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When Hurricane Katrina, the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States, hit the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, few people could believe the horror and destruction that would unfold in the days that followed. As Communications Director for the City of New Orleans, Sally Forman went to work two days before the storm approached with no indication that she or the city were in harm’s way. But within 72 hours, hurricane force winds were shattering windows throughout the downtown hotel where she had bunkered down with other members of the City Hall Executive Staff. The next ten days, chronicled here, became an unforgettable time in our nation’s history. With almost 2,000 deaths, destruction covering four states and a million and a half people needing shelter, the world responded quickly and fiercely. Over 75 countries and 80 percent of Americans contributed to the relief of hurricane survivors and aid workers. Throughout the world, Katrina raised questions of humanity and exposed the vulnerabilities we still face as a nation. Through this personal and historical journal, Forman offers an insider’s view of life in a disaster zone where communications and resources were practically non-existent. She also examines her own role and the role of other officials as wide-ranging disaster struck a major American city.
Sally Forman was born 43 years to the day that Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans.
Forman grew up in New Orleans and then earned her degree in Broadcast Journalism from Louisiana State University. Her professional career including working in the press offices of both Republican and Democratic administrations in Louisiana, operating a speakers bureau and serving as Chief of Protocol for the City of New Orleans.
As the city's Communications Director when the hurricane struck, this is Forman's story from the center of the storm.