http://www.katc.com/Global/story.asp?S=3775312

"Everyone entering was patted down, went through a metal detector and watched National Guard members search their bags. It was a thorough search -- people had to put hands on head and even clothing seams were checked.
General Ralph Lupin said 360 guardsmen were in the dome and 200 more were on the way."

It's not mentioned WHAT they are looking for, but I'll presume airport-style restrictions.

This contradicts what someone said about searches at shelters in an earlier thread. I wonder why this is different? Are they expecting an exceptionally rowdy bunch? Contents of local jails? Drunk college kids? What?

Here's a couple of article excerpts on the Superdome's conversion to hurricane shelter, underscoring what's been suggested before on the forum: if you show up at a refugee/evacuation center, expect that you will be "relieved" of some/all of your PSK/BOB.

"People were told to bring enough food, water, and medicine to last up to five days. One man lamented that his cigarettes and lighter were taken."

"Armed National Guardsmen searched everyone and their bags. They seized guns, knives, drugs."

"Guardsmen made able-bodied people clasp their hands behind their backs while they patted them down, feeling the seams and hems of clothing, then ran metal detectors over them. The backpacks, suitcases and plastic grocery bags that held their belongings were searched. A homeless woman wearing shorts and a T-shirt...was searched for almost 10 minutes."

WOW ! It sounds like things have changed. I'm not sure if this is what will be standard at shelters nationwide or if this this is due to the facility being the Superdome and the number of people expected and the long lead time to prepare. Hand searches and metal detectors are a first, as far as I know.
"Normally" there just isn't the time or resources to get this done.
Dave

They're taking lighters and tobacco? I don't smoke, but that just seems extreem. <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I read last night that the last time they used the superdome as a shelter (another hurricane several years back), people brought weapons and there was a bunch of rioting and looting inside the dome. The searches this time are to prevent that from happening again.

Probably just more conditioning.

the poor and the bad guy's ,and they took tool's,wrench's, plier's,rat tail combs,nail cliper's.Anything with point or weapon potential.