In the Aftermath of Ivan...
Pensacola, FL -Hurricane Ivan may be gone, but the effects of the powerful
category 3 storm will long be remembered. Communities all along
the Panhandle of Florida are currently recovering from various
levels of damage... some areas were bombarded by tornados, others
dealt with major flooding and power outages. The least fortunate
were hammered by 100+mph winds and a catastrophic storm surge.
TripSmarter.Com and Beach TV wish a speedy recovery to all that
suffered a loss because of Hurricane Ivan. And in the midst of
it all…
there is GOOD NEWS...
PENSACOLA:
Those with homes are sheltering those without homes…many
homes were taken by the strong winds or ravaged by the surf. Neighbors
are helping other neighbors and businesses are giving a helping
hand to communities near and far.
Around
2am on September 16th, 2004, Hurricane Ivan made landfall between
Pensacola,
FL and Gulf Shores, AL as a Category 3 Hurricane. At
the time, Ivan's maximum sustained winds had dropped to 130mph,
just under Category 4 strength.
The American Red Cross, the Florida National Guard, and other organizations are working day and night to make life a little better for those in need. Shelters are still available and mobile medical units can be found in disaster areas with supplies and hygiene kits for the less fortunate. Mobile kitchens are also popping up with hot meals, water, and much needed ice!
Chevron Texaco is donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund. These funds will directly benefit those who suffered most from Hurricane Ivan. All gifts to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund will also be generously matched through a challenge grant from The Case Foundation – up to $500,000. For every two dollars donated, The Case Foundation will donate one dollar.
Power, water, phone and other utilities are quickly being restored to the area. Hospitals were given priority and Gulf Power immediately began the step-by-step procedure to restore power to every one of its customers.
The Army Corps of Engineers quickly dispatched personnel to inspect bridges and roads. Contracts have already been awarded and repairs are underway to the I-10 Bridge, Bob Sykes Bridge, and the Pensacola Bay Bridge, as well as major roadways.
Escambia County residents who sustained home damage may apply for FEMA assistance and small business owners may also be eligible for low interest loans to cover business losses.
Customers of Regions Bank and Union Planters in the impacted areas may be able to defer payment on some consumer loans and credit card accounts as well as being eligible for credit line increases due to the storm.
Escambia County has employed additional police officers to protect businesses from looting and to direct traffic in areas still without power.
For updated information on road and bridge closings, curfews, relief effort locations, distribution centers, school closings, insurance information, etc. log on to Pensacola News Journal.
Additionally, the Pensacola News Journal has set up Hurricane Ivan community forums on their website to allow an exchange of information in the aftermath of Ivan. Many Pensacola residents that evacuated are logging on to find out if power has been restored to their area, inquire about damages, or offer support.
TripSmarter.Com's Pensacola Forums are also available for asking questions, concerns, or voicing support for the Pensacola area.
