People unable to evacuate

[Anonymous]

I am at work today (fire department). One of my coworkers just called his mother in NO. She is there with several of my coworkers at an EMS conference. They can't get a flight out, nor can they find a rental car. They even tried to get a Ryder truck. No go, so they plan to ride it out in their hotel in Downtown NO.

[killah]

sad enough, tht is the fate of many people here. I can tell you after talking to people in my hood', 80% are staying.

[inotherwords]

Are they opening the Superdome as a shelter? One would think it would be aerodynamically sound because of its shape and possibly a good place to be, for as many as can get in there safely.

[Anonymous]

Also, I just talked to my relatives in NO and they are staying put. They said they can't afford to go and that the storm won't be that bad anyway.

Worst part is, most of them are old enough to remember Betsy and Camille.

[BarneyBoo]

They use the Superdome as a "shelter of last resort". Unfortunately, many people won't use the Dome because they don't want to leave their pets or their homes.

I'm in New Orleans and I'm scared.

[Coldfront]

See if *you* can call in to get a rental car, say you'll need to drive it one-way from NO to "where ever".

Was stuck in a somewhat similar situation in Chicago back in 2000. No hurricane, but during the July 4th holiday. Whereever we called, we couldn't get a rental car (or Ryder van) to save our lives. Dad calls from out-of-state for us and was able to reserve one for us, as a one-way drive.

One option you might try. Good luck!

[Air Force Met]

They use the Superdome as a "shelter of last resort". Unfortunately, many people won't use the Dome because they don't want to leave their pets or their homes.

I'm in New Orleans and I'm scared.

They are opening it at 8 AM tomorrow.

[skufful]

I am at work today (fire department). One of my coworkers just called his mother in NO. She is there with several of my coworkers at an EMS conference. They can't get a flight out, nor can they find a rental car. They even tried to get a Ryder truck. No go, so they plan to ride it out in their hotel in Downtown NO.

If that is the case then the airlines should cancel other flights around the country and get people out if this thing is definite.

[inotherwords]

They use the Superdome as a "shelter of last resort". Unfortunately, many people won't use the Dome because they don't want to leave their pets or their homes.

I'm in New Orleans and I'm scared.

A few shelters around here have just started accepting pets. It's one of the biggest reasons many people don't evacuate, so they had to figure out a way to accommodate them.

I know this does not help you right now. I'm sorry. I wish I could offer you my couch and you can feel free to bring your pets. I am so sad!

[jopatura]

I read in a Yahoo! Article that more then 100,000 residents will stay in NOLA because they don't have the money to get out. That doesn't include people who choose to stay or people who are stranded elsewhere/due to other reasons then financial. Even with the Superdome open, a direct hit is going to be very very ugly.

[angelwing]

My girlfriend in NO can't leave. The ambulance brought her brother from the hospital to her home to die and she is worried sick-he is bedridden and on oxygen. The charity hospital where he was at would not keep him and she has no one to turn to, everyone else is leaving, sigh

[Anonymous]

The local special needs shelter is required to take him. He is on hospice, right?

[angelwing]

No hospice...all family as there is no $ but I'll pass it on I don't know if there is one there for her-thank you for the info

[Shoshana]

From NOLA.com:

Special-needs Shelter Contacts Provided
The state has opened two medical needs shelters in the state, one in Alexandria (800-841-5778) and one in Monroe (866-280-7287). Superdome will be opened as a refuge of last resort for special needs patients if it becomes necessary. New Orleans residents can call 504-658-2500 for shelter information.

People seeking access to a special needs shelter must call in advance to gain admission. The state may open additional shelters in other cities if necessary. The state provided a set of phone numbers for residents in the following regions:

Alexandria: 800-841-5778
Shreveport: 800-841-5776
Baton Rouge: 800-349-1372
Monroe: 866-280-7287
Houma/Thibodaux: 800-228-9409
Slidell/Hammond: 866-280-7724
Lafayette: 800-901-3210
Lake Charles: 866-280-2711

Hope that helps!

[CharleySurvivor]

It is hearthbreaking to read your posts...I have a big house all to myself and would open it to SO many of you right now (pet included too!) You all be safe in LA/MS.

[SONY]

My 94 year old infirmed grandmother cannot make the evacuation so a local hospital in Reserve is coming to pick her up and house her there through the storm. I feel soo bad for the sick and elderly who are unable to leave.

[angelwing]

THANK YOU for the numbers!!!! Passing it on now!!!!!!!!!!

[chrisnnavarre]

I will monitor this thread all night and tomorrow, remember only tomorrow PM early could I leave and make it back. But if anyone knows of anyone that needs evac from New Orleans, I will drive down I-10 as far as I can...maybe can make it outside of Slidell. If you can hitch a ride outside the city I will try and pick them up and carry them east to Navarre.

That is if we don't get hit ourselves.....but if a direct hit on NOLA firms up, I have friends here that will help as well. We will convoy over if necessary.

We are all for the most part active duty and retired military. We will do what is necessary to get anyone who needs out of the city out.

We will help you get back, don't worry....

[MomH]

Given her EMS standing maybe she could work out something with a new car dealer. I mean driving a car out of NO to a point where it could be picked up after the storm. They would at least be out of the worst of it.

If any of them have a license to drive large vehicles (busses) they should also check with the city itself. I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't looking for folks willing to drive school busses loaded with people to shelters outside the city.

Just thoughts. I'm hurting for all in Kats path right now.

MomH

[artist]

chris - what a very kind offer!