Hurricane Gustav Will Make Landfall on Labor Day – Please Consider Helping

Hurricane Katrina didn’t directly affect Daytona Beach, but we were all affected in the days, weeks, and months afterward. It’s been three years since Katrina and now Gustav is forecasted to make landfall west of New Orleans tomorrow.

Evacuations are underway and most people will be out of the city and the surrounding communities when Gustav hits. It’s what happens afterward that’s important for us in the Daytona Beach area.

I hope with all my heart that the storm turns out to much less powerful than forecasts. If it does hit, we need to be prepared. We Americans have big hearts and when needed we step up and help. You and I will be asked to support the people affected by the storm. I plan to help in the best way possible.

The American Red Cross is always at the forefront of disaster assistance. They are among the first on scene and know where to send aid. Here is a message from their website:

“The Red Cross is closely monitoring Hurricane Gustav’s track. We’ve moved staff, volunteers, vehicles and supplies into multiple states in preparation. We must respond before disaster strikes, which means being ready with the right resources, in the right place, at the right time.”

You can donate at the Red Cross here. Please, if you can, donate right now on line and your money will be put to work immediately. I just donated a few minutes ago. Please, pull out your credit card and donate. The donation can be as little as $10, but if everyone in Daytona Beach would do that, well you get the idea.

If you own property that is not rented and might be available, please consider making that property available to displaced residents of the disaster area – if it’s necessary. There will be government payments available, if it’s like Katrina.

Thanks for helping.