"DNR" traditionally means do not resuscitate, however, it took on a different meaning to emergency workers in the early stages of Hurricane Katrina: Do not respond, more importantly, do not self-deploy.

While that still is the standing order, there is a need for additional emergency workers, but in a controlled method. The International Association of Fire Chiefs was asked by FEMA to help assist in providing specific FEMA/DHS guidelines for the Southern region. For details go to www.iafc.org.

Initially, responding teams must be selected and approved by the chief of the fire department, which will serve as a federal background check. Individual teams can register through the National Emergency Training Center and complete FEMA Form 75-5A (short form) at www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/about/attend/nfa-abt1c.shtm

FEMA requires that teams must be physically fit and working in austere conditions for a period of at least 30 days. All belongs must be carried in a backpack.

Only career firefighters are being requested at this time because they are employed by municipal governments and can be reimbursed efficiently. Volunteers who meet the same requirements will be included in the next phase.

What is the rest of the nation asked to do as this catastrophic event? Pray and send money for now. Tax-deductible donations can also be made to the National Volunteer Firefighters Council Emergency Relief Fund, P.O. Box 223202, Chantilly, VA 20153 and the IAFF Disaster Relief Fund, 1750 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006. Also send donations to recognized organizations like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

It's heart-wrenching to see the continuing media feed of devastation on our televisions and computers, but it must be more devastating for the thousands of emergency professionals who are trained to respond to people in need, especially in the southern area where there is so much need and people dying from lack of help.

I received an e-mail from a friend at Louisiana State University Fire & Emergency Training Institute, who has heard estimates of dead will be at least 100,000. Once again, we stand by helpless and wait and pray.

Janet Wilmoth jwilmoth@primediabusiness.com