Quote History A bit over-the-top reporting but the basics are correct.
That state senator who wants to regulate the Cajun Navy? He was basically told to go F himself. His re-election chances are now zero.
The Red Cross turning away home cooked meals? Yes that happened. They don't know you from Adam and you could be a good Samaritan or some psycho who just laced 100 meals with cyanide. They can't take the chance. That Beth Yancey Houghton? She just got butt hurt that she showed up self-deploying and the Red Cross didn't bow at her feet. Another "medical professional" who thinks she is more important than she is. She was laughed at locally also. Go online, sign up, and be vetted PRIOR to the incident. Clothing is not the Red Cross' gig. Donate to the Salvation Army and/or St. Vincent de Paul.
Building permits. Well yes and no. Depends on your damage. Officially if you got 18 inches or less, no permits are necessary. Carry on. However once the water hits the electrical outlets then that steps it up another level. Watch this video of a building inspector walking you through what you need to look for. By the way the inspector is walking you through his own house.
http://www.wbrz.com/news/what-you-need-to-know-when-repairing-your-home/
In my case when I was rebuilding after Gustav, West Baton Rouge parish suspended all permits as long as the contractor was state licensed. Saved much time and money.
More than one out of state volunteer has said that they have never seen a community just take a step back, roll up their sleeves, and tell the rest of the world "Go away. We got this." Hell even our governor told Trump and BHO to not bother coming as it took valuable resources away from getting the job done.
It's just who we are.