It’s OK To Clean Up Flooded Homes And Businesses

BATON ROUGE, La. – As flood waters recede in some areas of Louisiana, homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Isaac are reminded that it isn’t necessary to wait for an inspector before cleaning up, say officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Whether that inspection is with an insurance company, FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), emergency management officials report that it’s always a good practice, prior to a visit from an inspector, to take the necessary steps to make your home safe and sanitary. If possible, take photographs of the damage before cleaning up. Also, keep receipts on purchases and services related to hurricane cleanup.

“We are working as quickly as possible to meet the needs of those affected by Hurricane Isaac and have already completed more than 23,000 inspections,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA. “But don’t wait for us. Clean up now and just be sure to document the damage.”

To date, 11 parishes have been designated for state and federal assistance for Hurricane Isaac. The parishes are Ascension, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa.

Survivors can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.