Hurricane Katrina: Disaster Relief

Help for Impacted Areas

Volunteers and professional disaster workers from the Washington region began the launch yesterday of what will be a far-reaching relief effort to help Gulf Coast victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Full Coverage: Katrina Kills Dozens and Leaves Millions Devastated

Rick Schofield , response manager for the American Red Cross, will be online Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 4 p.m. ET to discuss relief efforts for hurricane victims in the Gulf Coast states and what the American public can do to help.

A transcript follows.

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washingtonpost.com: Rick Schofield will be with us momentarily. Please stay with us.

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Washington, D.C.: I lived through Andrew and I recall spending afternoons at a South Miami Hospital, sorting donations of clothing that had come in from the North. I recall all too well the neverending misery that faces the Katrina victims every day for the next weeks and months. For that reason, I'd like to get a clothing/toy drive together for those who've lost so much. I know that the Red Cross does not collect in-kind contributions ... but who does? More specifically, who collects in-kind donations that will go directly to those affected by Katrina? Thank you!

Rick Schofield: I remember the Andrew donations as well. What we recommend is to donate to your local community organizations. Those community based organizations who respond everyday within you community will need to support both local needs as well as support what their respective national agencies requirements are.

This also assures that people down in the affected area are not distracted to sort clothing and other items.

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Washington, D.C.: Mr. Schofield,

Thank you for the efforts of your organization. As the day goes on the situation seems to get worse and worse, particularly in New Orleans.

Is it true that the Red Cross had no disaster office in New Orleans, because you knew what the disaster would be (massive flooding) and were better off having the office located away from the city?

Also, isn't it likely to get much worse over the next several days as all of that water drains down the Mississippi and ends up in New Orleans?

Rick Schofield: The Red Cross office in New Orleans relocated to Covington and Mt Hermon - up towards the Mississippi border and are safe. Studies done by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA showed that the New Orleans area would be flooded.

They are supporting shelters in those areas to the north and the people who evacuated before, during and after.

Pump stations and the Levee areas are being looked at by government to minimize the impact of flooding.

Thanks for your kind words

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Washington, D.C.: How bad is the situation in the Garden District in New Orleans where Tulane is located? Do students have a school to go back to?

Rick Schofield: Specific locations are difficult at best. Many students were relocated to Baton Rouge. Much of that will be sorted out in the coming days and weeks.

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Alexandria, Va.: Is the Red Cross in a position to request the U.S. Navy position amphibious assault ships and similar vessels off the coast? These ships can launch and support helicopter operations from just outside of New Orleans, and have onboard medical facilities that were used to great extent after the tsunami disaster. It seems like a logical move now.

Rick Schofield: The American Red Cross is working closely with the local, state and federal government to explore all avenues. Planning groups are discussing all options.

We did use, during Andrew a Navy ship to support food replenishments of kitchens.

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Washington, D.C.: How closely do you work with FEMA and other organizations (non-profits) such as the Catholic Charities who were on line earlier? Is there a coordination center near the site where the various agencies work out of to avoid duplicating efforts? I would think that everyone wants to work near the epicenter to get recognition, but some of the areas that weren't hit nearly as hard that still require assistance might not get help for days/weeks?

Rick Schofield: We work as closely as possible with disaster relief agencies. At this moment, coordination is going on in Washington DC and in the impacted areas. In LA this is primarily at the State operations center at this time.

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Slidell, La.: I live in Slidell, La., (or used to). I followed the evacuation recommendations. How do I find out what has happened to my house? Is there a poc I can call? Someone I can write? I'm being told not to come back for weeks ... please help!

Rick Schofield: While specific information is not currently available in Slidell, the State of LA and Parishes have set up a hotline - please understand that it will take awhile to get specific information. That number is 985-898-2359 (St Tammany only)

State Police Road Closures are at 1800-469-4828

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Arlington, Va.: How will those who did not evacuate be moved to shelters now that New Orleans is flooded? Will those in the Superdome be staying there for weeks?

Rick Schofield: The State is relocating many of those remaining in New Orleans to Baton Rouge over the next few days

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Washington, D.C.: Thank you very much for your work. Question: Was there a mandatory evacuation order in coastal Mississippi? If not, why not?

Rick Schofield: I'm sorry - I don't have specific information about the other gulf states - if you contact us later I will try and find out for you

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Falls Church, Va.: First, thank you and all the volunteers for your tremendous efforts. In addition to the Superdome, does the Red Cross have local shelters in and across New Orleans with refugees from the storm? Will the Red Cross be able to take some of the refugees out of the Superdome into more "permanent" shelters that have beds and supplies?

Rick Schofield: The first step is to cover immediate needs, then longer term shelters with a higher level of care, finally temporary housing.

Red Cross is working closely with officials to help throughout this process

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Alexandria, Va.: How should I contact the Red Cross to find out information about a relative in Gulfport? TV news said no one should travel there, but contact the Red Cross instead.

Rick Schofield: Red Cross maintains a 1-866-Get-Info number where we try and coordinate information and get information to those who need it. We are experiencing High Call volume.

MS Emergency Management Agency 1-800-222-6362

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Mount Vernon, Wash.: If I wanted to get on a plane and help with relief efforts and/or supporting victims, would that even be possible?

Rick Schofield: We have a trained volunteer cadre who is being moved to the area. Because of this impact, we want to make sure we have trained volunteers in the area.

People wishing to volunteer can support shelters opened for evacuees outside of the area, or by contacting their local Red Cross chapter. People will be need for some time to come along the Gulf Coast. If someone gets trained they may be able to go on a second or third wave of support.

Specialized resources may be sent as we need them

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Kansas City, Mo.: What is the telephone number or Web site we can use to make donations without paying a middle agent's charge for directing the donation? I just left one Web site which was charging three percent to direct my credit card donation.

Rick Schofield: 1800-Help-Now is direct to Red Cross and there is no middleman fee.

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Manalpan, N.J.: Any news on the status of universities in the area such as Tulane? What will happen to students? Will they be able to return this semester?

Rick Schofield: Many students wee relocated to Baton Rouge prior to the storm. Unknown when they will begin classes again

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Atlanta, Ga.: The management company of one of the hotels in downtown New Orleans wants to hire me to travel down there and seal up the windows of their high rise hotel, which have blown out. Will it be possible to get into the area to do this work?

Rick Schofield: 800-469-4828 is the State Police Line for Road closure

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washingtonpost.com: Rick Schofield had to leave due to the situation on the ground. Chris Johnson of the Red Cross will continue the discussion. Please stay with us.

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washingtonpost.com: Chris Johnson, communications and government relations officer with the Red Cross, will now continue.

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Oviedo, Fla.: We are unable to contact the family of my sister's husband. Their names are Stephen and Teri Saux and they live in Fulsom. Can you let us know how badly damages that part of Louisiana is? Thanks

Rick Schofield: Currently, response is working diligently to assist as many people as they can in the initial phase of the disaster. Actual information on specific parish's and locations will take a little time. A phone number,ber will be established for family inquiries as soon as appropriate.

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Burke, Va.: In addition to donating money is there anything else we can do to help? Thanks.

Rick Schofield: Money is the primary need as part of the task of rebuilding is the restoration of dignity and that comes by allowing the individuals involved to help themselves with your generous donations providing the support. Volunteers are also needed and if interested please contact your local Red Cross chapter.

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Laurel, Md.: With so many people left homeless in the affected areas are there any plans or programs for people in other parts of the country to open their homes and take to take in people while the local officials secure and prepare these areas for the return of the local residents?

Rick Schofield: Although a generous offer, the logistics and challenges with such a donation make it something Red Cross cannot accept. Our role is to provide emergency shelter and assistance and then assist in recovery, working with other terrific local and national agencies.

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Alexandria, Va.: Will the Red Cross participate in long-term rehabilitation, or is your primary purpose emergency intervention? I would like to give a little on the longer-term end.

Rick Schofield: CJ- Red Cross serves in three phases, short term emergency response, transitional recovery and in the event of disasters of this scope the Red Cross will be support the residents of the affected areas for quite some time.

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Shirley, N.Y.: How can we find out if loved ones are safe? If one is in military and lives in the hurricane area

Rick Schofield: CJ- After initial rescue operations are complete, a number will be published to contact family. Unfortunately, because of the scale of this disaster, it will take a little time.

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Rockville, Md.: Do you know the extent of the damage to the U.S. Naval Home in Gulfport, MS? My grandfather lives there and I haven't been able to get in touch with my family to see if he is okay. Thanks!

Rick Schofield: CJ- We have not had any time yet to start looking into specific location damage assessment. Once the initial rescue phase is open, more information will be researched and made available.

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Washington, D.C.: Beside giving money, where can we go and what can we do to give our time and labor to help out? Who is coordinating volunteer action? The Red Cross usually requires training before using volunteers, but are there other organizations who will accept immediate help for this disaster.

Thank you.

Rick Schofield: CJ- The Red Cross has enacted its spontaneous volunteer plan which includes rapid training so volunteers can be utilized quickly. Please contact your local Red Cross chapter to see how to volunteer. A lot of other organizations are also involved in response activities and they also might be seeking volunteers but Red Cross should process you quickly. The need is immediate.

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Duluth, Ga.: My daughter lives in Houma, LA. Due to not having any power, she does not have a local bank there and is unable to access her bank through an ATM. I would assume that with no power, Western Union would also be They are running out of food. If I were to take cash to a local Red Cross facility and designate it for her, would the Red Cross be able to provide her with cash on the other end?

Rick Schofield: CJ- Unfortunately, Red Cross can not handle cash handling for specific individuals. If your daughter was to go to a Red cross shelter she would have access to a phone and might be able to contact you to make arrangements outside of Red Cross.

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Washington, D.C.: I hear reports regarding a levee break. Is there any way to find out where this levee break is? Which areas are most vulnerable?

Rick Schofield: CJ- The levee break was between 17th and Canal, St. Bernard and 9th Ward and Haynes Blvd Pump station. With an event of this magnitude there is no true knowing of exactly which areas might be more vulnerable than others, and that

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Annandale, Va.: What, precisely, will the money Red Cross collects be used for? Will it be kept in a separate fund and used only for Katrina hurricane relief?

Rick Schofield: CJ- The disaster relief fund is used only to support disaster efforts. With early estimates of the cost of the Red Cross effort exceeding 130 million dollars the response will require a significant support effort from the American public. These monies are used for everything from emergency clothing, food and shelter to medical needs, recovery support and long term support. Go to www.redcross.org and there will be an updated tabulation of costs and donations.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: If a group makes their own travel arrangements to the affected areas, how can we go about volunteering for the Red Cross over Labor Day weekend.

Rick Schofield: To ensure the trip is most effective, please contact your local Red Cross chapter and make them aware of your desire so they can get you the proper training and let you know of any potential opportunities for your generous offer.

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Arlington, Va.: Earlier you said that there were training options to go down and help. Who would we contact to find out more? I checked my local Red Cross chapter, and they haven't updated anything yet.

Rick Schofield: Since this disaster is such a fast paced event, I would suggest calling the chapter as the web site might not yet be updated. If your local chapter is not offering a class soon enough please check neighboring chapters as well as your local VOAD.

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