I just got an email from Michael Woolum, who lives in Mississippi. His area has suffered damage but sounds like he is alright.
If anyone else wants to update on other members of FAOL, feel free to add to this post.
The devastation and suffering I have seen on TV is beyond comprehension. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who are living through this terrible disaster.
My wife’s sister…Chris…has a daughter who is graduated from college in the medical field, a hubby, and a son… and Tracey & hubby Arron have lived in New Orleans for a few years. Their home was near the broken levee. It is flooded and they have no home nor jobs anymore! They left Saturday when Katrina was upgraded to Category 3. They went to northern Mississippi, then whe path looked to worsen they went up to Little Rock to a relatives house. Now it is obvious they have no home or jobs to return to. They are on their way to New Mexico to live the next six months with Chris and Dave…Tracey’s parents. Count your blessings folks.
Gem
[This message has been edited by Plain Old Jim (edited 31 August 2005).]
One of my sisters, her three daughters, and one granddaughter lived in Biloxi up until a few days ago. Two of the girls were out of town. Jenni and the other daughter and the granddaughter took a couple suitcases, drove two of their three cars north to my brother’s place.
As of now, they own two cars and a couple suitcases full of clothes. Daughter #1 had just got a job at the Hard Rock, which is wrecked. Daughter #2 might not have a place to work, and my sister is in the same boat. Her ex and her oldest daughter are flying in soon, and my brother is going to drive down and they will try to retrieve what they can. They had a third-floor apartment, but they don’t know if the building still exists. They are assuming the car they left behind is gone.
But they’re alive, and that is all that really matters. The rest of it is just stuff, and you can always pack up and start new somewhere else. They’ve got the rest of the family to help them out, and will do just fine.
I’m 200 miles from New Orleans … what you guys are seeing on TV is just the tip of a horrendous, terrifying iceberg. It’s completely insane down here, it’s indescribable.
As I posted on “Sound Off” the other day all of the victims, their families and our nation are in my prayers. I have yet to hear from my buddy Janos (Hungarian) and I fear for his life.
Eric “nighthawk”
Air Cavalry all the way! When a voice cries out in distress, we will be there, no matter what the cost.
[This message has been edited by nighthawk (edited 01 September 2005).]
Anyone in the areas hit by Hurricane Katrina, I maybe of some help if you have questions. By Army Training as a NBC Specialist is usefull for cleaning up contaminated items, as well as safe drinking water, and other information as you rebuild your lives…
Just email me, I check my mail many times during the day
~Parnelli
PSG Steven H. McGarthwaite
US Army, Retired
1967-1995
Parnelli,
Amazon has a version of the N.B.C. manual and Survival manual for $20.53+ shipping. Just thought you might like to know. When I became an AeroScout they sent me through an advanced N.B.C. course. Scared the you know what out of me but I am thankful for it. I think you are correct that the survival tactics for N.B.C. apply to this situation as well. If I can be of any help please let me know.
Eric “nighthawk”
Air Cavalry all the way! When a voice cries out in distress, we will be there, no matter what the cost.
Hi every one. Just thought I would add to what Steven posted concerning my self here in Mississippi. I live in Hickory which is approximately 25 miles west of Meridian off I-20. We were in the dead center of the eye when it hit with catagory one, winds with gust over 100 mph. I have to say that we got off really lucky. Minor roof damage with only lots of tree damage. We lost the top out of a 100 year old hickory and oak. The city of Meridian was hit harder since they were on the north east side of the eye. Fortunatley I have only heard of one fatality caused by a tree falling on a guy in a car.
Now for a little bright side. My sister-in-law lives next door and she is going to be going to California for several months. She asked that if I heard of or knew of any small family from the south coast area that is need of a place to live (temporarily) she will rent her home out for a small fee, well under the normal rate for here. She also understands that they may be temporarily un-employed and is willing to work with them. This home is a very nice manufactured home with 3 bed rooms fully furnished with all the bedding dishes etc. that a family would need. It also has an in-ground pool and of course my small pond for fishing (bream & bass). So if there is any one out there that can use the assist let me know. I can post a picture of the place if any one wants to see it. BTW surprizingly she had zero damage to her place although the old trees are on her property.
Thanks for all the prayers and concern.
Michael (Wooly) Woolum
State Certified Hunter Education Instructor
Hickory, MS
I was a “Senior” NCO (Non Commissioned Officer), I was a Senior Instructor of NBC, and work as the Staff Specialist on NBC for a Brigadier General. I know a lot more than what you might find in some out of date Army Manuel.
Again, I offer my expertise to anyone that has questions and concerns.
Special concern for folks in the affect area is decontaminating items, so you do not become contaminated and become ill.
~Parnelli
[This message has been edited by Steven H. McGarthwaite (edited 01 September 2005).]
Well all, this storm has hit a little too close to home in more ways than one. You see I grew up in Houma, La. It is approximately 40 miles to the SW of New Orleans. Most of my family live in that area as well.
I am safe in Louisville, Ky; and I spent too many hours waiting to hear from anyone. I am lucky though. I only had to wait about 20 hours to hear from my father. He informed me that everyone is doing well.
Only thing is, I am not sure how to feel right now. I am overjoyed that my family is safe, but at the same time I feel sad for all of those that don’t have my luck as I have been blessed with in this.
I guess all I can say is that I will continue to pray for all of those that have loved ones that are being affected by Katrina.
Woohoo. Gotta love technology. Found some NOAA aerial photos of Biloxi, terraserver-ed my sister’s address, compared it to the overheads, zoomed in a bit, and found her apartment complex still standing. Daughter #3 identified the building and even that the car is still in the parking lot.
Yes NBC is the acronym for Nuclear, Biological, Chemical. To others it stands for “No Body Cares!” I was trained to save lives, after “the brown stuff hits the fan?”
Hurrican Katrina was not N, B, or C. but it has all the same effect (or the aftermath will) of N, B, or C.
I have spent a large portion of my life, working at planning for the day after dooms day, and recovering and saving as much resources and people as possible.
Usually started the day with a hot cup of coffee plotting the the new upper wind data reports to create downwind plots of contamination from nuclear, biological, chemical attacks (also works for industrial accidents).
People, equipment and supplies needed to decontaminate people, vehicles, and equipment. Set Triage points for detection before injured personnel, are allowed near medical facilities.
Keep charts on radiation exposure, and radiological decay estimates for contaminated areas, and re plot everything as needed when there is a major wind shift or temperature change.