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Nation responds to Katrina with outpouring of aid
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AUGUST 31, 2005
By Happynews Staff

by Jennifer McCutchen
HappyNews Assistant Editor
As Hurricane Katrina surges through southern coastal cities and residents are faced with evacuation and the devastating effects left behind, people around the nation are preparing for a massive relief effort.
President Bush has declared states of emergency in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, allowing for federal agencies to ready relief efforts in conjunction with state and local officials. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and other organizations are sending rescue squads and medical teams as well as supplies of food, water, and ice to help alleviate Katrina’s aftereffects and protecting the public health and safety. The American Red Cross is mobilizing volunteers from across the country to affected areas.
Office Depot has pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross and is encouraging other companies to make contributions. See related story.
Anheuser-Busch is another major company involved in the outpouring of disaster relief. They have orchestrated the delivery of 12,500 cases of canned drinking water to Mississippi and Louisiana. See related story.
“The men and women here are ready to respond everywhere and anywhere”, Michael Brown, director of FEMA, told the Associated Press.
The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services teams in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi have already established numerous Mobile Feeding Units, serving 5,000 meals per day, plus two fully equipped mobile kitchens which can serve 20,000 meals per day in the disaster regions. Other supplies such as clean-up kits, mobile canteens, mops, and brooms are also being distributed.
The Environmental Protection Agency has activated a response network and has deployed personnel to help deal with any potential spills that may arise from the many oil refineries and chemical companies situated around New Orleans, an area that was expected to suffer the most catastrophe partly because of its below-sea-level location.
Aid from federal agencies is not the only help pouring in. With Katrina leaving a massive power outage in its wake, neighboring statewide electric companies are providing support with the affects. A total of 712 employees and contractors with TXU Electric Delivery, a division of the Dallas-based TXU Corp in Texas, have been dispatched to Florida and Louisiana to help restore power and offer assistance. Other volunteers are on their way to the disaster-stricken area with truckloads of supplies.
Individuals interested in providing relief aid can donate by credit card to American Red Cross’ National Disaster Relief Fund by visiting their Web site. To assist The Salvation Army in meeting the needs of victims, call 1-800-SALARMY or visit their Web site.