Gustav: The Who, What, When, Where and How of This Hurricane Horror

The once reported category five hurricane Gustav has been threatening and terrorizing homes and towns since it's formation on the morning of August 5th, 2008. The devastating impact has been felt in the United States, all the way from Texas to Florida, hitting along the Mississippi and Louisiana coast lines. Here are some helpful tips and links about who is helping, what you can do to help and where to receive aid if necessary.

Have no fear! The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is here!

FEMA has been working round the clock with local and federal officials, as well as voluntary organizations to bring you the best in life saving disaster relief. Search and rescue teams are standing by just outside the impact zone to bring immediate aid to the communities in need. For information on how to prepare for any storm, visit www.Ready.gov. If you need assistance finding family or friends who may have been affected by the storm, visit http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Weather/Hurricane.shtml. To see more of what our great Uncle Sam is doing for you and your family, visit http://www.dhs.gov/xprepresp/editorial_0846.shtm

What can someone like me do to help?

The Government is glad you asked! If you would like to be a Good Samaritan and donate to those in need of assistance due to storms like Gustav, you may visit http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov/ for a list of non profit organizations and make a donation.

"If you're not volunteering, do so. It will make somebody else's life better, including your own." - President George W. Bush

If the president of the United States of America says it, it must be true.

I could use a little help!

For information about the storm in your area, click one of the following links.

• Alabama Hurricane Gustav
• Louisiana Hurricane Gustav
• Mississippi Hurricane Gustav
• Texas Hurricane Gustav

For additional information, you may visit FEMA's website at http://www.fema.gov/media/multimedia/2008/gustav/index.html

Although Hurricane Gustav has been reported to have dissipated into a weak tropical storm on the morning of September 2, 2008, it may still be a potential hazard. Many folks will be anxious to return home after the storm has passed, but Federal and Government officials urge all of you to remain unperturbed and patient until they are sure that Gustav is no longer a threat to our