Setback and Survivors: Communication and Katrina
Narrative account of my desparate search to get information about my Mother after Katrina.
Object Type: Online Text
It is difficult to imagine that in the 21st century a disaster such as Katrina could put us back before telephones, computers, medical emergency assistance and even in some cases automobiles. Phones and computers were out, and some had to be rescued by boat.
I live in New York City and was so concerned about my Mother, Lena Finegold.
When I was unable to reach my Mother's nursing home by phone to find out where they were, or if they were flooded, in desperation I called the Red Cross and told them she had been at Willowwood in Algiers(across the river from New Orleans) and would they please get me some information. They agreed to do so and call me back, but they did not. When I called them again, they told me they had no contact with their workers, as all their Red Cross field workers communication systems were inoperative. I received a call form an EMS worker that my Mother had been evacuated by bus and sent to the nearest hospital, the Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette, Louisiane. This is where she passed away.
Location:
Citation Information:
Mollyne Karnofsky, "Setback and Survivors: Communication and Katrina." Katrina's Jewish Voices, Object #713 (September 02 2010, 11:10 am)