Non Disney Related - Hurricane Katrina - New Orleans, LA

[LSUxStitch]

Wow... That makes me sick! Do you know how your house and everything made out, Sean?

The house seems to be OK b/c the WestBank made out relatively well. The sad thing is that our house will more than likely be looted, and that will be the most damage. Today down the block from my house, they looted and set fire to the mall. The worst part is that when the fire department showed up to put it out, the looters opened fire up on them. It seems like some sick game, set up the bait and just pick em off. This just makes me sick overall.

 

[LSUxStitch]

I'm sorry to double post, but I just read what someone said about our city not being rebuilt. Being my city, it would kill us and others in the U.S. because they are ridding the U.S. from one of the most extroadinary and different cities in the country. It seems nowadays that cities are all the same but New Orleans stands out and that is why everyone loves it so much. Well I said what I had to say, but we need a miracle and help to get things back to normal.

 

[wdwjmp239]

what should have happened was that someone somewhere in authority should have had the foresight to realize that a category 5 storm was on its way and they should have begun a week ago to mobilize efforts and personnel. N.O. would have been relatively "okay" if the 17th St. Canal levee had not failed. No one could have anticipated that.

Let me just mention something about my experience with Emergency Management. Collier County (Southwest Florida), when we activate our Emergency Management Operations Center for hurricanes, we usually activate about 36-48 hrs in advance (when Katrina was close to the east Coast of Florida, we activated 24 hrs in advance because it would've been more of a rain event than a rain and wind event for us). But, depending on the degree of potential damage caused by a storm, sometimes our Emerg. Mgmt Operations Center will activate 72-96 hrs prior to landfall.

From what I've seen, they bring in a whole slew of people - everyone from the hospitals, school system (our schools are used for shelters), electrical (FP&L - Florida Power & Light - http://www.fpl.com), telephone (Sprint - http://www.sprint.com), police (city of Naples and Collier County), fire department, representatives from different county gov't departments such as (Solid Waste, Water Treatment, Pollution Control, etc.). It's a major production and our emergency management department is at least prepared for the worse even if we don't get anything bad. Because, quite honestly, you just never know what these hurricanes are going to do these days.

So, based on what you said about "they should've mobilized a week ago", how did you know that they didn't? They were probably on the ready after Katrina crossed South Florida into the Gulf.

http://www.nola.com <--New Orleans, La. newspaper website

Right now, it's all about the destruction and trying to recover...

 

[Woody13]

The house seems to be OK b/c the WestBank made out relatively well. The sad thing is that our house will more than likely be looted, and that will be the most damage. Today down the block from my house, they looted and set fire to the mall. The worst part is that when the fire department showed up to put it out, the looters opened fire up on them. It seems like some sick game, set up the bait and just pick em off. This just makes me sick overall.

Unfortunately, the federal government does not have the infrastructure to provide disaster relief. The National Guard is under the control of the various state governors. The LA National Guard is too small to handle this disaster. They don't have the equipment or the expertise to even begin to solve this problem. FEMA is basically just a check writing organization. You have to register with FEMA to get any help and the help they provide comes much later in the form of a check or a "blue roof".

Immediate relief help comes from the Red Cross, Salvation Army and other charity organizations. Those outfits can't go in until law and order are established. The civilian law enforcement agencies can't handle the load. I know a number of law enforcement officers from federal, state and county governments that have been sent to LA to help. Unfortunately, LA Governor Blanco is very inept as is Mayor Nagin in New Orleans. They are not effectively using the law enforcement resources that have been supplied to them.

One of the main problems in LA is that they have a very screwed up legal system. Martial law has not been declared in New Orleans nor have they suspended the Writ of Habeas Corpus. These legal actions are essential to preserve public safety, yet LA law doesn't address these problems. LA needs to get with the program!

 

[LSUxStitch]

Actually Martial law has been declared.

 

[Woody13]

Actually Martial law has been declared.

Hurricane Katrina

Contrary to many media reports, martial law has not been declared in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, because no such term exists in Louisiana state law[4]. Rather, a state of emergency has been declared, which does give some powers similar to that of martial law. On the evening of August 31, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin did declare "martial law" (in name at least) in the city and said that "officers don't have to worry about civil rights and Miranda rights in stopping the looters." [5]

 

[LSUxStitch]

http://somagcc.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2005/8/30/1183179.html
http://www.ioerror.us/2005/08/30/new-orleans-under-martial-law-under-water/

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/8-30-2005-75779.asp

just a couple b/c I am tired of copying and pasting, but take someone who is from the city's word for it. We cannot go 5 min in local news without them talking about martial law. But This is not a thread to fight over it b/c I think it is useless.

 

[darthdarrel]

Hurricane Katrina

Contrary to many media reports, martial law has not been declared in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, because no such term exists in Louisiana state law[4]. Rather, a state of emergency has been declared, which does give some powers similar to that of martial law. On the evening of August 31, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin did declare "martial law" (in name at least) in the city and said that "officers don't have to worry about civil rights and Miranda rights in stopping the looters." [5]

From what I heard only congress can declare martial law or congress can give the president the authority to declare martial law, the president can not declare martial law without congresses permission.

 

[SpongeScott]

Let me just mention something about my experience with Emergency Management. Collier County (Southwest Florida), when we activate our Emergency Management Operations Center for hurricanes, we usually activate about 36-48 hrs in advance (when Katrina was close to the east Coast of Florida, we activated 24 hrs in advance because it would've been more of a rain event than a rain and wind event for us). But, depending on the degree of potential damage caused by a storm, sometimes our Emerg. Mgmt Operations Center will activate 72-96 hrs prior to landfall.

From what I've seen, they bring in a whole slew of people - everyone from the hospitals, school system (our schools are used for shelters), electrical (FP&L - Florida Power & Light - http://www.fpl.com), telephone (Sprint - http://www.sprint.com), police (city of Naples and Collier County), fire department, representatives from different county gov't departments such as (Solid Waste, Water Treatment, Pollution Control, etc.). It's a major production and our emergency management department is at least prepared for the worse even if we don't get anything bad. Because, quite honestly, you just never know what these hurricanes are going to do these days.

So, based on what you said about "they should've mobilized a week ago", how did you know that they didn't? They were probably on the ready after Katrina crossed South Florida into the Gulf.

http://www.nola.com <--New Orleans, La. newspaper website

Right now, it's all about the destruction and trying to recover...

I was only basing my statement on what I had heard reported on the news.

Good information about what you do and who all is involved. Thanks.:wave:

 

[LouDisney]

I'm sorry to double post, but I just read what someone said about our city not being rebuilt. Being my city, it would kill us and others in the U.S. because they are ridding the U.S. from one of the most extroadinary and different cities in the country. It seems nowadays that cities are all the same but New Orleans stands out and that is why everyone loves it so much. Well I said what I had to say, but we need a miracle and help to get things back to normal.

It would sadden many for New Orleans not to be rebuilt. But it will be rebuilt. I refused to believe that Nola will not come, they will, stronger than ever. My heart is broken into at what has happened to this beautiful, unique, city, that I was (and still do) call home. My prayers to you, your family, to everyone in New Orleans.

 

[hcswingfield]

BSandersJr?

There is a poster whose name is BSandersJr or something like that, who posted frequently to the word association thread. He lived in or near New Orleans, and worked on an oil rig. If you are out there, BSanders, know that I and others are keeping you in our thoughts. When you get a chance, post and let us know how you are doing.

 

[tigsmom]

There is a poster whose name is BSandersJr or something like that, who posted frequently to the word association thread. He lived in or near New Orleans, and worked on an oil rig. If you are out there, BSanders, know that I and others are keeping you in our thoughts. When you get a chance, post and let us know how you are doing.

We still a few other regulars from the area whom we haven't heard from.

Hoping all are soon safely back with us.

 

[TAC]

http://www.hurricanehousing.org/



Not sure how many of us are able to help geographically, but if you know people in the Southeast that are willing and able to help, pass it on.

 

[wannab@dis]

Immediate relief help comes from the Red Cross, Salvation Army and other charity organizations. Those outfits can't go in until law and order are established. The civilian law enforcement agencies can't handle the load. I know a number of law enforcement officers from federal, state and county governments that have been sent to LA to help. Unfortunately, LA Governor Blanco is very inept as is Mayor Nagin in New Orleans. They are not effectively using the law enforcement resources that have been supplied to them.

One of the main problems in LA is that they have a very screwed up legal system. Martial law has not been declared in New Orleans nor have they suspended the Writ of Habeas Corpus. These legal actions are essential to preserve public safety, yet LA law doesn't address these problems. LA needs to get with the program!

Woody (or others)... help me out here.

I think I'm right on this, but don't have enough knowledge on the matter to be sure. I know the Guard units are under state control. The military units (Army, Navy, CG, etc) are under federal control. If I remember my Civics classes right, the military cannot go into a domestic region without being requested by state government. I also remember a news story from the Pentagon saying they were pulling units together but had not been asked to "put boots on the ground" in the hurricane zone.

Expanding on Woody's assessment, my first inclination is that the delay of help has been caused by the lack of leadership at the State and Local levels. They are overwhelmed and keep saying they need help, but they are not following the correct procedures to set up command and control and get the federal military involved.

No matter how this happened or who is to blame in this situation, I believe some changes need to be made so the federal government can supersede the local authorities and take control of things without the "proper" proceedings taking place. The problem with this route is that if abused, it can stomp "state rights" which is the reason the checks and balances are in the constitution.

 

[stingrock23]

I live in Metairie, which is a suburb of new orleans. I haven't seen my house yet, but I should be allowed to see it on Monday. I'm at my parents in LaPlace, which is 25 miles west of new orleans. Hopefully it didn't flood, but I'm not going to hold my breath. It's crazy down here, and hopefully we can get the ball moving in the right direction.

My internet is cutting in and out, but i'll try to post regular updates. My biggest worry now is the looting of my house. Hopefully it's ok, but I won't know for sure until Monday. Thanks for all the concern.

It looks like I'll have a few weeks off, so it is very likely that I will be heading to Orlando next week to take my mind off of everything here.

 

[dandaman]

Oh my god... that's where my (now) hysterical aunt lives! Please tell me the condition of the houses around there once you can go back!

 

[Erika]

Check-in thread:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=62168

 

[xfkirsten]

I live in Metairie, which is a suburb of new orleans. I haven't seen my house yet, but I should be allowed to see it on Monday. I'm at my parents in LaPlace, which is 25 miles west of new orleans. Hopefully it didn't flood, but I'm not going to hold my breath. It's crazy down here, and hopefully we can get the ball moving in the right direction.

My internet is cutting in and out, but i'll try to post regular updates. My biggest worry now is the looting of my house. Hopefully it's ok, but I won't know for sure until Monday. Thanks for all the concern.

It looks like I'll have a few weeks off, so it is very likely that I will be heading to Orlando next week to take my mind off of everything here.

I have a friend that lives in Metairie as well. Somewhere he found a satellite photo of his neighborhood, and it looked pretty good - very little flooding, if any. I'm not sure where he got the photo from, though.

EDIT: You can try this page, but I don't know the area real well, so I'm not sure if it's on here: http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/_national/neworleanssatellite/

 

[tigsmom]

I have a friend that lives in Metairie as well. Somewhere he found a satellite photo of his neighborhood, and it looked pretty good - very little flooding, if any. I'm not sure where he got the photo from, though.

EDIT: You can try this page, but I don't know the area real well, so I'm not sure if it's on here: http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/_national/neworleanssatellite/

Try Google Maps I was looking at Gulfport earlier. You can type in an address.

 

[xfkirsten]

I asked him, and here's where he got it from: http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/katrina/090E30A_KATRINA.HTM