Anyone heading to Houston?

[Sore Thumbs]

They are desperate for people with flat bottom boats to rescue people from homes.  Unfortunately I don't have one. Anyone going down there?

[Sore Thumbs]

It's a lot to ask but if someone would volunteer a boat for a few days I would gladly go down myself. Needs to be able to hold 5 plus people. Thanks. 

[176champion]

The Cajun navy is headed to Texas..

http://www.wbrz.com/news/cajun-navy-en-route-to-houston-to-assist-in-search-and-rescue

[vernon]

I would strongly encourage anyone contemplating heading to Houston or anywhere else impacted by Harvey to make every possible effort to coordinate their journey with either FEMA, the Red Cross or other local officials.

The last thing they need is a bunch of yahoos showing up unannounced and complicating matters even more.  Without some sort of pertinent training, well intentioned volunteers can quickly become casualties that then require rescuing themselves compounding the dilemma.

I would bet anything that folks willing to pitch in behind the scenes, performing the less glamorous tasks like loading supply vehicles, serving meals, setting up shelters, etc. would be much more valuable and purposeful than guys with boats looking to "rescue" people.

Even the above attached article states that the group obtained proper clearance and approval to participate.

That's an extremely volatile and dangerous situation not unlike a war zone and will be for months.  

As a former firefighter, all that I'm trying to say is that good intentions don't always equal good results so please plan cautiously and act judiciously.

[Sore Thumbs]

Will do Vernon. Definitely not going down there without a plan. I helped out in Joplin at Missouri Southern taking in food and clothes. The generosity of people that had nothing themselves was overwhelming. I have family down there and I can't just sit here and do nothing. Thank you. 

[vernon]

48 minutes ago, Sore Thumbs said:

Will do Vernon. Definitely not going down there without a plan. I helped out in Joplin at Missouri Southern taking in food and clothes. The generosity of people that had nothing themselves was overwhelming. I have family down there and I can't just sit here and do nothing. Thank you. 

I hope it didn't come across that I was speaking to you specifically as I'm sure you know the deal and will coordinate appropriately.

Just kind of a general statement to those who might be considering going down that way.

If you were in Joplin you completely understand how it can get pretty crazy when a bunch of cowboys that watch too much TV decide they're going to save the world but have absolutely no idea what they're doing or what they're getting themselves into.  They literally do more harm than good and just get in the way of the professionals.

I'm sure tensions are running extremely high in all of those areas and the first responders have to be running on fumes by now.  They said yesterday that Houston 911 received 56,000 calls from 1000 Saturday night to noon on Sunday.  Compared to an average of 5,000 for a "normal" 24 hour day that's hard to comprehend.

Having been a small part of the Joplin effort myself it's hard to believe that that was actually a pimple on a flea's behind compared to what's going on in Texas.

Epic, biblical level stuff.......

God love you for wanting to help however you can.

Be safe and the best of luck to you and your family members down there.

I'm afraid they're all going to need all they can get and then some for the foreseeable future.

[grizwilson]

On CBS this morning the County Emergency Person called out for people with boats and time to help.  But I understand and appreciate what you are saying.  None of my 3 flatbottoms is large enough that I would feel safe hauling people in those conditions, would likely as you say end up needing rescued myself.  Will stay here and pray for those folks.

[motoman]

Only flat bottom?.......I'd think any shallow draft boat, capable of hauling 4+ people, would be appreciated; considering the scope of the disaster.(I'm just thinking out loud here though)

[Sore Thumbs]

That would work too. 

[Sore Thumbs]

We decided to not go at this point. Texas governor just deployed all National Gaurd in the state to help. Word is to get into the city you need help from the National or Coast Gaurd. It would be foolish for us to take time away from people who truly need help.