SLA’s Information Professionals’ Alliance on Natural Disasters and Accidents is reaching out to librarians and information professionals in the U.S. Gulf Coast areas devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. IPANDA was formed to link our global community and facilitate the sharing of assistance in times of natural disaster or catastrophic accidents. Visit the IPANDAnet Weblog to connect with fellow SLA members and info pros, to read or share info and personal stories, or to post requests of help needed or offered.

The Crisis Action Plan was developed by members of the Task Force on Natural Disasters. It contains guidelines and resources on preparedness and dealing with the aftermath of disaster. The document features information on planning, preparation, response, recovery, sample check lists and plans, and the results of a lessons-learned survey. There is also a glossary, a list of experts, and further references.

Also visit the newly-updated Disaster Planning and Recovery Information Portal for a variety of helpful resources.

If you wish to make a contribution, review this listing of relief agencies and charitable organizations that are working in the affected areas.