Lost contact with family during Hurricane

BURN-BROS · 08-30-2005, 03:51 PM

Moderators: please make this a sticky if you can.

I know this is definitely not Porsche related but I just found out that my Aunt and her family decided not to evacuate from their home in Covington Louisiana. to make matters worse my cousin, who lives in New Orleans evacuated to my Aunt's house along with their 3 year old. I cannot comprehend why they stayed

We have not been able to contact any public dept in the area as they have no utilities.

We did get information that Slidel, which is 15 miles to the east was leveled so one has to assume that Covington fared no better.

If anybody that has any usefull information about the area or can get me in touch with anyone that can help please let me know. My father is desperate to track them down.

Thanks in advance and God bless.

Driver8 · 08-30-2005, 04:29 PM

Bump

Zeke · 08-30-2005, 04:43 PM

God Bless. WE will keep bumping this until some LA folks can respond. Maybe they can PM you when they get online and set up communication. Meanwhile, have you contacted the HAM radio community? These folks are the lifeline in situations like this. I'm not a HAM, but they are the best and would do for you as a Pelican would do re your car.

johnco · 08-30-2005, 04:43 PM

Martial law has been declared. No one out or in. Slidell bridge is out, Causeway bridge is closed and damaged. I-10 is damaged. No phones, no electricity, sometimes cell phones will connect if you keep trying, Lake Ponchatrane is up to I-10. Maybe you could get in touch with the Red Cross or the National Guard. wish there was something I could do to help.

johnco · 08-30-2005, 04:47 PM

I have a friend that works for FEMA. Maybe she can tell me who you can contact to find your family. I'll call her and post as soon as I can find out something

jbrinkley · 08-30-2005, 04:50 PM

I PM'd and I don't know what else to say. It's the most tragic thing I've ever been close to

pwd72s · 08-30-2005, 04:57 PM

Please try to believe they are okay...it's the only way to think during times like these when communication is impossible... When you don't know, expect the best...

johnco · 08-30-2005, 05:05 PM

no luck, I'll keep trying. A fireman friend of mine from here is in N.O. helping in the rescue and recovery. I'm sure he's quite busy, so it might be a few days, but if I can contact him somehow, I'll get any info I can.

strupgolf · 08-30-2005, 05:14 PM

Prayers go out to you and all of the people in the area.

johnco · 08-30-2005, 05:36 PM

this might help-
If you haven't heard from a loved one within the disaster areas you might contact the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network.
http://www.satern.org/

here's the Red Cross Info number 1-866-GET-INFO

Louisiana State Police 800-469-4828

BURN-BROS · 08-30-2005, 05:47 PM

You guys are the best! This forum really feels like a family and the support...I couldn't ask for more.

Here is some info from a news outlet and a chat room

http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/WWL082905ross.86c6840.html

http://www.nola.com/forums/mandeville/index.ssf

Reports of a great deal of tree damage in that area and it gets worse as you get to Slidel. Slidel is so exposed on a number of sides that there is so much more damage there. I am keeping a positive outlook since that is the only one productive.

My heart goes out to all who live and/or have loved ones there. I grew up there and I hate to see it in such a state.

Milt, I will check online about the radio(HAM) thanks for the lead

Also, Has anyone seen Sherman(Shuie). He is in Baton Rouge, I believe that he was far enough from the bad stuff. Still, reports of Power outages have been reported there.

I got a call from a childhood friend that said they were already running out of gas at the stations in South Louisiana.

Major thanks to all who are posting haelp and support!

TRE Cup · TRE Cup's Garage

Schuie posted today on another thread.
God speed to all in finding their families well and healthy

Oh Haha · 08-30-2005, 06:06 PM

Bump and prayers for all suffering from Katrina.

mmastro · 08-30-2005, 06:08 PM

My bro-in-law is a HAM, I asked him to see if he could communicate w/ or get any info from Covington, LA.

Keep the Good Thoughts, man!

johnco · 08-30-2005, 06:12 PM

since so much food and supplies came from New Orleans, the stores in my town are running out of food, gas, etc. and with all the people evacuated thru here, what we have is going quick. Our cafe/wineshop will be out of food by Friday. We get everything from New Orleans.

Rodeo · 08-30-2005, 06:27 PM

Bump. Prayers to you and your family.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

From another gulfcoast pelican - hope you are able to contact your family soon. I have friends in New Orleans - and just heard they are OK - (East Side of NO) - please post your good news as you receive.

KevinP73 · 08-30-2005, 07:04 PM

Doesn't the Red Cross assist in situations like this? They might have a list of people in shelters or recieving aid from them. Perhaps if you posted the names of those you are concerned about we can try to help.

There are going to be some sleepless nights for you. Good Luck

KevinP73 · 08-30-2005, 07:12 PM

I stand corrected. This is taken directly off their website.

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, August 30, 2005 — We know thousands of Americans are worried about their loved ones in the aftermath of devastating Hurricane Katrina. With widespread power and communications outages and roads under water, it’s important to go back to communication basics to ensure that your family and friends know you are safe:

Call an out of town contact to let them know you are safe.
Ask them to spread the word to your family and friends.
Make sure your contact lives far enough away that they are not affected by the same storm.
Rest assured that emergency responders are working as quickly as possible and are doing all that they can to help those affected.
Remember that storms mean power outages and downed phone lines. Please keep trying and be patient.
Phone lines are often overwhelmed after a disaster. Try sending an email if you can—sometimes email works when phones don’t.
The American Red Cross has mobilized thousands of volunteers to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We are sheltering thousands and providing care and comfort to those affected. The Red Cross has the same problems with communication as the general public. We heed all directions from public officials, and do not enter areas until they are deemed safe. The Red Cross does not have information on the well being of any individuals. Our phone lines are being overwhelmed with calls, and we appreciate the desire to know how people fared during the storm. Medical and government officials will contact families in serious cases if necessary. The best way to help the Red Cross assist those affected by the storm is to remain patient and help us keep our phone lines open for emergencies only.

Please do not contact any Red Cross media representatives with welfare inquiries

Dirkclod · Dirkclod's Garage

Have faith brother !!!! I"am in ms and it"s not pretty but i know with a little time you"ll hear from your family. Please let us know when you do .I am a gamewarden here and we are heading down to help out and am not looking forward to what i will see but you have to have faith !!!!!!