USGS National Wetlands Research Center: Katrina Information for Evacuees

Information for Evacuees

Assistance Information
If you are a Katrina evacuee and need help, call (337) 232-HELP or 211.
Evacuees in need of dialysis (225)387-1333
Special needs Lafayette shelter information (800) 901-3210

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
To reach FEMA call (800) 621-3362.

Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness
7667 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
225-925-7500 http://www.loep.state.la.us/

Find Family

If you’ve lost contact with family members, call the Red Cross at (866) GET-INFO.

Missing children:

http://www.missingkids.com

Food

FoodNet (337) 232-FOOD

Food stamps hotline (800)221-5689 or in La. (225) 342-4054

Health & Safety
For health and safety information for cleanup after Hurricane Katrina, see http://www.dhhemergencynews.com

State Police Road Closure Hotline: 1-800-469-4828

Housing

Louisiana Homeless Service Organization: http://www.nationalhomeless.org/resources/local/louisiana.html

Housing for hurricane victims in need: http://www.hurricanehousing.org

Operation share Your Home, which is a charity-based organization aimed at assisting families who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina to find housing, is establishing a network of families willing to open their homes to those who are in need of one. You can visit the group’s Web site at http://www.shareyourhome.org or call toll free (888) 827-2525.

The St. Martin Parish Tourist Commission is concentrating relief efforts at the Atchafalaya Welcome Center in Butte La Rose. Many people are offering their camp, camper, houseboat or outdoor kitchen for temporary shelter. Anyone who would like to help can fax information and a contact number to the Welcome Center at (337) 228-1095.

Hotel information: (800)994-8626

Assistance for displaced wetland scientists: http://www.sws.org/

Employment
Local job listings: http://www.lafayette.org/site165.php

Those not eligible for regular unemployment may be eligible for disaster unemployment, regardless of present location. For more information visit www.dol.gov or call 1-866-4USA-DOL.

Library & Information Services (Computers, Internet access, Email)
Free family movies from 2-4 p.m. daily, additional computers are being made available for evacuee families, and access for laptops is available. The main library (201 W. Congress St. in downtown Lafayette) and the Southside Branch (5417 Johnston St. in time Plaza) are extending hours of service on Sunday and on Labor Day. Both locations will be open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Labor Day. For further information, call (337) 261-5787 or (337) 261-5779.

Pet Housing
Blackham Coliseum, corner of Johnston St and Cajundome Blvd. and New Iberia City Park.

Schools K-12
Any superintendent or teacher who needs help with school records may contact the state Department of Education at (877) 453-2721. The department also will set up a special space n the Teach Louisiana Website at http://www.doe.state.la.us to help with certification issues.

College Students
College students impacted by Hurricane Katrina who wish to enroll at the University of Louisiana should apply for admissions at Martin Hall. For more information call (337) 482-5912 or visit admissions in Martin Hall.

Attractions Offering Free or Discounted Admission to Katrina Evacuees

Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion St. - Free with ID 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Acadian Village, 200 Greenleaf Drive. - Free with ID, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. RV and tent camping available at a discount.

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Museum, 914 St. John St. - Discount on tickets with ID, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. (337) 232-1322.

Conrad Rice Mill, 307 Ann St., New Iberia. - Free with ID, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. (337) 364-7242.

Jungle Gardens, La. 329, Avery Island. - Free with ID, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Kart Ranch, 508 La. 89. - Free with ID, free unlimited play in kids’ playport, putt-putt golf and hot dog meal; 50% off all activities and concessions, not including tokens and batting cage, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday throughout September. Regular prices apply Saturday and Sunday.

Lafayette Natural History Museum and Planetarium, 433 Jefferson St. - Buy one ticket, get one of equal or lesser value free, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. (337) 291-5544.

Paul and Lulu Hillard University Art Museum, 701 E. St. Mary, University of Louisiana campus. - Free with ID, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. (337) 482-2278.

Shadows on the Teche, 317 E. Main St., New Iberia. - Free with ID, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4:30 Sunday. (337) 369-6446.

Skate Zone, 4518 W. Congress. - Children skate free from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with parents’ ID. (337) 988-1400.

Vermilionville, 300 Fisher Road. - Free admission with ID 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. (337) 233-4077.

Zoo of Acadiana in Broussard. - Free admission with valid ID.

Back To - Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Special Feature