Shelter-seekers find long lines, noisy conditions in Superdome

Duluth News Tribune ^ | Mon, Aug. 29, 2005 | DAVID OVALLE

[SamAdams76]

The Sunday before the hurricane hit, there were many officials being interviewed on FoxNews (as the people queued up) that were saying there were plenty of MRE's and water inside.

Still, it was obvious that this was going to be a horror show. These stadiums are built for people to stay in them maybe 3-4 hours max. When I go to a stadium for a game or event, I am usually more than ready to leave after about 3 hours. The seats are uncomfortable, the floor is getting sticky and the bathrooms are smelling nasty. Can't imagine people living there for days.

[IrishRainy]

When the news was relayed about the Super Dome being opened up as a shelter of last resort, the citizens were told to bring food and water to last at least 3 days; however, some reports I've read said 5 days. Either way, they were NOT sent there expecting a luxury hotel experience -- more like a camping trip. I think the MREs were there just as a backup.

[BykrBayb]

Water Resources Division? Are you suggesting they ate all the MREs, and drank all the water?

There was plenty of food and water. They just didn't have hollandaise sauce and champagne.

[drlevy88]

Water Ready to Drink. A pun on MRE.

If survival conditions were better in the Dome than the Red Cross would imply (the worst thing being the stinky, overflowed toilets) then it sounds more like news agencies trolling for sensation.