By Kenny Irby
Many news reports from the Katrina-ravaged region of the Gulf Coast look and sound more like dispatches from a warfront than “the Big Easy.”
Covering this story requires committed journalists and companies that are prepared and supportive of the journalists they are putting in harm’s way.
What began as frustration and desperation in New Orleans led to reports of looting, attacks and even rapes and other abuses. As conditions worsened, there were reports of helicopters and rescue workers under fire.
Now those weapons and ill will are being directed at journalists.
Earlier this week, Marcus Franklin, a staff writer at the St. Petersburg Times, was shot while in Baton Rouge, La., covering the hurricane’s aftermath.
The shooting of a colleague did not surprise St. Pete Times photographer Doug Clifford, who chased Katrina for six days beginning in Miami, Fla., and ending in New Orleans, or New York Times photographer Vincent Laforet, who covered the aftermath and evacuation for seven days from News Orleans and San Antonio, Texas.
“I am appalled but not surprised that journalists are being threatened, assaulted and injured. I felt personally threatened,” Clifford said. “You must understand that people are desperate for resources there and that makes them highly motivated to take what you have.”
Laforet agrees. “Although it’s impossible to predict what the future will bring, things are becoming more and more stable by the day down here in New Orleans,” he said. “Cell signals have been strong for two days now and driving around New Orleans feels relatively safe in most areas — however there are some important things to consider if you’re preparing to come down to cover the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.”
The New York Times staff photographers have bullet-resistant vests, according to Laforet. “We have them and have not needed them and haven’t worn them.”
It’s hard to predict potential troublespots. Citizens who do not want to evacuate “are literally playing hide and seek with law enforcement out here and everyone seems to have a gun down here and there have been roadside robberies, carjackings and gun battles with authorities,” said Laforet.
Journalists must know that simply driving around makes you a target. “A running engine means that you have fuel others can steal from you,” he explained.
In fact, conserving gas by keeping his windows down may have made the St. Pete Times’ Franklin more of a target.
Covering any kind of disaster requires planning and more planning.
Clifford suggests:
- Prioritize your personal safety. And protect your resources: equipment, vehicle and food. “I made sure that my car was stored in a concrete and steel structure and that I could get to it after the storm,” he said.
- Take educated risks. “I went out to report against the advice of the hotel management … I was able to see some things that other photographers did not see. I think that I made good decisions and put myself in position to have solid work. I heard voices pleading for help and followed billboards and signage to get me back to those people as landmarks.”
- Avoid eating and drinking in front of people in need. “I just would not do it.”
The St. Pete Times’ hurricane team includes four photographers and three picture editors.
Communication is a major consideration with so many people covering a chaotic situation. “This story has been very demanding on our colleagues in the field … I must say that we would not have been able to do such great work without iChat; it saved our bacon,” said Jack Rowland, photo technology director at the St. Pete Times.
“It’s difficult, if not impossible, to get in touch with the photographers,” agreed David Frank, deputy director of photography at The New York Times. “Communication has been a huge issue. Photographers are limited in their own mobility by the lack of roads, flood waters, no gas and police. There is a sense of lawlessness that’s putting everyone on edge,” he explained by e-mail. “There have been moments when it actually sounded as bad as working in Iraq,” he said.
Many of the hazards are unpredictable, so here are a few tips:
- Be aware of your surroundings and especially alert after dark.
- Take the necessary protective precautions.
- Don’t report alone. Teamwork is a must for personal safety. If you’re not with a colleague from your organization, find a buddy.
- Sports Utility Vehicles are the way to go, and do not stop your vehicle in unfamiliar areas.
- Give up the money.
Health hazards are all around. Laforet and Clifford said that staying healthy was probably the single greatest challenge for them. Here are some specifics:
- Water
Risks in the region range from snakes and alligators to sewage. According to Laforet, “the entire region (within a 60 mile radius or so) around New Orleans has been contaminated in some way. Oil leaks literally are affecting that entire area from overturned vehicles or boats … Sewage in the water, not to mention dead bodies, are also mixed in to most of the standing water you’ll find out here. Combined with the heat and humidity, you’ve got one of the world’s largest Petri dishes for some of the worst bacteria/disease imaginable.” - Air
Many in the area have reported that at times it’s tough to breathe, and many of the refugees suffer breathing aliments. Laforet experienced coughing and burning lungs for days. “Even from 700 feet up in a helicopter it is hard to breathe. It’s putrid,” said Laforet. “I’d also recommend you bring some type of mask to filter out the smell/germs in the air. As things begin to rot and decay, it may get very difficult to breathe. And now that the floodwaters are being pumped out and the levees being repaired, things will get worse. It is also wise to bring plenty of antibacterial wipes and consider antibiotics and a first-aid kit.” - Power
Power grids are coming back up, but there are downed power lines everywhere. You must be very careful around them. Laforet advised that journalists not get out of vehicles because “as soon as your foot makes contact with the ground you will complete a circuit and be electrocuted (remember you’re driving on four rubber tires that don’t conduct the current).” You must have protective rubber boots and appropriate rain gear. Remember that to have the picture and not able to transmit it back to the publication is defeat. Also, be prepared to use portable generators and your vehicle’s battery to recharge your laptop, camera, cell phone and any other portable digital devices. Clifford said that power is your “key resource.”
Exhaustion is a major risk. Get some rest and be honest with yourself and your editors. The work will consume the time that you give it. “Not only does the story never stop, but the stress, not to mention the potential depression that one may fall victim to, will contribute to your becoming very tired much more quickly than usual,” said Laforet.
Lack of rest leads to lack of clarity and will bring simple but critical mistakes.
Laforet cautioned that “while I have to say that I’ve found the police and National Guard to be quite friendly and very professional – -especially given the exceptional circumstances — don’t forget that many of them may not have a home or family to return to.” Things are tense and human beings are involved.
Earlier in the week New York Times photographers Tyler Hicks and Marko Georgiev were thrown to the ground and handcuffed (and released shortly thereafter) by a SWAT team when they were on a porch at night making cell phone calls during curfew (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.).
Zero tolerance and sleep depravation make people very edgy.
As always, never misrepresent yourself. Always tell people who you are and the name of your organization. Wearing your press credential is not enough in these kinds of situations.
“You need to make it crystal clear — from a distance — that you are not a threat to others,” said Laforet. “I brought down a yellow light with me (a small LED lightbar that I can mount on the windshield with suction cups,) and it has proven to be very useful. Even though I only had three hours to pull things together prior to making my way to New Orleans, it was one of the first things I grabbed. I had covered two hurricanes before and knew how common it is to have all of the power go down and how dangerous driving through intersections can be, especially in low visibility amidst the rain.”
“Bringing the light was probably one of the smartest ‘tools’ that I brought for a few reasons … I was encouraged to leave it on at all times. Just yesterday a National Guard lieutenant told me that it was a great idea, because they are told to treat any incoming vehicle as a potential threat. When they see you coming from afar with a blinking light they immediately put their guard down a notch.”
Traveling in pairs is a good idea for a number of reasons. It is important to have someone to watch your back and to have two sets of eyes and ears in the field.
The St. Petersburg Times sent Tampa photo assignments editor Mack Goethe to Baton Rouge to deal with logistics and support. He delivered cards, cameras, food, water and cash to members of the St. Pete Times reporting team.
Many of the gas stations and establishments are accepting cash only — no credit cards. For Laforet, bringing plenty of cash is key, as banks and ATMs are either not functioning (since the phone lines and power lines are down) or they are simply out of cash.
Being a human being first and a journalist second is important in these circumstances. Both Laforet and Clifford remind journalists that they occupy a role of privilege and responsibility. Journalists can travel in and out of places at will, and most who are arriving from other states have a home to return to, unlike most of the people being covered. Recognize the emotional toll and serious health/safety risks that people are facing.
“Many have decided to leave their families to come help down here, often as volunteers,” said Laforet. “The people you will photograph have lost absolutely everything and have no access to news or information on how they can overcome this. Most are in a virtual time warp with no idea of how grand the scale of this disaster is (there are no newspapers being distributed here, no access to the Internet, and no power for television) nor what the future will bring.”
Stephen Buckley, managing editor of the St. Pete Times, said of his Franklin’s shooting, “It is a reminder that this is a very volatile situation, and New Orleans is not the only place where we need to think about safety first.”
Coming soon: A South African journalist says it’s time for news organizations to revisit a safety policy aimed at protecting journalists covering conflict.
