Ongoing Oil Spill in the Gulf

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Red Cross chapters around the country are in a dual role of delivering programs directly and, more importantly, of assembling the network of organizations (including faith-based and advocacy groups, other non-profit organizations,

citizen preparedness groups, neighborhood groups, and many more) that will reach all segments of the community. 

An example of our dual role is being carried out in real time now here as the Southeast Louisiana Chapter works with

other partner organizations, through Volunteers Active in Disasters (VOAD), to identify resources for those families

affected by the ongoing oil spill.

We will keep this list as up to date as possible, to be used as a resource list by the community.  Please let us know if

you find any errors or if we're missing anything and we'll update it.

For current information about Catholic Charities’ extensive efforts to provide relief in the Gulf

To donate food, money or time contact Second Harvest (Feeding America) Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana

To offer assistance with wildlife rehabilitation efforts, visit Audubon Institute Oil Spill Resources or Audubon Institute Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program (LMMSTRP). 

Relationship Between Hurricanes and the Oil Spill

As millions along the coast prepare for what is predicted to be an extremely active hurricane season, they are also faced with reality of a growing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. While the oil slick is not likely to have a significant impact on a hurricane's actual development, it is important to understand how the two may affect each other.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), most hurricanes span 200-300 miles, which is far wider than the current size of the spill. If the slick remains small in comparison to a typical hurricane's general environment and size, the anticipated impact on the hurricane would be minimal.

The oil slick is not expected to appreciably affect either the intensity or the track of a fully developed tropical storm or hurricane. The oil slick would have little effect on the storm surge or near-shore wave heights.

A hurricane's impact on an oil slick has the potential to be greater. The high winds may distribute oil over a wider area, but it is difficult to model exactly where the oil may be transported. In very general terms, a hurricane passing to the west of the oil slick could drive oil to the coast, whereas a hurricane passing to the east of the slick could drive the oil away from the coast.

The full report from NOAA is available online.  

Public Hotlines

For information about the response effort, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.

To volunteer, or to report oiled shoreline/ boom issues, call (866) 448-5816. Volunteer opportunities can also be

found at http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/page/2931/45895/

To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system, or to submit alternative response technology,

services, or products, call 281-366-5511.

PEC Hotline (Specialty Volunteer Training) (866) 647-2338.

To report oiled wildlife, call (866) 557-1401. Messages will be checked hourly.

For information about validated environmental air and water sampling results, visit www.epa.gov/bpspill.

For National Park Service updates about potential park closures, resources at risk, and NPS actions to protect

vital park space and wildlife, visit http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/oil-spill-response.htm.

For Fish and Wildlife Service's updates about response along the Gulf Coast and the status of national wildlife

refuges, visit http://www.fws.gov/home/dhoilspill/.

For current information on closures of fishing areas, visit http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Releases/05282010-modifications.html

To file a claim, or report spill-related damage, call BP’s helpline at (800) 440-0858. A BP fact sheet with

additional information is available at: http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/posted/2931/factsheet_claims_and_procedures_050210a_536815.537711.pdf

For those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, can call the

Coast Guard at (800) 280-7118.

For information please call Deepwater Horizon Joint Information Center (985) 902-5231