Kanjorski Urges Use of Federal Government Web Site to Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced the federal government has activated the main Web site that the public should use in determining how to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. The National Emergency Resource Registry, http://www.nerr.gov/, is a Department of Homeland Security Web site designed for emergency response aid including housing, transportation, services, food and personal items. This Registry lets the public know what type of aid is needed most and helps victims of the disaster find the assistance they need

"When I sent out a call to Northeastern Pennsylvanians to open their homes to survivors, my office received an overwhelming response from people offering rooms in their homes. At this point, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has reported that many survivors are hoping to stay closer to their home cities. However, I urge you to register what help you have available on the Registry's Web site," Congressman Kanjorski said.  "I know that my constituents are generous people and have been looking for ways to help the survivors of this incredible disaster. However, in many cases people do not know exactly what to do or who to contact. The National Emergency Resource Registry is a more centralized resource to coordinate aid efforts between the public and private sectors to get services and relief to the victims. However, it is not a perfect system and I ask that you remain patient," Congressman Kanjorski said. 

The National Emergency Resource Registry currently lists the following as the most needed items: commercial aircraft, baby food, housing, transportation, and emergency supplies.

The public can register what type of help they have available at http://www.nerr.gov/. Constituents who do not have Internet access can call Congressman Kanjorski's office and a staff member will assist them in registering.

The American Red Cross is currently taking volunteers to the Gulf States, but each volunteer must complete an eight-hour training session.

"Locally, all classes are filled for the coming week, but people can sign on to a waiting list. This is going to be a long-term process of recovery, but if you can be patient you will have the opportunity to be trained and offer your help in the Gulf States," Congressman Kanjorski said.

The contact information for each of the Red Cross chapters in the 11^th Congressional District follows:

Wyoming Valley Chapter (Luzerne County): 570-823-7161

Scranton Chapter (Lackawanna County): 570-207-0100

Bloomsburg Chapter (Columbia County): 570-784-1395

Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter (Carbon County): 610-865-4400

Monroe County Chapter: 570-476-3800

For more information on how to help, you can also visit Congressman Kanjorski's Web site: http://kanjorski.house.gov/.

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