Crain's New York has the details on New York's emergency response to the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast. In addition to sending an urban search and rescue team (New York Task Force 1) to Mississippi, New York government officials are also urging New Yorkers who want to help to make donations to charities such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army or the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City (which gives the donations to disaster relief agencies).

Mayor Bloomberg offered his support for the victims along the U.S. Gulf Coast:

"We have all seen the devastating images of the damage that Hurricane Katrina has caused in the southeast United States. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people in the area who have been impacted by this disaster, and we are eager to do everything possible to help. New Yorkers will never forget the extraordinary support we received following the dark days after 9/11 and how much it meant to our City."