GROUP BEING ORGANIZED TO LEAVE FOR LOUISIANA NEXT WEEK IF NECESSARY

========== PLEASE CROSSPOST ==========

GROUP BEING ORGANIZED TO LEAVE FOR LOUISIANA NEXT WEEK IF NECESSARY

OK folks here we go again. I just returned yesterday from New Orleans and am organizing a group to make preparations NOW to be able to leave ANY DAY next week if the New Orleans levees fail or if Gustav wreaks havoc to the emergency pet evacuation shelters which the state of Louisiana has set up in Alexandria, Shreveport and other locations (which is where Gustav's eye appears to be headed as of this morning).

1) Volunteers are not being invited as of yet. 2) The highways near New Orleans have been put into "contraflow," which means that no one can drive into the city since all highways are headed only outbound. 3) Volunteers arriving on their own will NOT be allowed in, as the authorities made it very, very clear that they will arrest anyone caught in a clandestine manner trying to enter any parish under mandatory evacuation. 4) The last thing the authorities need is for vigilante would-be rescuers to need to also be rescued if a major catastrophe occurs. Let's not forget how the 350 firemen died on Sept 11.

Here is what we CAN do:

Prepare plans to be able to leave on a dime by packing, getting supplies, camping gear, water jugs, generators, fuel cans, coolers, batteries, flashlights, rescue jackets, plastic gloves, masks, hand sanitizers, unperishable food, duct tape, etc.

I am FEMA certified and just completed my Louisiana State Animal Response Team certification (LSART) when I was in New Orleans two days ago. I am waiting for my LA state credentials any day now. Once my credentials are in hand, and if Gustav turns into a major disaster, I will be bringing as large a group as possible down to Louisiana with me next week, assuming the state puts the call out for out of state volunteers. You are welcome to join. If you intend to come please fill out the volunteer LSART form at http://www.lsart.org/.

My plan is to rendezvous with everyone who wants to be a part of this group in Fayetteville, NC, where we own a 24 ft. Mobile Veterinary Unit with self-powered generator, etc. From there we will drive into Louisiana in a caravan of vehicles. Vehicles which can carry as many animals as possible will be most in need.

Please respond with your phone number and name if you are starting to make preparations to be able to leave any day next week. Thank you all for your concern.

Garo Alexanian

Companion Animal Network