Most of the national rescue groups have now secured authorization to enter into the disaster areas to begin rescue operations and assist local agencies with providing emergency shelter to displaced animals.

For more information on how you can help with this effort, visit PetFinder.com

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has set up a national registry for locating children who are separated from their families.

Find or report missing kids here.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, today, activated its National Emergency Resource Registry through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The activation is in response to the outpouring of support offered by generous businesses nationwide.
Read more about Homeland Security Activates Business Donation Site for Katrina Victims

If you are trying to locate a family member who was in a hurricane affected area, there are three places you may have some success.

1. Hurricane Safe List at CNN.com

2. Red Cross Missing List (or call 1.877.568-3317)

3. I’m OK Registry

Susan Pareigis announced today that the Agency for Workforce
Innovation (AWI) and its partners are committing resources to assist
Hurricane Katrina victims through the cooperation of local, state and
federal agencies. Among the services being provided are assistance in filing unemployment compensation claims, general workforce services and
referrals to humanitarian and health service agencies. Read more about Florida’s Workforce Partners Provide Assistance to Hurricane Katrina

Florida’s workforce system - Employ Florida - is mobilizing to address the needs of Hurricane Katrina victims.

There are over 30 workforce One-Stop centers strategically located in cities along the I-10 and I-75 corridors in North Florida east to Jacksonville and South to Ocala, as well as a robust internet-based set of services/information that can be accessed electronically. Read more about Florida’s Workforce System to Aid Hurricane Katrina Victims

Instapundit.com has compiled an extensive list of links to ways you can help in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Go to the Hurricane Relief post now.

In Katrina’s path: Reported safe

CNN.com has been posting the names of those who wish to let loved ones know they are alright after the storm. If you were in Katrina’s path and want to post your name there, please send an e-mail to the Hurricane Victims Desk. For each person you are reporting for the list, include first and last name, age, hometown, state and a brief message. You may also include a phone number or e-mail address where those on the list may be reached. The list will be updated regularly.

Go to the Hurricane Katrina Safe List at CNN.com here >>

Hurricane Katrina continues weakening over Mississippi, but strong winds and heavy rains are still a threat.

Katrina is moving toward the north near 18mph and a gradual turn to the north-northeast is expected along with an increase in forward speed the next 24 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 75mph — still a Category One — and continued weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours.

National Hurricane Center

Although downgraded to a Category Four, Hurricane Katrina is an extremely dangerous storm packing 150mph winds.

The center of Hurricane Katrina is located just south-southeast of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Katrina is moving toward the north near 15mph and is expected to continue. A gradual turn toward the north-northeast at a slightly faster forward speed is expected later tonight and on Tuesday.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles.

Coastal storm surge flooding of 18 to 22 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous waves can be expected near and to the east of where the center makes landfall.

National Hurricane Center