Update on Hurricane Gustav

Gustav officially made landfall today in Louisiana. A group of volunteers has already created a wiki to centralize information about the storm, available resources and ways to help. MSNBC has posted a really good map of the storm's path and United Way's 211 hotlines have already received 500-1500 calls a day per center. By Wednesday morning, residents are expecing 6-12 inches of rain over portions of Louisiana, Southern Mississippi and Arkansas, with up to 20 inches in some locations.

I thought I'd pass along an update that I recieved today about United Way's expectations and response to Gustav. If new information comes in as the storm progresses, I'll let you know. The following is an update we've received from Erin Sammons, United Way of America Director of Crisis Preparedness, Response and Recovery:

"The Coordinated National Response Core Crisis Team at United Way of America has been mobilized to help local United Ways and people throughout the region:

• We have spoken with and provided resources to United Way offices in LA and other states likely to be affected, and we continue to be in regular contact as Gustav approaches.
• We are coordinating with the American Red Cross regarding the dissemination of information through 2-1-1
• We are in contact with Atlanta, San Francisco, Kansas City and Texas call centers to assist with 2-1-1 overflow call capacity for Louisiana.
• We provided 2-1-1 contact information to FEMA.
• LA and MS Governors are recommending the use of 2-1-1 in press conferences.
• We have placed the national AIRS/2-1-1 Disaster Response Team on alert.
• Operation Caring Communities is on standby and, once needs are identified, the Team will match offices in the affected areas to buddy offices outside of the Gulf Coast region"

I'll keep you posted as I learn more.