Help cleaning up after Gustav?

Question

If Gustav strikes the Gulf Coast region with as much force as it's supposed to, the damaged areas will surely need help with cleaning up and whatnot.

I'm interested in doing this, but I'm not too sure as to how to go about doing this. DO I need to sign-up with a specific organization, or can I just drive down there and figure it out then?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

No don't just show up unless you know someone there. Call your local Red Cross, and tell them you would like to help. they will know where you will be most useful and there is the advantage thatyou won't be alone in a very upset and restless place. On behalf of my family "GOD BLESS YOU"

Answer 2

Contact your local Red Cross Office

Answer 3

we hope it dont hit and we are praying for you guys !!!

Answer 4

FEMA can give you a list of contractors to contact.

Answer 5

It's always better not to just drive down.  Besides the destruction, things are almost always frantic and unorganized.  

The best thing to do would be to contact the emergency agencies in your area (fire, ambulance, police) and ask if they will have people going down.  Also, if there are any civic organizations, you could be the impetus in getting them down to help.

Another thing you could do is to donate clothes, unopened necessities (soap, diapers, wipes, formula), or time to a hurricane shelter in the northern areas of the states affected.  I am in N. Louisiana and during Katrina, my city was swamped and we were completely out of necessary baby items....with lots of Katrina babies up here.

Thanks for your willingness to help!  We appreciate it.