Responding to Katrina By Dr. Jannie Carter, Extension Assistant Director

With threatening weather on the horizons in the coastal regions of the United States in August 2005, most of us went about our daily routines as usual. Even the responses from those who reside along the coasts of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas did not reflect unusual alarm. But when the forecasts worsened as the days progressed, many began to realize that Hurricane Katrina was advancing to a Category 4-5 storm and would require a different kind of response. Evacuations and the ultimate devastation would later reveal how the weather predictions ended. But even our most vivid imaginations only provided a glimpse of what those that lied in the wake of the hurricane would experience when Katrina hit full force on August 29, 2005.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimated that approximately 600,000 families needed transitional housing. Some 400,000 lost jobs and over 375,000 school-age children in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas were victims of the storm. The resulting loss of homes and businesses, devastation to communities, and destruction of tourist sites will have a lasting and significant impact on families, communities, and the overall tax base of affected areas. The tragedy will for some time yield unexpected costs and consequences. For certain, the lives of those affected have been changed forever.

Successful state response strategies developed over decades were implemented to lend support to hurricane victims as well as special appeals to volunteers and donors to give of their time and resources to help rebuild families, homes, and communities. Much of the outpouring of support that followed hurricane Katrina in the past months cannot be full measured. Certainly, hundreds of individuals and charitable organizations mobilized to reach those in need. Extension Urban Center staff in Mobile County was among the first to respond by offering assistance to more than 6,000 residents in the coastal areas of Bayou La Batre and Coden who were without food and water.

"First response to hurricane Katrina was important as many communities were without communication," said Tami Wells, Urban Regional Extension Agent. "The Urban Center in Mobile County responded to the network of information provided via Internet communication. Our strong relationship with a vast array of agencies and regional committees provided the information needed to make a significant impact on recovery and response efforts."

Agents provided man hours of relief at shelter sites to organize food distributions, monitor sanitation and safety of victims, and initiated the "Katrina Kids" wall that displayed the art renderings of the children in the shelter. The wall helped children communicate and deal with what they were going through during the tragedy. In addition, these sites were visited by local, state and federal officials such as Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice.

Agents also assisted with clean-up, collecting and distributing donations, providing expert advice on how to salvage forest and landscape remains, and offering emotional support to children and families. Family group sessions were conducted at the shelters that allowed families to speak openly about their concerns, and children were given journals to express themselves in writing.

"The shelter families expressed that no one had ever asked them how they felt about their losses and indicated they felt a sense of hope from the caring showed by Extension staff" said Amanda Outlaw, Urban Youth Development Agent.

Alabama A&M University (AAMU) staff from Extension's Urban Affairs Unit and the School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences set up a "Katrina Clothes Closet" to provide clothing items for displaced hurricane families. Donated clothing, gift cards, and accessories were valued at $3.000. Financial assistance was given to the families of two displaced students from universities in affected areas. Also, two other families that relocated to Texas were also assisted. A portion of the donated gift cards were used to purchase small Christmas gifts for youth in the Mobile, Bayou La Batre, and Jefferson County metro areas.

Numerous reports of animals being killed and abandoned due to lack of facilities and supplies in Alabama, Mississippi, and New Orleans came shortly after the hurricane. In response, Extension Horticulturist Dr. Cathy Sabota and other volunteers solicited approximately 2,000 pounds of dog food, 500 pounds of cat and kitty food and 250 pounds of litter that were transported to Louisiana in a rented U-Haul. Veterinary supplies, leashes, shampoo, paper towels, water, and other needed items were also obtained from friends, pet networks, and local veterinarians. Upon arriving in Louisiana, additional volunteer services were provided to the animal shelter assisting with walking, watering and feeding dogs. Dr. Sabota and other volunteers continue to network with pet saving groups and have rescued more than 30 dogs and cats from kill shelters to new homes.

While much has been done, there is still more to do. To offer your services you may connect with well established agencies such as the FEMA, the Salvation Army, or the American Red Cross. To volunteer or to find a local Red Cross chapter or shelter in your area, visit the agency's website at http://www.redcross.org.

References
Sard, Barbara and Rice, Douglas. (October 5, 2005). Changes needed in Katrina transitional housing plan to meet families' needs. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Retrieved January 6, 2006.

United States Department of Education. (September 16, 2005). New support for families and areas affected by hurricane Katrina. Newsletters and Journals. Retrieved January 6, 2006.