Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale announced that the city and county are doing everything possible to provide the necessary assistance for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Both Mayors stressed that it's important to work with the state and federal governments in a coordinated effort to make sure we provide "the best kind of help and "the right kind of help."

Concentrated efforts sent from our local area to the Gulf Coast region include officers, personnel, police cars, ambulances, helicopters, and a mobile command unit.

Additionally, health care, business relocation help, and waived school system requirements for Knoxville are being provided to the hurricane's victims.

Knoxville remains on standby for the arrival of Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Three shelters are ready to accept the evacuees - at the Civic Coliseum, First Baptist Knoxville Downtown, and Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. Once evacuees arrive, those who need serious medical attention will be transported via ambulance to area hospitals, others will be transported by buses to one of the shelters. On Friday, September 9, Knoxville received three planeloads of evacuees from Baton Rouge - 289 people and several pets.

Please do not bring any goods to any of the shelters at this time. Food may be delivered to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Compassion Coalition is coordinating all donations of food and clothing for the local shelters (Mr. Andy Rittenhouse is in charge of this effort; 865-251-1591 or info@compassioncoalition.org).

Mayor Ragsdale and Mayor Haslam urge you to support the victims with donations to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.