I know people around Laurel and know a lot more on the Gulf Coast.
Need a guide or a bodyguard?
Doubtful your company would spring for one though. Oh well....
I'm not currently that far South so I can't give you a clear
personal update, but the last time I was down there, the area south of you starts to look bad very quickly. There was also some storm damage from Katrina and Rita...tornados and similar over the last few days.
Rumors are that the hotels are approaching capacity in many places but some people have come and gone as their situation has improved. You can probably find lodging if you look around. If the hotel is a large national chain, you can call and find out if their area hotel has rooms are not. Might be good to call ahead and reserve a room.
Gas is available, but there are quite a lot of people who travel from the coast to buy it. Also, the Pres. says local shortages may occur after Rita. I'd suggest a couple of full spare gas cans as a possible hedge against "loss of momentum".
I'd bring some cash money as well as credit cards. The credit card companies have been iffy on occasion the last couple of weeks. If you need more and can't find it, post a message on this board and I'll bring you some at a highly inflated rate of exchange....an ungodly high price in fact.....back breaking......but it will be gas.
Also...don't know what your company policy is....but bring a firearm. You don't have to carry it around with you all the time, but I'd have it in my car and hotel room at a minimum. If you have to go to the Gulfport/Biloxi area, you might need the gun for hazards not normally encountered. Wild dogs, snakes, alligators....hopheads, gang bangers, displaced serial killers etc.
You will almost certainly encounter some anger or depression because of the loss...both financial and personal....that people have experienced as you travel closer to the Gulf Coast. If you aren't a naturally sympathetic person, then attempt to fake it when confronted by anger. More likely you'll just see depression and helplessness. Prepare yourself for that NOW...it might help you cope better. Also...learn how to chat. Don't just hit business in the first ten seconds, unless it looks like the person wants that. Ask them what happened...express sympathy (fake or not) when people describe the bad events. Reassure them of your good will and helpfulness (real or imagined) and your company's efforts (hopefully honest) to meet the requirements of their claims. If you do all this, people will be more well disposed toward you than if you come off as "Mr. Unfeeling Business Type".
Bring pecan pie and a friendly smile and you'll probably never feel like you left Alabama. If your company has any USEFUL trinkets to pass out as customer gifts....clothing (even T-shirts), ice coolers, bottled water, flip flops, or some other gear that people could possibly USE....then bring them as advertisements, or as gifts for the unfriendly natives. Perhaps you could offer these and say something like: "We at (insert your highly dubious insurance company's name here) CARE about you and want to keep you as customers for a long time. We were PERSONALLY upset to hear about the loss you've experienced and we want to do everything we can to help you through this difficult time."
Be sincere (or be a fine actor) and you'll be fine.
