This does a heart good to see all of the helping hands available to assist with the efforts in New Orleans.
I was born and raised in New Orleans and this is truly a devastating event.
My family and I evacuated and are safe and sound in Nashville, TN.
However, if you guys are going down there, PLEASE be carefull. I know everyone here has the best intentions in mind, but there are reports of armed gangs roaming the streets. Police have no way to contact each other as the cell phones do not work and they have no way to re-charge their radios. The gangs have already used a forklift and other heavy machinery to break into the local Wal-Marts, pawn shops, and gun stores. There are also reports of people being carjacked while making their way into the city.
Now, jokingly, I know that this is a situation that many ARFCOM members drool over. Realistically, if you plan to go, please do so with caution. I love the city and most of the people, but right now, this event has brought out the worst of humanity. My family and I will no longer reside there after this, as we are already making plans to move. I believe that this is a strong statement coming from someone who has lived there 35 years.
New Orleans is under MARTIAL LAW now. The police and military can confiscate and seize any and all of your equipment as they see fit and you can't do a thing about it.
If you guys need any other information, feel free to contact me here, or IM me. I'll be checking the boards all day.
Stay safe!