Indefatigable

Webster defines the word I've used as a post title today (Indefatigable) as "incapable of being fatigued." It is a fair bet that those who are involved with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will need large measures of this trait. And it is both mental and physical fatigue threatening.
People by the hundreds are trying to stay alive to be rescued from the flooded areas. Their military rescuers will be exhausted at the ends of their shifts. Police can't communicate with their superiors about what must seem to them like unending looting. Ambulance drivers are making runs that must seem innumerable as the evacuation of the most vulnerable takes place. The teams right now are focusing on the Rescue of survivors. But the Recovery teams will soon be out in force trying to do the very honorable work of counting and reclaiming bodies from the vast wreckage of the Mississippi coast. They will need a very large amount of support to remain indefatigable. For all those family members counting on them for news, even if it is terrible, it is a reality that they can begin to deal with.
At this point on this day, send energy "white light," as my good friend L. used to say, towards all those tireless folks acting on our behalf, for the public good.

P.S. In visiting around this morning I have found some interesting places on the web that I wanted to pass along:

• Reporters on the ground - at the front of the communication beach-head - turn up again every day to do their stand-ups. I alternate between the CNN and MSNBC satellite channels.
• This a link to the NolaSite some of you may have heard being written by New Orleans Times Picayune reporters.
• TPM Cafe's Josh Marshall has gathered posts from people in or near the affected area. The Reader blogs at that same site are already beginning to get political with the disaster, counsel to avoid getting political, or otherwise bring their wisdom to this overwhelming event.
• Here is excellent article on public health needs following the hurricane. I recommend it for the understanding it can bring in coming days.

My old social worker self closes this post with the following very "quick and dirty type" smattering of referrals. Here is the FEMA site with a list of organizations I am assuming are legitimate, in case anyone wants to make a cash donation. Here is the Louisiana website with volunteer opportunities (cash and/or help). The Salvation Army has a link on their site where people can try to find their loved ones. MSNBC has a very well-done online info page on how to help. The Baton Rouge area is taking one of the biggest Louisiana responsibilities as a location for refugees and logististical support for New Orleans.