Fred Brooks is always in constant contact with his 12-year-old daughter, Brittany Lee.

The girl visited every weekend and always called with the latest news. But Brittany Lee never called before or after Hurricane Katrina hit.

"I don't know if she got out. I don't know if she's OK," Brooks said. "All I'd like to know is if she got out, and if she's alright."

Brittany Lee lived with her mother in St. Bernard Parish, where hundreds of residents are presumed dead from the storm damage.

Brooks' home received relatively little damage from the storm, other than the roof. The floods never made it to his home. The home lost power and all sewage systems, but his phones still worked after the storm.

He tried and tried to call Brittany Lee, but the calls never went through. Brooks finally gave up and evacuated to the New Orleans Convention Center with his fiance, Mary Stewart, and her daughter, Melissa.

He's a proud father — Brittany's name is tattooed on his right arm. Brooks said he hates knowing that his daughter could be anywhere and that he can't protect her.

"It's real bad," Brooks said. "I'm sick to myself. It's just like tearing my whole heart out, but I'm trying to stay strong."