RI volunteer reflects on Katrina

WESTERLY, R.I. (WPRI) - A Westerly man who served as a Red Cross volunteer in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina said the experience five years ago changed his life.

John Burnap led efforts on the Gulf Coast to provide food and shelter in the wake of Katrina in 2005.

"We were serving 50,000 meals a day. It was amazing," Burnap said Sunday.

The Westerly resident made disaster work his career following his experiences on the Gulf Coast. He said Sunday that he feels the country has learned from Katrina, especially the importance of preparing for a disaster, and volunteering to help.

Burnap said he saw people from all walks of life volunteering in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and he remains friends with many of them.

"You hear all the bad stuff, but there are also all these great stories of people helping."