How to help Hurricane Katrina victims

- (Cheyenne, Wyo.) The response from Wyoming residents wanting to help Hurricane Katrina victims has been enormous. However, the most efficient way to help is to donate funds to a disaster relief organization. The Wyoming Office of Homeland Security is urging residents not to self-deploy to the area. Volunteers should not report directly to the affected areas unless directed by a voluntary agency. "Self-dispatched volunteers can put themselves and others in harm’s way and hamper rescue efforts.," Wyoming Office of Homeland Security Deputy Director Larry Majerus said. Physical donations are not being taken at this time. Sending physical items or in-kind donations (i.e. clothing, blankets) can, as in past disasters, be wasted: an unfortunate result of overwhelming circumstances. The sorting of the items alone would remove response workers from response efforts. Contractors and companies who have services to offer can register those services at http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/katrinabusiness.shtm . To donate to relief efforts visit www.redcross.org, www.salvationarmyusa.org. A disaster relief organization list is also available at http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/katrinadonations.shtm .
To Contact the Wyoming Red Cross call 866-819-5166.

or visit

HURRICANE KATRINA CLAIMS ANOTHER VICTIM, THE PETS - With an ongoing effort to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina 3 weeks ago, another effort is being made to help the homeless pet victims. With thousands of pets of all sizes, being rescued, shelters and makes shift shelters are filling up in the Gulf Coast. So shelters across the U.S. are offering to take in pets. Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter Director Cel Hope explains what she has offered: . So how do you sign up to be a “foster parent”? . At the other end of the state, Cheyenne Animal Shelter Director Sue Castaneda has also volunteered to take in some pets and has already been taken up for the offer: . The Cheyenne Animal Shelter is also seeking foster homes to keep the pets until they can be put up for adoption. Well how else can the general public help? Mickey Scurio of Heaven’s Echo Animal Rescue in Buffalo tells us: . If you would like to help out you can find more information online at www.disaster.petfinder.com.