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Fill Out an SBA Loan Application or You Could be Leaving Money on the Table

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the April flooding and were referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration could lose some income-based FEMA grants if they don’t complete and submit SBA’s loan application.

Other Needs Assistance grants may cover uninsured losses for furniture, appliances and other personal property, even vehicles. Survivors will not be considered for this type of assistance unless they have completed and returned the SBA loan application. The information on the application is used to determine eligibility for income-based assistance.

Applicants from Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties should complete the SBA loan application, even if they don’t want a loan.

“If you don’t complete the SBA loan application, you could be leaving ‘money on the table’ for your recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin Hannes, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “We use that application to check eligibility for additional grants.”

Some types of Other Needs Assistance—medical, dental and funeral expenses—are not SBA dependent and completing the loan application is not required. However, it is always recommended by recovery experts.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property, offering low-interest disaster assistance loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

Survivors should start the loan process as soon as possible, and those who qualify for an SBA loan are under no obligation to accept it. If approved and the loan is not accepted, the survivor may be ineligible for additional federal assistance.

Submit an SBA loan application even if you are waiting for an insurance settlement. You may be able to begin your recovery immediately with a low-interest SBA disaster loan. The loan balance will be reduced by the settlement from your insurance. SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance.

Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 from SBA to replace personal property.

Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury. SBA offers low-interest working capital loans (called Economic Injury Disaster Loans) to small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes having difficulty meeting obligations as a result of the disaster.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339. For more disaster assistance information or to download applications, visit sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Texans can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, should call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.Toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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Fill Out an SBA Loan Application or You Could be Leaving Money on the Table

Partnerships and Progress: Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding 60 Days Later

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana is taking significant steps toward recovery following the severe storms and flooding that occurred March 8 through April 8.
Affected communities and disaster survivors are repairing and rebuilding better, stronger and safer with the help of neighbors, friends, family members, voluntary groups, faith and community-based organizations and local, parish, state and federal governments.
The following highlights recovery progress made in the 60 days since the March 13 presidential disaster declaration and how disaster survivors and affected communities are overcoming challenges.
After initially designating seven parishes, the presidential disaster declaration has been amended six times making survivors in 36 parishes eligible to apply for help under the Individual Assistance program. So far, more than 38,000 Louisiana survivors have contacted FEMA for help.
To date, survivors have received approximately $306 million in federal disaster assistance for a variety of recovery purposes.

More than $65 million in grants have been approved for a place to stay for homeowners and renters whose residences were uninhabitable and to make essential repairs for homes to be safe, sanitary and secure.
Nearly $18 million in grants have gone to homeowners and renters to repair and replace certain household items and for burial, medical and dental expenses.
Homeowners, renters and businesses have received nearly $80 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to repair, rebuild and replace damaged property and contents. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources.
National Flood Insurance Program policyholders have received nearly $143 million in claims to repair and rebuild flood-damaged property and recoveries.

The declaration was amended a seventh time April 20. Local, parish and state government infrastructure and certain private nonprofit organizations in 37 parishes became eligible to receive funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program to repair and rebuild disaster-damaged facilities. Local, parish and state government expenses related to debris removal, saving lives, providing security, and managing the immediate response are also eligible for reimbursement.
The PA program benefits everyone in the affected communities because essential services like roads, utilities, schools and hospitals are many times restored more resilient than they were before the disaster. FEMA relieves burdens of local and parish governments and the state by paying 75 percent of the costs.
Storm and flood debris blemish communities and its removal is necessary for disaster survivors to repair, rebuild and get their lives back on track. Many properties of survivors, towns and parishes are now free of disaster-related eyesores and closer to recovery because of communities removing debris.
Disaster recovery officials are still on the ground in Louisiana and interacting with survivors in a variety of ways to help them recover:

GOSHEP and FEMA specialists have held 14 applicant briefings to provide a general overview of the Public Assistance program to local leaders.
State and federal Public Assistance specialists have held more than 200 kickoff meetings to discuss with representatives from local infrastructure and certain nonprofits what projects may be available and to answer questions.
FEMA specialists have attended more than 40 community organization events in Louisiana to discuss and answer questions about federal disaster assistance.
Nearly 18,000 survivors have visited 44 disaster recovery centers (DRCs). The first centers opened less than a week after the presidential disaster declaration.
Nearly 34,000 FEMA housing inspections have been completed.
More than 67,000 survivors have spoken with FEMA disaster survivor assistance specialists. These are FEMA staff who canvass affected communities to encourage survivors to register for help, provide recovery information and listen to their concerns and has resulted in more than 4,000 registrations for federal disaster assistance.
Free consultations on building hazard-resistant homes have been given to more than 6,000 survivors at DRCs and approximately 1,800 at Louisiana home improvements stores.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director (GOHSEP) James Waskom and Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator Wayne Rickard are coordinating a team of state and federal disaster recovery specialists to restore, redevelop, revitalize and better prepare affected communities. The coordination team is working with local and parish governments, community leaders and the private sector on how to overcome long-term recovery challenges by pooling their resources to provide technical assistance and identify recovery funding sources.
Recovery has significantly progressed because of voluntary, faith and community-based groups that are donating their time and skills to help survivors muck out, repair and rebuild their homes. These groups are always the first and last presence to help disaster survivors recover.
Whole community partners continue to collaborate to find solutions to enable Louisiana’s recovery and will be here as long as it takes.

Louisiana disaster survivors are reminded that the deadline to register for FEMA assistance is Monday, June 13. You can register for disaster assistance or ask questions by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s 511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at www.emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information at gohsep.la.gov, Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at getagameplan.org.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA offers a number of free online resources for home and property owners. To get started, go to fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities or fema.gov/louisiana-disaster-mitigation.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Partnerships and Progress: Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding 60 Days Later

Disaster Recovery Centers in West Carroll and Ouachita Parishes Will No Longer Be Open on Sundays

BATON ROUGE, La. – Disaster recovery centers in Oak Grove (West Carroll Parish) and Monroe (Ouachita Parish) will no longer be open on Sundays. Effective Monday, May 9, all disaster recovery centers will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Louisiana disaster survivors.

Survivors may visit FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or call 800-621-3362 to locate centers near them.

Residents can still register for disaster assistance or ask questions by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. They can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4263. Cuando llame al 800-621-3362 (FEMA) marque el 1 y escuche las instrucciones en español.

Call the helpline to:

Ask questions about FEMA determination letters.
Learn how to appeal FEMA’s determination. All applicants have the right to appeal.
Inquire about the status of a registration.
Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.
Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

FEMA advises applicants to have their nine-digit FEMA registration number on hand when they call. They also will be asked to verify their identity if they want access to their information.

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FEMA offers a number of free online resources for home and property owners. To get started, go to fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities or fema.gov/louisiana-disaster-mitigation

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Disaster Recovery Centers in West Carroll and Ouachita Parishes Will No Longer Be Open on Sundays

Aid May Be Available to Repair or Replace a Vehicle Damaged by April Floods

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans whose vehicles were damaged or destroyed by this April’s flooding may be eligible to receive federal assistance to repair or replace the vehicle.

“Those who may be eligible include not just residents of the designated counties, but also those who were working in or visiting those areas between April 17 and April 24 and had disaster-related damage to their vehicle,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin Hannes, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas.

The eight counties included in the federal disaster declaration are: Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Harris, Parker, Waller and Wharton.

The following conditions apply to assistance for a damaged or destroyed vehicle:

The damaged vehicle must have complied with applicable state laws regarding title, vehicle registration and insurance requirements at the time of the damage.
Only those who maintain at least liability insurance will be considered to receive federal disaster assistance to repair or replace their vehicles. Liability coverage is the minimum insurance requirement for Texas drivers. Liability insurance policies do not cover storm-related damage. Survivors who register must submit proof to FEMA that they maintain liability coverage to be considered for federal disaster assistance to repair or replace their cars.
Survivors who have a comprehensive policy should first file a claim with their insurance company. Comprehensive policies usually pay for storm-related damage to a car. However, federal disaster assistance may help fill the gaps for those whose comprehensive insurance coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs.
Survivors need to return a completed U.S. Small Business Administration disaster-loan application. After registering with FEMA, the SBA may contact survivors concerning disaster loan applications. It’s important for survivors to submit their application. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
FEMA grants to repair or replace a vehicle must clear the SBA disaster loan process. A survivor may receive a grant from FEMA to repair or replace their car if insurance is insufficient and they were declined for an SBA home loan. Grants do not need to be repaid.
Keep documents. Federal disaster assistance is available to survivors only if their cars had damage during the severe storms and flooding April 17 to April 24. Survivors must submit an itemized document showing damage to the cars was storm-related and a receipt, estimate or verifiable bill of the repair or replacement costs.

FEMA officials advise anyone whose vehicle was damaged during the storms and flooding to register for assistance.

Texans can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

For more information about the SBA loan process, survivors may contact SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting the SBA website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Aid May Be Available to Repair or Replace a Vehicle Damaged by April Floods

All Louisiana Disaster Recovery Centers to Transition to Shorter Saturday Schedule

BATON ROUGE, La – Beginning May 7, all disaster recovery centers in Louisiana will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays for Louisiana disaster survivors.

Hours of operation at all centers remain 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Only the Monroe (Ouachita Parish) and Oak Grove (West Carroll Parish) centers will remain open noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays until further notice.

Survivors may visit FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or call 800-621-3362 to locate centers near them.

Survivors can register for disaster assistance or ask questions by calling the FEMA helpline at

800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. They can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Cuando llame al 800 621-3362 (FEMA) marque el 1 y escuche las instrucciones en español.

Call the helpline to:

Ask questions about FEMA determination letters.
Learn how to appeal FEMA’s determination. All applicants have the right to appeal.
Inquire about the status of a registration.
Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid processing delays.
Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

FEMA advises applicants to have their nine-digit FEMA registration number on hand when they call. They also will be asked to verify their identity if they want access to their information.

All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids. Each disaster recovery center has assistive technologies for people with disabilities. To arrange to have an ASL interpreter at the DRC when you visit, call 225-382-1739.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s www.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information at gohsep.la.gov, Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at getagameplan.org.

FEMA offers a number of free online resources for home and property owners. To get started, go to fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities or fema.gov/louisiana-disaster-mitigation.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

Source:

All Louisiana Disaster Recovery Centers to Transition to Shorter Saturday Schedule

Four More Texas Counties May Apply for Disaster Aid for April Storms

AUSTIN, Texas – Individuals and families in Austin, Colorado, Waller and Wharton counties can now register for assistance for the April 17-24 severe storms and floods after the Federal Emergency Management Agency granted the state’s request to add them to the disaster declaration.

They join the four counties already designated for FEMA’s individual assistance program under the April 25 federal disaster declaration: Fayette, Grimes, Harris and Parker counties.

Texans who suffered damage or losses as a result of April severe storms and flooding are encouraged to apply for assistance. Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses.

Texans in the eight counties who sustained disaster related damage or losses can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Those who had flood or storm damage should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may be eligible for help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available for eligible survivors. SBA helps businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For more information, survivors may contact SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting the SBA website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6.

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Four More Texas Counties May Apply for Disaster Aid for April Storms

Help Remains for Louisiana Disaster Survivors after Disaster Recovery Centers Close in Columbia, Caldwell Parish and Sicily Island, Catahoula Parish

BATON ROUGE,La. –

The Columbia (Caldwell Parish) and Sicily Island (Catahoula Parish) disaster recovery centers will close Wednesday, May 4 at 6 p.m.

The centers are located at the following addresses:

Caldwell Parish Community Center
104 Henderson St.
Columbia, La.

Old Martin Junior High School
825 Highway 8
Sicily Island, La.

Louisiana disaster survivors in Columbia and Sicily Island may still visit other centers to meet with recovery officials. For other locations go to fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or call 800-621-3362.

Residents can still register for disaster assistance or ask questions by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. They can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4263. Cuando llame al 800 621-3362 (FEMA) marque el 1 y escuche las instrucciones en español.

Call the helpline to:

Ask questions about FEMA determination letters.
Learn how to appeal FEMA’s determination. All applicants have the right to appeal.
Inquire about the status of a registration.
Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.
Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

FEMA advises applicants to have their nine-digit FEMA registration number on hand when they call. They also will be asked to verify their identity if they want access to their information.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s www.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at www.emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information at www.gohsep.la.gov, Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Original source –

Help Remains for Louisiana Disaster Survivors after Disaster Recovery Centers Close in Columbia, Caldwell Parish and Sicily Island, Catahoula Parish

Storm Damage in March and April – Register Again with FEMA

AUSTIN, Texas – Residents in Parker County with losses or damage from the severe storms and flooding of April 17-24 should register for federal disaster assistance with FEMA, even if they registered with the agency following the March storms.

An April 25 federal disaster declaration made Parker County — along with Fayette, Grimes and Harris counties — eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Parker County also was included in the March 19 disaster declaration for the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding March 7-29. Each disaster is a separate event.

Parker County survivors can register with FEMA anytime at DisasterAssistance.gov. They also can register by phone (voice, 711 or video relay service) at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

When registering, applicants will be asked for the following information:

Social Security number;
Address of the damaged primary residence;
Description of the damage;
Information about insurance coverage;
A current contact telephone number;
An address where they can receive mail; and
A bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if a survivor has registered with another disaster-relief organization, such as the American Red Cross. Get answers to questions by calling the FEMA Helpline and speak with a representative.

For more information visit the Texas disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4269, Twitter @femaregion6 and @TDEM, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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Storm Damage in March and April – Register Again with FEMA

St. Tammany and Calcasieu Parish Disaster Survivors Can Get Rebuilding Tips at Local Home Improvement Centers

Baton Rouge, La. — Disaster Survivors from Caddo, St. Tammany and Calcasieu parishes who are rebuilding after the March 8 – April 8 severe storms and floods can receive free consultations with hazard mitigation advisors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The mitigation representatives will be available at Lowe’s in Slidell and Lowe’s in Sulphur from Monday, May 2 until Saturday, May 7.

The mitigation advisors will answer questions about protecting homes from future disaster-related damage, as well as offer tips and techniques to build hazard resistant homes. Most of the information and the free publications provided are geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Recovery topics to be covered include roof repair and rebuilding flooded homes.

The store locations and the hours the advisors will be available are as follows:

Lowe’s Home Improvement
39184 Natchez Drive
Slidell, La.

Advisors will be available Monday 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and

Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Lowe’s Home Improvement
305 South Cities Service Highway
Sulphur, La.

Advisors will be available Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Survivors can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Cuando llame al 1-800 621-3362 (FEMA) marque el 1 y escuche las instrucciones en español.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s www.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at www.emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information at www.gohsep.la.gov, Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at .sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Originally posted here:

St. Tammany and Calcasieu Parish Disaster Survivors Can Get Rebuilding Tips at Local Home Improvement Centers

Five Years of Progress after Historic Tornadoes

Atlanta — Five years after tornadoes devastated the southeast and resulted in four federal disaster declarations in five days, hard-hit communities are building back stronger. To date, assistance to residents and communities in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee from the Federal Emergency Management Agency totals more than $504 million.

“The success of community recovery comes through strong partnerships at the local, state and federal levels. Together we have focused on rebuilding communities that are stronger and more sustainable for the future,” said Gracia Szczech, FEMA’s Region IV Regional Administrator.

Alabama by-the-numbers:

To date, assistance to Alabama’s residents and communities from the Federal Emergency Management Agency totals more than $361 million.

In Alabama, 88,229 individuals and families received $77,332,325 in Individual Assistance grants. More than $70 million was provided within a year of the storms, giving residents a helping hand in rebuilding their lives and restoring livelihoods.

The state and FEMA provided $343,990 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance to 333 survivors who lost jobs as a result of the tornadoes.

FEMA provided $4,810,399 to fund crisis counseling programs to help adults and children deal with the trauma and stress of surviving and recovering from the tornadoes.

Through collaborative efforts, FEMA and the state of Alabama provided temporary housing units to 307 families.

More than $202 million has been obligated as federal share reimbursements through FEMA’s Public Assistance program to state and local governments, and eligible private nonprofit organizations; and more than $1.36 million was obligated as part of these Public Assistance projects to build stronger, safer, more resilient communities and mitigate against future damage. To date, nearly 96 percent of the projected repair and replacement costs under the Public Assistance program have been disbursed to the State.

Some 4,492 residential and community tornado safe rooms have been approved to be built with $76.8 million obligated through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant program. Mitigation forms the foundation of a community’s long-term strategy to reduce disaster losses and break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction and repeated damage.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided $114,494,500 in low-interest disaster recovery loans to help businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters in Alabama rebuild.

Tennessee by-the-numbers

Tennessee residents and communities have received more than $70.8 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Nearly $8.6 million in Individual Assistance grants were provided to 8,845 individuals and families. More than $8.28 million of the total was provided within a year of the storms.

FEMA provided more than $690,000 to fund crisis counseling programs to help adults and children deal with the trauma and stress of surviving and recovering from the tornadoes.

More than $52 million has been obligated as federal share reimbursements through FEMA’s Public Assistance program to the state and local governments, and eligible private nonprofit organizations. To date, more than 96 percent of the projected repair and replacement costs under the Public Assistance program have been disbursed to the state.

FEMA obligated nearly $8.7 million to Tennessee through its Hazard Mitigation Grant program. Projects include eight safe rooms.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided more than $10 million in low-interest disaster recovery loans to help businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters rebuild.

Mississippi by-the-numbers

Mississippi’s residents and communities have received more than $38.9 million from the FEMA.

More than $10.7 million in Individual Assistance grants were provided to 7,259 individuals and families. More than $9.9 million of the total was provided within a year of the storms.

More than $24.3 million has been obligated as FEMA’s share reimbursements through the Public Assistance program to the state and local governments, and eligible private nonprofit organizations. To date, more than 96 percent of the projected repair and replacement costs under the Public Assistance program have been disbursed to the state.

FEMA, MEMA and local jurisdictions also considered the safety of residents in the future. With more than $3 million in FEMA assistance through its Hazard Mitigation Grant program, communities across the state are using the funds to implement safe and smart building practices.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided more than $10 million in low-interest disaster recovery loans to help businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters rebuild.

Georgia by-the-numbers

FEMA provided Georgia’s residents and communities more than $12 million in recovery assistance.

Individual Assistance grants of nearly $5.6 million were provided to 5,461 individuals and families. More than $5 million of the total was provided within a year of the storms.

FEMA provided $350,807 to fund crisis counseling programs to help adults and children deal with the trauma and stress of surviving and recovering from the tornadoes.

More than $21 million has been obligated as federal share reimbursements through FEMA’s Public Assistance program to the state and local governments, and eligible private nonprofit organizations. To date, more than 91 percent of the projected repair and replacement costs under the Public Assistance program have been disbursed to the State.

FEMA has obligated more than $4 million through its Hazard Mitigation Grant program for communities across the state to become more resilient from disasters.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided $8,492,000 million in low-interest disaster recovery loans to help businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters rebuild.

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Five Years of Progress after Historic Tornadoes

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