2002 Ford Focus automatic transmission dead battery

I own a 2002 Ford Focus which was manufactured for the 49-state U.S.
market. It was flooded by Hurricane Ike and is dead (sadly -- I liked
it). Specifically, the battery is dead and the electrical system is shot.

I can't get the automatic transmission out of park.

I know about the emergency release slot in the center console. The key
goes into it only about 1/8 inch (3 mm). A screwdriver does the same.

No combination of turning on the ignition key, stepping on the brake
pedal, setting the parking brake, or sticking things into the emergency
keyhole has any effect.

I don't have to worry about breaking things. Everything in the car is
junk now except the glass and tires. I just need to get the
transmission into neutral so that the car can be towed.

(It has been 3 1/2 weeks, and the tow-truck operators are just getting
to private parties like me. They have been busy with vehicles that were
blocking public roads, etc.).

My real address is seamusTX.RemoveThis@comcast.net if you prefer to reply in private.

- Jim