, as the livable areas of the city are already full of officials and residents. Also keep in mind that there is no power, water or sewage, and cell phones may or may not work.
In short, let the RedCross, FEMA, the Military and Police do their job, and work with them and ask them what assistance you can provide. And thanks in advance for your help.