Maybe going to New Orleans-How to prepare my truck?

Everyone,

I work for International Catastrophe Solutions (www.INTLCAT.COM) and my company does disaster recovery. I maybe driving my 05 X down to New Orleans to help my clients.

I have already thought of:

1. Extra 5 Gallon Gas Tanks (3 or 4)
2. I have a yakima roof basket to load stuff.
3. Lot's of bottled water (30-40 gallons)
4. Two or three extra tires and rims.
5. Tire plug kits.
6. Satellite phone.
7. Emergency power generator.

Any thoughts on how to water proof my truck?
How would I build and/or buy a snorkel so I can ford water - not like a submarine but like 2-3 feet of water in the streets?

Anything else extra I should buy in Los Angeles where supplies are not an issue? Will I need radiator fluid? Oil? An extra fan belt?

Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful.

If anyone knows any commercial clients that need water extraction/recovery services for commercial
businesses that would be insurable under a commercial property or flood policy please call me. Mark Young - Interantional Catastrohpe Solutions 323-215-5033.

I doubt there is a snorkel available for the '05s yet - but you could always rig something up... but snorkels aren't really the total answer. It won't keep you from getting your ECU wet etc.

I'd be really REALLY careful about deep water crossings (have seen too many stories of destroyed trucks). Walk through it before driving through it - and if it is going to come over the bumper don't risk it.

Also, I dunno what it is really like down there, but with the stories of looting etc I wouldn't go near there without my .45

Good luck

Oh - and plenty of canned food + a camp stove would be a good idea.

I don't know how to help you, but I want to wish you good luck!!

Dunno about fording water, but I'd definately be packing a side arm.

All that water I'd say a spare alternator would be advantageous. Not sure if dealers or autoparts stores will be open for awhile. Pick one up at your dealer... maybe tell him what you are planning... and return it if not used

I am not sure how to "waterproof" the X, but here is a list of things I would take.

Personal Items:
Lots of Water
Water filter pump (a real one...ie MSR, not a Brita)
Canned and/or dehydrated food
Cookstove with fuel (if you don't have one I would look at the MSR WhisperLite Internationale...it can use just about any kind of liquid fuel)
Space blanket (there should be two in the X's first aid kit)
Water proof flashlight
Nylon clothes. You don't want to be wearing cotton in the water.
A typical survival kit. First aid, water proof mathes, etc...

Vehicle Items:
Fuel (20 Gallons)
6 qt's oil
Oil filter
Tire compressor (it will take a long time to fill a flat, but it will do it)
Full sized spare (I don't think you need 3)
2 Qt tranny fluid (if it's an A/T)

I would first start out by posting this in the "general" forum. You are limiting yourself to answers in this one.

GPS sidearm small ax pry bar flash lights(waterproof) lighters 50 feet of good rope couple of knifes zip ties tape Good luck

Take a boat.

I think everyone has just about covered it but good luck man! The boat is a great idea too!

Damn Mark!! OH and LOTS OF AMMO.

It you come through CO on your way back maybe we can hook up fer a beer.

Stop here in TX and you can take my canoe

extra tires are a great idea. You don't know what you're running over....roof nails, debris, and most of it under water.

Take LOTS of plugs and a reliable, fast portable source of air.

How about:
-inflatable rubber boat (costco has some big ones) with high volume foot pump. I think a 15' flatbottom bayou boat would be better however.
- ladder for getting onto roofs.
- Tow ropes
- large ax, crowbars, sledge hammer (if someone is trapped in an attic.
- with the generator maybe a sawzall?
- warm clothes (no cotton!) if the disaster recovery is going to go as reported, you may be there into December.
- neoprene seat covers and rubber floor mats

Also:
- make sure you're up to date on your Tetanus (sp?), Hepatitus, Diptheria, etc. shots. There are going to be all sorts of nasties floating around in the that water!

He's from CA. Stop here and pick up the sidearm or 12 ga.

Dont for get tools to make repairs, such as an alternator.
Use a little di-electric grease on your conectors.
Good sized hammer is nice to have (3-5 lbs).
A lantern that runs on the same fuel source as your stove is also good.
A couple hand held FRS'
And for God's sake, don't forget duct tape!

And a few commas....

go to Wal-Mart and pick up a $30 bilge pump and tuping. they are 12v and automatically comeon.

dont know if anyone mentioned...a power converter for the truck...to run a laptop or use it to charge FRS's, spotlights etc...a come along just incase you get stuck or stuff is in the way that needs to get moved...well stocked first aid kit, good luck man, stay safe

How bout a few dozen cases of iodine tablets so that people can drink whatever freshwater they have on hand and kill all the little buggies in it??

Nothing for nothing but I'd take anything but a brand new X down there. X's just aren't designed for fording water that deep and there are many disaster stories of X's being stranded from alternators going bad after crossing water in excess of 2 feet.

If you can find/get one, get a Katadyn expedition water filter. Spendy - about $900 but will put out a lot of drinking water quickly. Spare filters are about $100. The filter will last a LONG time with cleaning.

dont forget most of that water is contaminated like a biatch because everything is above ground there; gas tanks and coffins are some of the cause. i heard some people say they could smell gasoline in the water. i'll send you some luck.

Everyone,

Thank you for the info and kind words. My boss hasn't decided who will be drafted versus volunteers. I will keep everyone posted and probably buy half of what was suggested here if I am drafted to go to New Orleans.

Mark

Good luck..Bring hand sanitizer, bug spray(DEET)Eye wash, surgical or rubber gloves, Masks, oil of peppermint to drible on the masks(cuts the odor down), baby wipes to clean up with, Triple antibiotic cream and tons of bandaids.

bring lots of money.

keep in mind they are below sea level, so a lot of the water is salt water.. this will corrode ANY bare metal in a heartbeat.. it will also short out your o2 sensors, splash a little on your spark plugs and you are dead in the water.. not to mention speed sensor, transfercase parts, rear locker, and sensors.. none of these are designed for long term exposure to salt water. 20 to 30 seconds launching a boat for the rear end.. And you ever tried to get saltwater stains out of carpeting? get a inflatable raft, take that in the water. hope your truck doesn't get stolen while you are there.. Good Luck..

Your best bet if you go is to fly out with your equipment and then rent a 4x4 and buy the insurance.

Here's an idea... contact your local search and rescue squad and see what their water rescue units commonly carry on their trucks. I do mountain search and rescue, so I don't think all the climbing gear I carry would help much :p

Another thought... I think the water in N.O. is mainly fresh water from Lake Ponte-whatever-it-is. I don't think the sea-side levies were breached, at least I can't find any news that says they were.

After reading the paper for the past two days I suggest stopping at the Dr before you leave and get your shots. I would treat this as if you were going to a foreign country with no sanitation.

As for taking the X. If it's what you got and you are willing to go and help out I respect you, but remember, your X will surely not be the same when you return.

oh, and who ever suggested the .45, I'm starting to think it might not be a bad idea, though Illegal.

Why do you say it is illegal?

I've got a Texas concealed handgun permit, and Louisiana has reciprocity with us (dunno about the original question asker, but it would be perfectly legal for me to carry there). LA CHL info

For you it might be legal. For me as a gun carrying citizen it would not be. I am only allowed to carry in PA unless I get written permission for other states (ie. another permit).

I am not sure of which states recognize other states carry permits. So there is a good chance that it would be illegal.

This question can be answered with a quick web search.

I just searched for Texas CHL Reciprocity and came up with a page full of states that have reciprocal agreements with us.

We are kind of hi-jacking this thread, but my comment still stands. I can not carry in Louisiana nor can Mike1107 if his location really is Los Angeles and that is even assuming he has a carry permit in CA.



http://www.lsp.org/images/us-map6.gif

Just goto packing.org and see your state. Penn has reciprocity with others.

http://www.packing.org/state/pennsylvania/image.php?stateimage=75

I had never really looked into it except for the states around PA (That I travel to often). I knew I could not carry in NY, OH, WV, MD, NJ, VA. Other than that, I never really had a need as any place else I fly and wouldn't want the hassle of taking the gun. Except maybe TX

You may not be able to carry the .45, but you can sure carry a 12 ga. shotgun. I figure that's a better deterant anyways.

You wouldn't need to pack heat in TX, although you may want to just for the sheer enjoyment of it. I'd be more concerned about states where criminals DON'T live in ever-present fear of gun-totin' citizens like they do in Texas. (like NY, DC, Chicago, CA, etc)

Gotta Love TEXAS!!!!

I sure do

brantley

no freaking way

In actuality Lake Ponchatran is one of the largest saltwater lakes in the country. The lake levees are the ones which broke which would mean the water flooding NO is probably very brackish. (Salt/Sweet water mix)

Mark,

Good luck if you go. Be prepared for absolute destruction.

I also heard today that a young gal I know may be heading down south with a few other officers from the Colorado State Parks Division because she runs a boat patrol at our local resevoir.

I think that you are looking at all the right information and supplies. Really I suspect that you will need to be self sufficient for days at a time.

Given what I understand about the time frame to drain the city, water damage could be the biggest cause of damage. I could see many people spending years there hlping to rebuild the community.

Anyone considered bringing in 15-20 feet of dirt? Somewhat sarcastic, but the rebuilt city will be very different. First floors will be "throw away" and everything else will be raised up a number of feet. Put parking under most buildings and establish a new "second level" city.

Todd

They did it in Seattle. The "underground" tour is pretty darn cool - they start in Pioneer square...

I was ready to pack up my boat and the back of the truck up with supplies. I unfortunately don't have a gun, which would be on my MUST BRING list. I have heard TOO many horror stories about Police, National Guardsmen, rescue teams, helicopters, etc... being shot at. At this point, I'd rather just send money and be done with it. Too volitile of a situation to go in without a group or an armed escort.

As for supplies....I think most have been mentioned, but what about:

Toilet Paper,
Clean DRY clothes, extra boots/socks
A REAL first Aid kit(not the Xterra one)
Recovery equipment such as tow straps

I have worked in refugee camps in Africa and can offer some non-xterra advice:
1. bring a good water filter as well as iodine pills to purify water. A good filter is made by Katadyne. It is ceramic, extremly long-lasting, durable, light weight and effective.
2. bring all the medicines you might personally need including anti-ameobic's (anti-giardia and dysentary), broad spectrum anti-biotics (oral and topic).
3. bring deet mosquito repellant and sunscreen. You might also bring a mosquito net for sleeping depending on the conditions.
4. bring powerbars, etc for yourself.
5.Bring a good multi-purpose knife.
6. bring a mini short-wave radio.
7. a good walkie-talkie, cell phone and, this can be important, a solar powered recharger.
8, keep your wits about you. When things seem to be getting a bit too intense, as far as crowd activity, duck out quickly. Dangerous situations gather steam very fast.
9. A good water bag (can hold at least 4 liters). MRI makes a good one.
10. Try to brush up on 'Post Traumatic Stress Disorder' and it's immediate impact on people in crisis.

I hope this helps.

Mark and anyone else that's going down there:

Make sure your tetnis shot is up to date. I think it's supposed to be updated every 10 years.

Open wounds, cuts + bacteria = infections and...

tetnis is by all accounts about the least scary of all the things that could happen health wise considering the diseases brewing in that place.

Mullet wig, sunglasses, guns, scuba gear and shovel for Bush bullshit. Good luck!!

I heard search and rescue teams from California were packing machetes in anticipation of dealing w/ wildlife they may encounter in the waters

So is it Bush's fault that the City of New Orleans, Orleans Parish and State of Louisiana were totally unprepared? I am not happy with many things GWBush has done, but hanging this on him is not right. Under Mutual Aid agreements, a city must use all resources before requesting mutual aid from the county/parish. The county/parish must use all resources before requesting mutual aid from the state and so on before requesting the Federal agencies to get involved. The federal government has NO jurisdiction until asked by the local agency.

With all the money going to the local agencies for homeland security, why does the City of New Orleans only have three boats of which two were out of order, why no backup communications, etc. As the news unfolds, you will see that New Orleans and Louisiana were negligent in their responsibilities.

A lesson to us all is to make sure our local agencies are adequately prepared. Make sure that the city/county protective services are adequately staffed, prepared and responsible. If it is a matter of money, make sure your local agencies are not spending it on stadiums and othere non-essential programs unless the infrastructure and protective services are adequate.

End of rant.

^^^^ Agreed.

Personally I make sure I am prepared myself. I don't want to rely on the government to bail me out. That being said, I live in Pittsburgh, PA and the worse that happens here is minor flooding and a little bit of snow. If something hit here that was not expected, I probably wouldn't be prepared (ie. Earthquake).

But all in all, it's not the federal governments responsability to make sure your city/county/state is safe for you to live in.

I lived in the East Bay in Ca. I was there for the '89 earthquake. I had supplies of water, food and other supplies to keep me and my family self sufficient for a week or more. Now in Central Texas there are tornado hazards. I am prepared here to be self sufficient for a week or more. My wife and I have a plan to meet somewhere if we can't get home with an alternative is not available. It will take time for any government help to get mobilized.

All of us should do a little disaster planning.

yes we should be prepared but for bush to say the reason we weren't there quicker was because they didn't go throught the right channels to ask for help. I'm sorry but that's total BS. We should be able to help a state without them having to fill out forms asking for help. Espescially with something this big.

Yeah, that "proper channel" thing just doesn't hold water...

Picture the President sitting there looking at his watch nervously tapping his foot thinking "Man, I've got all this aid ready to send down there if they'll JUST ask for it.... why aren't they calling? I'm so lonely What's taking them so long? I'd help if I ONLY COULD!!!"

Not likely.

Get yourself properly informed. The federal government cannot just send troops into a state or local government without request from that state or local government. That is the law. This is the United STATES of America. This is a major FUBAR on the part of the governor.

There are a lot of things for which you can bash Bush. How about border security for one? But the New Orleans disaster isn't a very good one.

This is just civics 101.

Everyone,

The president of my company has pulled the trigger. I am going to New Orleans on Monday... wish me luck!!!

Good luck! Keep dry and stay out of that water. It is very toxic.

Look forward to hearing from you on your safe return.

pontoons for undercarriage, GPS, flares and sea rations

Like what was said above be very careful of the water. A good friend is there and well...some people have learned the hard way that it is very toxic. Take care.

Tim

I am going to Key West today to greet Rita. How do I prepare my X for the homecoming?

I may have missed something but I believe the local agencies that were "negligent" were hit by a HURRICANE and then promptly flooded by up to 20 feet of water. I also remember hearing a plea for help on Tuesday the day after from Mayor Nagin. I guess that the federal government does not watch TV.

I'm glad you're a Homeland Security expert. In CIncinnati the only funding we received was to patrol the bridges over the Ohio River 3 times a day (once per shift). If you know anything about Homeland Security funding you'll know that it is distributed evenly across the 50 states. So Wyoming with population of 500,000 gets the same ammount of money as California with a population of 5 million.

Remember this saying

"You don't know what you don't know."

Trust me, alot of this homeland security stuff you would rather not know about. Just keep living your life and be happy and let the dirty work to us. Thanks.

Tim