Hard choices as Hurricane Gustav heads for New Orleans
Almost three years to the day after Hurricane Katrina ripped through New Orleans, we’re bracing for what might be the sequel: Hurricane Gustav.
I hope it won’t be. But I’m not sticking around to find out. Tomorrow afternoon, my sister-in-law and I will evacuate the Crescent City, where I work as a bellman for a hotel in the French Quarter, and head north to Mandeville, La.
As a transplant to the Gulf Coast, post-Katrina, I don’t yet know the fury of a hurricane. But I will.
The questions loom just as Gustav does. How well will the levees hold up?
How will we hold up?
It won’t be easy. My brother is staying here, just like he did during Katrina. He works for the New Orleans Police Department.
At the end of August, 2005, he bore witness to events and destruction that no human being should. While hundreds of thousands fled, including those who were expected to stay and serve the people, he saved as many as he could.
Like many of his colleagues, he asked for nothing but prayer — prayer that he might have the chance to save another life. I’m proud of him.
My sister-in-law and I will be looking after six dogs and a dozen or so cats during the storm. It’s not exactly police work, but the pets will probably be as nervous as we are about Gustav, and they’ll need protection and assurance as this dangerous storm bears in on us.
If Gustav hits New Orleans, my apartment is likely to be destroyed.
I live in the Lower Garden District, in the last apartment standing between the Mississippi River and new houses and apartments being built. As of this morning, this new construction has not been secured. Should these materials remain as they are, they will no doubt be blown down by Gustav’s wind force.
That’s affected what I will take with me. As I pack, I find myself arguing what to bring, and what to leave behind. I might as well be deciding what to keep — and what to throw into a dumpster after the storm.
As for my hotel duties, I’m finished until the threat passes. Last night, and the day before, I helped as many guests as needed into taxis or personal cars to the airport. I hold concern for them too, praying that they make it out in time.
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Good luck and godspeed to you. I’m saying my prayers.
Thank you. I will try to provide updates as we can. We’re leaving very soon to our hideaway spot just about an hour north of New Orleans, so we will still get hit by it. I managed to get everything into the bedroom that I think will be safest, if my apartment survives at all that is.