We are working in solidarity with everyone in our hometown of New Orleans and throughout coastal Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Ida. ISeeChange is collecting observations and data around four main topics:

• Heat: Without AC, we need to keep track of our health and our neighbors.
• Trees: Show where they are downed, so we can help to reforest our city.
• Damage to poles and wires: Pictures that can help diagnose repairs (please keep a safe distance from them).
• Damage to major appliances: Replacement of air conditioners, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers may be eligible for energy efficiency programs and rebates

We know many people evacuated ahead of the storm, and there are still ways for you to help document impacts from afar. The following list includes important information from emergency managers, recovery resources, and tips for what to be posting on ISeeChange throughout the next few weeks.

If you are experiencing emotional distress call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

Information included in ISeeChange posts will be shared with local governments and organizations to aid in recovery efforts.

Information for people who stayed in New Orleans

If you stayed in New Orleans we know you are likely without power and are coming to terms with damage in your area. If you are not able to post observations to ISeeChange now, save photos and notes and post when you are able. Please also check on your neighbors and make sure that they are holding up ok and are prepared to be without power and air conditioning for an extended period of time.

Information resources

• This community-made Google Doc includes many helpful resources from food and housing to FEMA information.
• For updates from NOLA Ready, text NOLAREADY to 77295.
• NOLA.com is sending SMS updates. To receive them, text Ida to (504) 688-4438.
• Apply for FEMA assistance at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. Document damage and save receipts for repairs and hotel stays.
• The Sewerage and Water Board is asking that sewer or water emergencies be reported to 504-864-8266.
• Cooling centers are open. You’ll find cool air, water and charging stations here:
  • Treme Rec Center (900 N Villere St)
  • Cut Off Rec Center (6600 Belgrade St)
  • Gernon Brown Rec Center (1001 Harrison Ave)
  • Milne Rec Center (5420 Franklin Ave)
  • Stallings St Claude Rec Center (4300 St Claude)
  • John P Lyons Rec Center (624 Louisiana Ave)
  • Joe W Brown Rec Center (5601 Read Blvd)
  • Rosenwald Rec Center (1120 S Broad Ave)
• Free, ready-to-eat meals are available today until 6pm:
  • Joe W. Brown Rec Center (5475 Read Blvd)
  • Mahalia Jackson Auditorium (1451 Basin St)

What to post on ISeeChange

• Do you have access to a generator? If not, how are you staying cool? If you do, would you be open to helping others cool down?
• Share how the heat impacts your health and any strategies you have to stay cool
• Report downed trees in your yard and neighborhood
• Rain totals if you are able to access your rain gauge before the next time it rains.
• Any major appliances that are beyond repair (we can connect you to energy efficiency replacement programs).

Information for those who evacuated prior to the storm

We know many people evacuated ahead of the storm, and there’s still ways for you to help document impacts from afar.

Information resources

• For New Orleanians, NOLA Ready is asking you to wait to return until they say it is safe.
• Power outages are expected to continue for many days.

What to post on ISeeChange

• Photos or reports that you get from friends and neighbors still in the city.
• When you are able to return, document the impacts on your home and neighborhood. What was the evacuation process like?
• What would you have done differently or wished would be improved ahead of future storms?
• Apply for FEMA assistance at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. Document damage and save receipts for repairs and hotel stays.

Information for those who stayed through the storm and are now planning to leave.

We know some people are planning to leave the city as power outages continue. If you are able, document storm impacts before you leave and tell us about the process of leaving.

Information resources

• For updates from NOLA Ready, text NOLAREADY to 77295.
• NOLA.com is sending SMS updates. To receive them, text Ida to (504) 688-4438.
• Apply for FEMA assistance at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. Document damage and save receipts for repairs and hotel stays.

What to post on ISeeChange

• Stories about the decision to leave. What were the deciding factors?
• Share how the heat impacts your health
• Report downed trees in your yard and neighborhood
• If you are able to access your rain gauge before you leave, post storm totals.