READER GREG BROOKS EMAILS:

You don’t know me – just another faithful instapundit.com reader here. But I trust your judgment so I thought I’d ask: Beyond donations, is there good to be achieved by driving down to New Orleans (I live in Kansas City) with a car stuffed full of bottled water, vitamins, antibiotics and stuff? I’m not trained in anything useful (just a public relations guy here), but it seems like a healthy person armed with a car could get some good done. Armed with a car and hip waders? Maybe even more good.

Your thoughts? Many thanks in advance for your perspective.

I’m no expert. My guess is that the authorities don’t want people coming on their own like that — but that if you show up, they’ll find something for you to do. If you go, though, be sure to be self-sufficient for at least a week, so you’re not a drain on rescue resources.

And be sure you’ve had your shots.

UPDATE: FEMA says do not self-dispatch.