Has anyone heard anything about banking in the Katrina affected area? I'm curious if people with accounts in local banks can still get their money. I haven't a clue how (or where!) banks store account information these days. Do local banks outsource their record keeping? If so, is it reasonable to expect to be able to still get money / write checks after your local branch gets flooded?

Sure. I have a cash stash, but that'll only last so long. As will the credit cards. If you want to be ready to stay away from home for weeks or months, you'll need more than that.