Our biggest lost to the Hurricane

[BOSSHOG]

We lost some trees and had to replace some carpets in the house but our worse loss may be our safe depost box. Our branch bank is in Slidell (although we live up the highway in Mississippi). The branch has yet to open and our safe deposit box, along with everyone elses has been taken to an undisclosed location to be decontaminated by the EPA. We don't have access. My original retirement DD214 is in there along with about 30,000 bucks worth of Savings Bonds. But, we still have a roof over our heads, air conditioning, satellite TV, running water, flushing toilets - the little things in life we take for granted until they are gone. Many on the gulf coast still don't have any of those things. If there is a charity of your choice you may be inclined to throw a few bucks to next week, thousands would be greatl appreciative.

[donsu]

1. I'd be nervous if they had my safety depost box

I don't have one but just reading about yours makes me nervous. why couldn't you decontaminated your own box. why is the location a secret?

[BOSSHOG]

2. I don't have the answers to those questions

I am (possibly naively) trusting the bank. We have had the safe depost box for 15+ years and haven't had a problem until the hurricane. I know what city it is in, but not the location. They have treated us well and I sincerely believe they have our interests at heart. I'll let you know otherwise. I believe in the use of safety deposit boxes.

[tammywammy]

4. I think that the location is secret for an important reason

If you let it be reported that all the safe deposit boxes from X Bank are at the warehouse on the corner of 1st and A, umm, plenty of untrustworthy people will be more than willing to relieve those boxes of their items.

I'd just think that there are a lot of thieves, and while I'd hope that all these safe deposit boxes are being guarded, northing's 100%.

It seems smart to me to keep the actual location secret.

[hedgehog]

3. Why does the EPA have to decontaminate it?

I'd be suspicious that someone else is taking the opportunity to check out the contents. (but of course, that's just me.)

[benddem]

5. You can get a duplicate

of your DD214 http://vetrecs.archives.gov/ but I'd worry about those bonds. Will keep my fingers crossed.

[hlthe2b]

6. Yes... I was just about to post that.... DD214 can be readily replaced.

Best wishes, though. I remain sickened by all the trauma the hurricane has brought to so many--and which only pales in comparison to the additive effect of the Bush* administration on top,

I only pray we can start to turn all this around--for everyone.