To gather accurate field data after a hurricane, investigators must be onsite shortly after the hurricane event. Timing is important for the investigation to be accurate. Teams need to see the damage before debris is cleared and repairs are started. The standard protocol plan of our Hurricane Katrina trip consisted of daily round trips driving into Mississippi to conduct wind damage investigation research during daylight hours and return in the evening.
The driver pulled further onto the hotel property and found it was open for business, although neighboring restaurants were closed or only accepting cash payment. Large debris, such as damaged commercial refrigerators, camped on the hotel walkways making the walk to the room an obstacle course. The hotel room carpet was full of drywall dust. The bathroom was missing its trim and did not have a light, which made taking a shower interesting. The disconnected telephone sat there as a prop. However, the room had working plumbing, electric and air conditioning.