Excellent Advice!

Bloggers vent a lot of steam. You humble Fool is no exception. The blushing bride praised God almighty for all of the opining I do here. Now, I don't have to talk her ear off! Certain times definately call for a Vescuvius of opining.

Others do not.

Paul of Wizbang identifies the aftermath of Katrina as one of those times where Blog venters need not apply. Instead, he asks for another service that we're surely good at providing: information presentation. Don't take my word for it. Read for yourself:

I fully understand if bloggers were disallowed from complaining about the media and politicians, that modem and broadband sales would suffer double digit sales slumps.... But take a break.

If you think you are more qualified to run the city then the people running it, then by all means when the next election cycle comes around, come on down and throw your hat in the ring. If you think you could have stopped the hurricane if only everyone had listened to you... well I can't help ya.

There'll be plenty of time to show off your 20/20 hindsight next week. For now, accept this for what it is... a natural disaster of biblical proportions.

If you want to do something, quit yer whining and do what blogs and bloggers do best... Use information to change the world.

He's dead on. And how does he know this? Simple: He's survived Katrina:

Think about it for a second from my chair... (I'm not whining but) I'm almost 40 years old.... Here is the sum total of all my worldly possessions: 4 pairs of shorts, 5 shirts, 2 pairs of shoes, 4 pairs of underwear, 1 pair of blue jeans, a box of family pictures, 2 flashlights, a piece of trench art my grandfather brought back from WWI and my father's hammer. (Hey, it means a lot to me!) That's it. Everything else is gone. And BTW, I'm unemployed.

I tell you that not to whine but to let you see the tree thru the forest. Multiply my situation by about a million. Stop and think about that... A million people homeless and unemployed.

So, what's he asking for? The following, and I'll do my part to help him get those answers, even if all I do is cut-and-paste his other trackbackers! Here goes:

99% of us have no idea how our neighborhoods did. Somebody try to find and compile (reliable) damage reports from specific neighborhoods. Sure it takes some local knowledge, but google maps will fill in the blanks. [Update: The levee broke and the whole damn town flooded so I guess we can check this one off the list.]

Well, some neighborhoods fared better than others. This map might help New Orleaneans like Paul get some idea of how their neighborhoods might be. Times-Peckayune blog has some information. Also, be sure to check this out. (Hat tip to Red Hot Cuppa Politiks)

We don't know how FEMA works. Somebody read the news reports on what FEMA is doing and what it is not... Somebody read their site and distill it for those of us who don't have time for red tape.

Bring it on has the answers:

FEMA: The Disaster Assistance Process for Individuals

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For use ONLY by people in designated federal disaster areas.
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Be prepared to give your Social Security number, describe your losses, provide financial information, and give directions to the damaged property.
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What You Can Do If You're Having Trouble Getting Through
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If you get a busy signal, try to call in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on the weekends when call volumes tend to be lighter.

Tips for Applying for Federal Disaster Assistance

People who lose their jobs due to the disaster may apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) which provides weekly benefits to individuals who are unemployed and not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance compensation. You can call 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) or the local unemployment office for information.

Flood insurance? I know the feds handle it. Who do I need to talk to? What do they pay?

From Floodsmart.gov come some answers. If you already have a flood insurance policy, this walks you through filing a claim:

I've been flooded, so what do I do now? Contact your insurance company or agent immediately. They will assign a claims adjuster to help you evaluate your loss and inform you of the steps you need to take to file your claim.

If major catastrophic flooding occurs, it may take longer to process claims and make payments because of the sheer number of claims submitted.

Let’s take a closer look at the claims process and what you can do to help speed the process along.

Itemizing your possessions:

1. Before flooding occurs, create a "flood file" (a detailed list) of all your possessions. Document possessions within your home or business with a thorough, room-by-room inventory. Describe each item and include serial numbers, model numbers, date of purchase and receipts. Itemize everything—from sofas, chairs and rugs to pictures, plants and contents of drawers and cupboards.
2. Take photos or video to document your possessions and include them in your "flood file" with your itemized list.
3. Safely store your "flood file" (flood insurance policy, itemized list, receipts, video, etc.) in a place secure from loss away from the property you're insuring; typically a safe deposit box.

Contacting your agent or insurance company:

1. If you've been flooded, contact your agent or insurance company immediately. Have the following ready:
* The name of your insurance company
* Your policy number
* A telephone and/or email address where you can be reached
2. Let your agent know where you can be reached at all times. If you're in a shelter or cannot be easily reached, provide your agent with a trusted point-of-contact (friend, relative) who can reach you if necessary

Making a claim
After you have contacted your agent:

1. Separate damaged from undamaged items. Do not throw out damaged property before your adjuster has seen it, unless it may be a health hazard or could impede local cleanup. If objects must be discarded, take photos and keep samples (fabric swatches, pieces of furniture, etc.) to help substantiate your claim.
2. Review your policy. Flood insurance covers buildings and/or contents for residential and non-residential properties. It’s important to know what your policy covers.

To claim personal property loss you must have contents coverage. Use this list for general guidance:

What's covered:
* The insured building—
* Built-in appliances and central air
* Permanently installed paneling, wallpaper, cabinets and carpets
* Garage (up to 10 percent of total building coverage)
* Limited coverage for basements
* Debris removal
* Contents, if contents coverage has been purchased

What's not covered:
* Vehicles
* Decks
* Land and fences
* Plants
* Animals
* Currency
* Boats
* Swimming pools
3. Take photos of standing water, both outside and inside your home or business. Photograph and videotape everything—from structural damage and flood water levels on building exteriors to building interiors and contents—to help prepare documentation of what the flooding damaged.
4. Make a list of all damaged or lost items. Work with your adjuster to itemize your claim and calculate the value of the items destroyed by applying your detailed inventory against your damaged or lost property.
5. Obtain a repair estimate from your adjuster. You should both come to an agreement about the scope of damage—determine what needs to be repaired or replaced.
6. File a Proof of Loss within 60 days of the flood. This sworn statement, made by you, is the valuation of claimed damages. It substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or WYO can make payment. Your adjuster should provide the form for you. However, it is your responsibility to provide your insurance company with a signed Proof of Loss within 60-days of the date of loss.
7. Understand the process. Ask detailed questions and manage your claim so that you receive your insurance benefits in a timely manner.
8. If an adjuster has not been assigned to you within a few days of your phone call, contact your insurance agent or company again.

And remember: to stay covered, you must renew your policy each year.

This is what FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program policies cover and pay:

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is your primary source for flood insurance in the U.S. The often catastrophic nature of flooding has kept most insurers from writing flood coverage. The NFIP was established to help licensed agents and insurance companies provide affordable flood insurance to homeowners and businesses.

Whether your property is in a low- to moderate-risk or high-risk flood area, it can be insured with the NFIP Flood Insurance Policy, if it is located in a community that participates in the NFIP.

The Standard Flood Insurance Policy Forms
The NFIP offers three Standard Flood Insurance Policy Forms. The policy type is determined by how a building is occupied. The three policy forms are:

* The Dwelling Form insures residential structures and/or contents and individual residential condominium units.
* The General Property Form insures residential buildings of more than four families as well as non-residential buildings (schools, churches, businesses, etc.).
* The Residential Condominium Building Association Policy Form (RCBAP) insures associations under the condominium form of ownership.

Residential insurance for one- to four-family unit buildings and individual residential condominium units are written under the Dwelling Form and are eligible for up to $250,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 on personal property coverage. On average, a homeowner policy costs about $400 a year for around $100,000 of coverage.

Residential buildings containing more than four units are written under the General Property Form and are eligible for up to $250,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 on personal property.

Residential insurance may be purchased for building only, contents only or a combination of the two. Download Flood Quick Quote: Residential [PDF 26KB] Text version. [7KB] to help you approximate the cost of coverage.

Non-Residential insurance—for properties like schools, churches and commercial structures— are written under the General Property Form and are eligible for building coverage up to $500,000 and $500,000 on personal property.

Like insurance for residential properties, coverage may be purchased for building only, contents only or a combination of these. To help estimate your cost of coverage, download Flood Quick Quote: Non-Residential [PDF 26KB] Text version. [7KB]

Condominium associations are written under the Residential Condominium Building Association Policy—or RCBAP—Form and are eligible for building coverage, which includes all units within the building (and improvements), up to $250,000 times the number of units within the residential building. Personal property coverage is limited to $100,000 per building.

The Preferred Risk Policy is a lower-cost option, for building and contents coverage on properties located in a low- to moderate-risk area. It is available for both residential and non-residential properties.

Regardless of which policy you choose, there is a standard 30-day waiting period, from date of purchase, before a new flood policy goes into effect. However, if your lender requires flood insurance in connection with the making, increasing, extending or renewing of your loan, there is no waiting period.

Additional Benefits & Coverage

* Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC)—ICC coverage helps pay for the increased costs to comply with State of Community floodplain management laws or ordinances after a flood, when the building has been declared substantially or repetitively damaged. Coverage can be applied to elevation, relocation, demolition or floodproofing (non-residential only), up to $30,000.
* Debris & Loss Avoidance—the SFIP also provides other types of flood insurance coverage, including debris removal and loss avoidance measures (like the cost of plywood and sandbags).

Every natural disaster I send the Red Cross my standard $100 donation. I have no idea how to get money from them. It is a grant or a loan?

The best way to get that information is to contact the local Red Cross office. For NO, that would be here:

If you require Red Cross emergency assistance, we are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by calling the Chapter Headquarters toll-free, (800) 229-8191.

If I don't actually cancel my phones and my bill is auto-debit do they still bill me?

Heather Chase of Hurricaid says:

This is considered an interruption of service, and you will not be billed for it. If some idiot makes a mistake and bills you for it, you contact them to resolve it right away.

If I shut off my phone will I lose my number?

Again, Heather says:

Don’t shut off your phone.

Heck- Somebody make an "Evacuee survival guide" with laser precision information on how to get help without clicking 50 links or waiting on hold 2 hours. If you can save 25,000 people 5 hours of looking up the same information, think of the power in that!

The Red Cross comes close. This is their program After a Flood. Their general tips on disaster survival include:

Important Steps for Your Safe and Speedy Recovery

The American Red Cross has prepared this information to encourage you take precautions to help keep you safe and speed your recovery after a disaster. You will also find ideas on what you can do to help make yourself and your home safer from future disasters.*

* If you were affected by a fire in your home, please ask your local Red Cross chapter for the booklet Picking Up the Pieces After a Fire, or visit www.redcross.org, for more detailed information specific to recovering from that disaster.

Immediately After-

* Check the area around you for safety. In the case of biological, chemical or radiological threats, listen for instructions on local radio or television stations about safe places to go.
* Have injuries treated by a medical professional. Wash small wounds with soap and water. To help prevent infection of small wounds, use bandages and replace them if they become soiled, damaged or waterlogged.
* Some natural hazards, like severe storms or earthquakes, may recur in the form of new storms or aftershocks over the next several days. Take all safety precautions if the hazard strikes again. For an earthquake aftershock, remember to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON just like you did during the initial earthquake.
* Avoid using the telephone (cellular or landlines) if a large number of homes in your area have been affected by a disaster. Emergency responders need to have the telephone lines available to coordinate their response. During the immediate post- disaster time period, only use the telephone to report life-threatening conditions and call your out-of-town emergency contact.
* Remain calm. Pace yourself. You may find yourself in the position of taking charge of other people. Listen carefully to what people are telling you, and deal patiently with urgent situations first.
* If you had to leave your home, return only when local authorities advise that it is safe to do so. Also, be sure to have photo identification available, because sometimes local authorities will only permit people who own property in a disaster-affected area back into the area.
* Except in extreme emergencies or unless told to do so by emergency officials, avoid driving during the immediate post-disaster period. Keep roads clear for rescue and emergency vehicles. If you must drive, do not drive on roads covered with water. They could be damaged or eroded. Additionally, vehicles can begin to float in as little as six inches of water. Vehicles such as trucks and SUVs have larger tires and are more buoyant. However, even though these vehicles are heavier than a standard sedan, the buoyancy caused by the larger amount of air in their tires actually makes these vehicles more likely to float in water than smaller vehicles.
* If the disaster was widespread, listen to your radio or television station for instructions from local authorities. Information may change rapidly after a widespread disaster, so continue to listen regularly for updates. If the power is still out, listen to a battery- powered radio, television or car radio.
* If the area was flooded and children are present, warn them to stay away from storm drains, culverts and ditches. Children can get caught and injured in these areas.

There's even more good stuff there.

Think of the simple things- Thousands of people lost their glasses. Somebody set up a website where they can coordinate donations of (known) prescription glasses from people who no longer need them. Get a freight company to donate the freight. I bet FedEx will give you an account number that will route all the glasses to some agency in New Orleans.

I'm open to suggestions on how to get something like this off the ground. Any takers?

I hope this humble sampler provides some assistance to Katrina's survivors. If any one else has any leads as to Paul's concerns, as well as others he didn't state but may clearly have, trackback here so we can generate as much information in as few links as possible. Survivors don't have the luxury of blogosphere stalking. They need answers as quickly as possible. So put the football down and get to work!