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Hurricane Katrina has turned out to be one of the most deadly and financially devastating storms ever to hit the American shores.  The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) extends their prayers and concerns to all green industry professionals who were affected by this tragic event.  And we would like to provide assistance however we can.

PLANET’s emergency disaster support program will be developing as the needs of the green industry companies in the crisis area become clearer.  As these needs assessments are being completed, we would like to ask our members to consider the following:

 

Many available sources for charitable contributions specifically targeted for these efforts can be found on the following Web sites:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Web site at www.fema.gov
• National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) at www.nvoad.org
• American Red Cross at www.redcross.org
• National Emergency Resource Registry at www.swern.gov

 

Many green industry companies may have a loss of revenue for weeks or months and could be unable to pay their employees.  If your company is able to provide an experienced employee temporary employment (and possibly housing) during this time, please go to PLANET’s Job Site and list available job postings. When prompted for the particulars of the job, please use “Disaster Support Jobs Available” for the name of the position so that these jobs can easily be found by those in need. Members: There is no charge for these postings. Please use promotional code EDSPJOB for each job posted. You will need to enter a credit card in the process, but the promotional code will reduce the cost to $0 so you will not be charged.  Nonmembers: Please e-mail your job openings to jobs@landcarenetwork.org or contact the PLANET office at (800) 395-2522.

 

 While our green industry company members are rebuilding, any labor or equipment that you may be able to loan to those in the crisis area would be critically needed and greatly appreciated.  If you can make an in-kind donation, please go to PLANET's Message Board and list it under the "Disaster Support - Help Needed / Help Offered" forum.

 

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I-9 Reporting Suspended for 45 Days
On September 6, 2005, the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") made an announcement regarding the employment verification (I-9) obligation as it relates to victims of Hurricane Katrina. Per the announcement, DHS will not sanction employers for hiring victims of Hurricane Katrina who, at this time, are unable to provide the documentation normally required to complete the I-9 form. This announcement effectively suspends, in part, your obligation to complete the I-9 form for employees who are victims of Hurricane Katrina for a period of 45 days. You must continue to complete as much of the form as possible. 

At the end of 45 days, the Department of Homeland Security will review this policy and make further recommendations. We will keep you posted as to these developments. Please feel free to contact Mike Thompson at 205.323.9278 or mthompson@lmpv.com with any questions you have regarding this.

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Green Industry Companies
For those green industry companies in the declared disaster area needing immediate financial assistance, information is available for these needs on the FEMA Web site (www.fema.gov) or by calling (940) 898-5399 (FEMA Area VI).    Additional information may be found at the Red Cross (www.redcross.org).

Homeowners and Renters
Homeowners and Renters in the affected areas must register with FEMA and obtain a Registration ID number by calling (800) 621-3362 to see if you are eligible for disaster assistance.  Businesses may apply directly to the Small Business Administration for possible disaster assistance at (800) 366-6303 (for SBA Area 3).

PLANET Members
To directly assist our members in their time of need, PLANET will be offering complimentary membership renewals for companies in the crisis area for the 2005-2006 time period.  Please contact the PLANET offices at (800) 395-2522 to renew your membership.  If you have any questions about this information or can support in another way, please call Tom Delaney at
(866) 831-1109.

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Katrina Disaster Related Links
Advocacy's Federal Regulatory Relief Measures
http://www.sba.gov/advo/reg_katrina.html

OSHA's Website - designed to provide employers and workers with quick information on the leading hazards that workers face during recovery operations.
http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/hurricaneRecovery.html

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