Gustav news here (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Hammond: waterpark, live in, airport)

[Drouzin]

Tired but can't sleep. Left St. Bernard and am up on the North Shore above I-12. My neighbor Ms. Rambo decided to leave. Another neighbor left her windows open; we were concerned and stuck our heads thru the windows calling for her and banging on the door. There was no sign of Miss Mary so we can only hope that the open windows was just another one of her wacky ways.

SIL had the evacuation from hell. There was a crying cat, a yappy dog, a terrible two, a father who can't hear but wanted to hold a conversation from the back seat, and her mother is very sickly and needs assistance with everything. They got to Hattiesburg, MS and decided to stop and eat. Someone broke into her husband's truck and stole some of their things. On top of all of this she jack knifed with her trailer when backing out of the parking lot and damaged her vehicle.

Driven nuts, robbed, and wrecked, they say bad things come in threes so maybe things will be smooth sailing for them from here on out. At least that's what I told her. I'm glad she was laughing when she told me, 'cause it sure would have been rude for me to laugh first.

[aiangel_writer]

Isn't it amazing how bad people prey on good people! Dh said the same thing, and we certainly hope there will not be a lot of looting after the storm like before.

[darylwi]

Originally Posted by Drouzin

They got to Hattiesburg, MS and decided to stop and eat. Someone broke into her husband's truck and stole some of their things.

People prey on the vulnerable. That's pitiful. Some people just have no shame.

[gvmesun]

The thought of people taking advantage of those that evacuate is unbelievable! I hope people like that get caught and hung. It's not a wonder that people are afraid to leave their homes.

[zonababe]

If you live is NOLA and you're reading this post, please pack your belongings and leave the area now. If you have pets, crates have been provided along side the buses. I saw the pet crates on the news. Your pets can go with you. Please don't look for reasons to stay. Your safety and welfare is of the most importance. I'll keep all of you in my thoughts.

[Sam I Am]

This from LA Animal Services:

LSART / Preparation Links

Also, there is an emergency pet shelter being set up in Dallas, Texas, for folks in the Reunion area. I can get more info if needed.

[SBCmetroguy]

Speaking of pets, for those of you evacuating to Shreveport-Bossier they have set up emergency pet shelters here as well. I am SO HAPPY to see people giving more thought to pets this time around.

Of course if you're still evacuating, don't come to Shreveport-Bossier because you will find it quite full already. The traffic last night amazed me when I went out for a very late dinner, but what amazed me more was that the Chinese buffet I stopped into was pretty busy at 9pm because it's next door to one of the shelters. A group of 15 Asian people who said they were from New Orleans came in the door as I walked in.

[Sam I Am]

At this time there is an influx of evacuees in Russellville, Arkansas (of all places)...for those just starting to think about leaving - if you have medications, PLEASE bring your bottles with you. The pharmacists in the new locale will have a difficult time transferring your prescriptions if power goes out and they cannot contact your regular pharmacy. The LA governor authorized emergency two month refills on some maintenance meds but you gotta know what they are.

Also, if you have a pet that is microchipped, please leave the chip info with someone else as well in case you and your pet get separated somehow (God forbid).

[Drouzin]

Honestly ya'll the thief almost did SIL a favor. He/she took the playstation and all the games. That thing irked her so badly because her hubby spent so much time on it. It was the loss of the GPS system that hurt. We have to laugh because he always talks about who ever would steal the truck would be doing him a favor, but they left the truck. LOL, that man is never going to have an excuse to get a new truck at this rate.

Thanks Sam for reminding me to get Mom's meds together!! I'd forgotten.

BTW anyone know what's up with the zoo and aquarium?

[Drouzin]

Getting darker outside and a little dab of rain here in Slidell, when I talked to Hubby in St. Bernard I could hear a bit of wind blowing in the mouthpiece of his phone. The window for leaving is begining to close imo. Possible good news is the cooler dry air hindering development; new report should be out at four.

Thank ya'll for your good thoughts and well wishes.