from domeblog, a blog dedicated to wats happening in new orleans right now:

Long lines and paperwork to get debit cards

The reports almost seemed too good to be true: $2,000 debit cards being handed out at the Astrodome and other Houston shelters. Long lines formed as evacuees rushed to claim the cards promised by the federal government on Wednesday, but the word at the end of the line was disappointing.

Yes, the debit cards are coming. But no, it's not as easy as flashing a Louisiana ID.

No cards were handed out on Wednesday, and standing in line only provided evacuees with a chance to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Assuring evacuees that registration will allow them to get help tailored to their needs, FEMA spokesman Ed Conley could not say when the cards would be available, but another spokesman told KTRH News Radio today that evacuees can expect to wait seven to 10 days.

"When we ... have the process set up, we'll do it," Conley said.

In the meantime, those who want debit cards but don't want to stand in another line should get the ball rolling by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or going to the agency's web site at http://www.fema.gov.


tats ridiculous loh.. who among those stuck in new orleans right now wld have access to internet or phone??? i mean, there's no power there liao loh.. and all the handphones and laptops wld have been drowned, or if not, their batteries wld have died also.

duhz.