It occurs to me looking at our pics in the "Pictures of Rigs & Trailers" if all of us took a week from our own schedules to donate time and muscle and equipment, we could make a difference somewhere in Mississippi, Louisiana or Alabama. We'll start a convoy with some good'ol boys from the Carolina's if you will start one in your state and we'll meet in Nashville, Tennessee and head south. How soon can you be ready to go?
Nat

 

If I had the money and resources, I'd meet you there tomorrow.

 

Don't have a trailer or the time but I do have a checkbook.
Watched a video on cnn.com where a guy was telling a reporter that he, his wife and kids were on top of their house and it split in two. He was trying to hold her and the kids, she told him to let her go and hold the kids because he couldn't do it all. He let her go and she got swept away in the flood. That was heartbreaking. You can't watch that and not feel the need to help.

~Rob

 

Maybe we can start a diesel fund for people going to help.

 

I have the truck and 18' flatbed, a chainsaw, tools, gloves, etc. When are we heading down?

 

Got a truck and and a 30 foot GN trailer.
(and four weeks of vacation time left yet)

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...cat=500&page=1

 

Rob,
I saw that too. It really chocked me up............

 

Ok guys and gals, it may be time to put-up or shut-up, as they say.

I have a call in to FEMA on what needs to be done to lend a hand. I have no idea what their response will be, but will let you know, when I know.

As I don't have a lot of spare cash to donate, my offer to them will be labor and hand tools.

 

I'm from New Orleans and have family in New Orleans, hopefully. They are not letting ANYONE in til Monday at the earliest. The water is still rising, even though the hurricane is gone. 1.5 million people left using 12 lanes to get out of the city, only two lanes are now available.

No way from the east, twin span (I-10) bridges washed out, just south of slidell. They can't even find hwy90 coming from the east. The I-10 in New Orleans is under water and will be until they get power to the pump stations. The only way in is from the west down old highway 90. I'm fore seeing large truck size diesel generators being used to power up the pumping stations to pump out the water. Until power gets restored in 4-6 weeks.

Don't get me wrong, all the help will be welcomed. Any donations will be greatly appreciated. The biggest need will be drinkable water. It's hot as heck down there in August and even when the water gets turned back on, it won't be drinkable for quite a while.

Thanks everyone for there help, thoughts and prayers.

67HotRod

 

Thanks HotRod. I know we will have to wait to get into New Orleans and Biloxi and Gulfport and some others, but by the time our contribution kitty is solidly funded I'll go if you will. Seriously I'd personally help spend it with chainsaws and axes, with crowbars and hammers, or transorting supplies, or burying pipe.
Nat

 

I helped in Homestead after Hurricane Andrew. Keep us posted pertaining to FEMA.
Indeed ladies and gentlemen the likes of this has never been seen. It soon will be time to put-up or shut-up. Well said.
Nat

 

I have all the time in the world...I'm between jobs right now...and I have some equipment that may be of help (small generator, chain saw, other tools & equipment) and the truck. Unfortunately (because I'm between jobs), I don't have the funds to make the trip down from N.H. I really wish there was something I could do.

Jim

 

I am sure those who do not have the time would put a small donation to those of us with the time but not the money. With diesel as expensive as it is, it would be prohibitive to pay to drive down, but I would haul water or whatever to make the journey. Once there we would donate manpower, towing power, whatever was needed to help these poor people in their time of need. According to FEMA and Red Cross, money is the most needed right now. I missed out on helping with 9/11, but really feel the need to do something down south.

 

natstayl, I agree with getting ready. One thing to consider is that all of the gas and diesel in the new orleans was used during the evacuation. Some people were not able to leave because there was no fuel to put in their vehicle's. I'm hearing from my folks that live south of jackson mississippi, that getting fuel to get to New Orleans is a problem. If anyone goes, bring extra fuel.

Were coordinating our efforts with our families now and working on a game plan. We still don't know the condition of their homes or businness' yet.

Once again, Thanks!

 

67HotRod,
If any of your folks can help us co-ordinate, let us know. I don't care how far north we start....there are a lot of folks on the fringes that also need help. Probably more so then the metro areas where the feds and locals are concentrating.