A Just Laura Recovery

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This webpage is being continually updated and is serving as a central information source for frontline-to-frontline direct resource & support mobilization. 

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August 27, 2020, West Port Arthur, TX. Photos by Bryan Parras

Hurricane Laura has left a devastating track of damage, with landfall in the early hours of Thursday, August 27 at nearly Category 5 strength, one of the strongest storms to ever hit the United States. The particular area the storm hit is also one of the epicenters of the petro-chemical industry adding an even more insidious element to the recovery process. The land and water will surely be (further) toxified from the damage caused due to flooding from the storm surge, high velocity wind (up to 150 mph), in addition to the chemical spills, flares and fires being observed in the aftermath of the storm (see photos above and below). This is occuring in the midst of a pandemic impacting black and brown people the most, where community recovery efforts will need to take into account safe physical distancing and maintaining all public health best practices.

Where to Donate

Donate to Another Gulf Is Possible Collaborative | We will distribute donations directly to indigenous, black, and brown frontline folks impacted by Hurricane Laura who currently don’t have online donations like Concerned Citizens of Mossville, as well as directly to individual families impacted by the storm. 

Better yet, here are some local folks we encourage giving to directly:

We are also asking for funders to help us develop long term just recovery infrastructure to increase our capacity to respond with mobile deployment of essential needs (food, water, phone charging, & healing justice offerings) for re-entry and re-building efforts.

August 27, West Port Arthur, TX
Photos by Bryan Parras

Resources & Support

 

HURRICANE SAFETY CHECKLISTS en ingles Y español también

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BEST PRACTICES FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN

AQUI PARA ALIMENTACIÓN DE BEBÉS Y NIÑXS

WORDS OF ADVICE

TOXIC LAND/BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION RESOURCE LIST

Laura, a nearly category 5 hurricane hit the Gulf Coast at the Texas/Louisiana border, one of the largest petro-chemical corridors in the world. This is a shared list to get prepared for the challenging short, medium and long term work ahead in remediating the land of the folks who live next to these plants and refineries.

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TX toxic sites map

SUPPLIES GENERALLY NEEDED

If supplies are going to a large shelter, separate them into large categories (diapers, flood, medix). If supplies are going to be dispersed to individuals, arrange quick packs of needed items (1 toothbrush & paste, tampons, TP, water, protein bars)

If you are purchasing goods to bring down immediately, prioritize medical & personal. cleanup and household will be needed once water levels lower.

PERSONAL SUPPLIES

  • Water
  • Basic toiletries – toothbrushes, toothpaste, period products (diva cups, pads, tampons etc), hair care, soap, lotion, talcum powder
  • Sleeping bags, pillows, blankets
  • Baby formula and baby food (MREs do not meet nutritional needs of infants), breast pumps, bottles, bottled water, diapers (cloth or disposable), carriers, strollers, car seats
  • Children’s toys, games, puzzles, cards, books, art supplies
  • Nonperishable, high nutrient density food
  • New, seasonally appropriate clothes of all sizes (for humid, hot weather)
  • Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, catheters, alcohol wipes, and “diapers” for adults/larger kids with disabilities

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

herbal medicines/tinctures, vitamins, mosquito repellent,ice packs, catheters, colostomy bags, clean needles, bandages (especially the waterproof kinds, NexCare is a good brand), gauze, medical tape (plastic and paper), nitrate medical gloves, antiseptic cleaners, pain relief, sanitizer, tweezers, muscle pain relief balms/ointments, cold remedy (this is just a start. many medical donations would be helpful)

CLEAN UP SUPPLIES

  • Storage – plastic tubs, contractor bags, boxes, buckets, tarps, duct tape, sharpies
  • Work tools – especially for demolition: hammers, axes, shovels, crowbars, tarps, screwdrivers, drills, box cutters and extra blades, crowbars, screwdrivers, drills, wheelbarrows, wire cutters, ladders
  • Cleaning supplies – heavy duty respirator masks (n95 or better), knee high rubber/rain boots, rubber gloves and thick work gloves, bleach, mops, brooms, rakes, garbage bags (especially large contractor bags), sponges, towels, heavy duty paper towels
  • Mold remediation supplies – borax, tea tree oil or vinegar are herbal products that eliminate black mold, as well as commercial “mold control”/other concrobium/ specifically mold-remediation products which tend to go quickly in affected sites.
  • Pest Control Supplies- Fire Ant poison, Diatomaceous earth or other alternatives, Mosquito repellent,

HEALTH AND HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES

  • Dehumidifiers, fans, flashlights, lanterns – especially solar powered
  • Solar power chargers, long-lasting/heavy duty/water-resistant power sticks, batteries of all kinds
  • Dog food and emergency pet supplies like leashes, flea medicine
  • Large coolers, large cooler bags
  • Relevant gift cards: Home Depot, Lowes, Target, IKEA, Walgreen’s, H.E.B.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD REPORTING

TEXAS

  • Pipeline, or oil and gas related emergency
  • Air emissions *note: suspension of air quality rules and air quality monitors in effect*
    • TCEQ: 1-888-777-3186,
      • Main Number: 877-228-5740
      • Emergency Number:  1-844-773-0305

LOUISIANA

  • Pipeline, or oil and gas related emergency
  • Debris
    • LDEQ Debris Hotline: 225-364-7901

NATIONAL

  • EPA (National Response Center ) 
    •  
    • 1-800-424-8802