Hurricane Isaac Survivors Have until Nov. 29 to Register for Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Hurricane Isaac survivors have until Nov. 29 to register for state and federal disaster assistance, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials announced Friday.

Homeowners, renters and business owners in the 26 parishes designated for Individual Assistance may continue to register with FEMA for assistance and report their uninsured or underinsured property damage or destruction from the storm.

The normal registration period is 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration, but FEMA has approved a 30-day extension. Also extended is the deadline for survivors to apply for low-interest, long-term disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Because some parishes were added to the original declaration within the last few weeks, the state asked for, and FEMA approved, a registration deadline extension,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar. “We urge survivors who have not yet registered to do so right away.”

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. If you use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Individual Assistance has been made available in 26 parishes in Louisiana: Allen, Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Morehouse, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.

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.

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Hurricane Isaac Survivors Have until Nov. 29 to Register for Assistance

FEMA Advisers to Offer Home Repair Tips in Four Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La. – Property owners who are rebuilding after Hurricane Isaac can receive a free consultation with Hazard Mitigation advisers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at home improvement centers in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes starting Monday.

The advisers can offer tips and techniques on how to protect homes from future disaster-related damage and other measures to make homes stronger and safer; they also offer advice on topics such as:

  • emergency preparedness
  • roof repair
  • home elevation
  • mold and mildew cleanup
  • rebuilding flooded homes
  • flood insurance
     

Most of the information and free publications provided are geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors. The mitigation stations will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 29 to Nov. 12.

Ascension Parish
Lowe’s
12484 Airline Highway
Gonzales, LA 70737

East Baton Rouge Parish
Home Depot
18139 Highland Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810

St. Tammany Parish
Home Depot
143 Northshore Blvd.
Slidell, LA 70460

Tangipahoa Parish
Lowe’s
3007 Highway 190 West
Hammond, LA  70401

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.

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FEMA Advisers to Offer Home Repair Tips in Four Parishes

AmeriCorps — and New FEMA Corps — Are Assisting Hurricane Isaac Recovery

BATON ROUGE, La. – Dozens of AmeriCorps and FEMA Corps members are doing double duty in response to Hurricane Isaac— helping Louisiana survivors with their recovery efforts and assisting their communities plan for future disasters.

Along with scores of local voluntary agencies, some AmeriCorps teams were in Louisiana before Hurricane Isaac struck, and other members have arrived regularly in the eight weeks since the storm. The newest group is from FEMA Corps, a program in which young adults serve alongside FEMA’s existing workforce to perform a variety of disaster response, recovery and mitigation tasks.

“FEMA relies on volunteer-based organizations and the service groups like AmeriCorps and now FEMA Corps to provide critical help for survivors,” said Gerard M. Stolar, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer. “These folks are getting right into the communities affected by Isaac and helping them with their recovery effort.”

The FEMA Corps members are working with FEMA specialists in the Joint Field Office in Baton Rouge and across southern Louisiana. Some of them have been integrated into operations at Disaster Recovery Centers, where they have met with survivors and helped connect them to resources and information. Others are helping compile Project Worksheets, which document applicant costs for Public Assistance reimbursements.

FEMA Corps members also have been working in the southern parishes to learn how to assess homes for private property debris removal. Still others have joined Community Relations teams, going door-to-door to meet survivors and provide information about FEMA registration.

Meanwhile, some AmeriCorps members are in St. John Parish where they are managing local volunteers and assisting in setting up a long-term recovery group for the area. The teams also are helping the parish begin tracking volunteer hours which can be used to offset the local cost share required in some FEMA grants. In Plaquemines, St. John and St. Tammany, AmeriCorps has helped set up Volunteer Reception Centers (VRCs).

Other members are assisting the Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster with a temporary roof repair pilot project in eight parishes. They are helping collect data about the efforts of voluntary agencies to provide temporary roof repairs and tarps to damaged homes.

“I think these projects can be very helpful tools for future disasters,” said AmeriCorps St. Louis Team Leader, Abby Simons, whose teams are working on the roofing pilot project and the VRCs. “Knowing that we’re helping increase the effectiveness of local community groups now – and maybe influencing others years down the road ¬– is worthwhile service.”

AmeriCorps is one of dozens of agencies FEMA has partnered with to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters like Hurricane Isaac. A national service program, AmeriCorps offers real-world experience in public service in exchange for low pay, long hours, sparse lodging, student loan forgiveness and the rewards of helping people in need.

AmeriCorps, through its parent agency the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), has deployed more than 300 members to Hurricane Isaac-affected areas since the beginning of the storm.

Some 35 AmeriCorps members assisted with earlier evacuations from St. Charles Parish and supporting a call center to provide information to survivors. In New Orleans, AmeriCorps members have been at a call center, a shelter and in the neighborhoods helping with damage assessment, debris removal and home repair.

Others have been in Baton Rouge, assisting with shelter operations and the Louisiana 2-1-1 call center and yet another team was in Hahnville in St. Charles Parish helping collect and distribute donated items to survivors.

FEMA Corps is the result of a new, innovative partnership between FEMA and CNCS. The program aims to enhance the nation’s ability to assist disaster survivors while expanding career opportunities for young people.

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.

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AmeriCorps — and New FEMA Corps — Are Assisting Hurricane Isaac Recovery

Disaster Recovery Center Opens for Four Days in West Baton Rouge Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. —  A State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will be open Monday through Thursday in West Baton Rouge Parish to assist homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained uninsured or underinsured damage to their home or personal property as a result of Hurricane Isaac.

Specialists from the state of Louisiana, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

The center is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15 and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday (Oct 16, 17, 18) at:

West Baton Rouge Parish Community Center
749 N. Jefferson Ave.
Port Allen, La 70767

Survivors may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They 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 operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

SBA offers federal low-interest disaster loans to residents and businesses. After registering with FEMA, visit any Disaster Recovery Center where SBA representatives will answer questions, explain the application process and help each resident or business owner apply to SBA. For SBA information or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 1-800-877-8339.

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

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens for Four Days in West Baton Rouge Parish

FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program Extended Again in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at the request of the state of Louisiana, has approved a third extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. The initiative allows eligible Hurricane Isaac survivors whose houses have been severely damaged or destroyed to stay in a hotel or motel for a limited time and have the cost of the room and taxes paid directly to the hotel by FEMA.

“We are aware that some survivors in hard-hit parishes are facing critical challenges to getting back into their homes,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall. “We are working in close coordination with our state and parish partners to arrive at thoughtful solutions to those challenges. Meanwhile, the TSA extension will offer eligible survivors some relief.”

The program, which began Sept. 3, now runs through Oct. 28, with checkout on Oct. 29. Meals, telephone calls and other incidental charges are not covered, and applicants are responsible for any lodging costs above the authorized allowance.  The program does not reimburse previously incurred hotel expenses.

FEMA continues to work in coordination with the state and local parishes to connect survivors in the program to recovery resources in their communities.

Home inspections do not have to be completed before an applicant can be considered for the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. After a housing inspection is performed, applicants in the sheltering program may remain eligible for this third extension if their home is still unlivable, inaccessible or without power.

TSA is open to eligible applicants whose damaged dwellings are in St. John Parish or in designated zip codes in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles. St. Helena, St. James, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne and Washington parishes.

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.

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FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program Extended Again in Louisiana

FEMA Public Assistance Extended in Eight Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today has extended federal disaster aid in eight Louisiana parishes to include supplemental funding for infrastructure repairs in the wake of Hurricane Isaac.

Eligible applicants in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Livingston, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St John the Baptist and West Feliciana parishes can now apply for FEMA Public Assistance (PA) reimbursement for repairs to roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities and other facilities.

The eight parishes already had been designated for FEMA Public Assistance funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures

“Getting hurricane-affected communities up and running is an important aspect of the overall recovery effort,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall. “Supplementary funding for infrastructure repairs in these parishes will also help people and businesses recover from the storm.”

Supplementary funding under the PA program goes to the state and its agencies, local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations. Under the program, FEMA obligates funds to the state for 75 percent of eligible costs, while the applicant covers the remaining 25 percent. The state forwards the federal funds to the eligible local governments or organizations that incurred costs.

In all, current federal disaster declaration designates a total of 55 parishes as eligible to apply for some level of FEMA Public Assistance.

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

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). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Public Assistance Extended in Eight Parishes

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available

BATON ROUGE, La. – Workers who have lost their jobs or those who are self-employed and unable to provide their services because of Hurricane Isaac may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). But the deadlines to file a claim are fast approaching.

“The DUA program extends coverage to farm workers and others who have lost employment as a direct result of the disaster,” said Mike Hall, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “It is specifically designed to assist those who are otherwise ineligible for state unemployment benefits.”

This program is available to those living or working in any of the 21 parishes designated for FEMA Individual Assistance. These parishes are: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington and West Feliciana.

Workers have 30 days from the date their parish is designated for Individual Assistance to file a claim. The deadlines are as follows:

  • Oct. 2, 2012 – Ascension, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. John and St. Tammany.
  • Oct. 5, 2012 – St. Charles and Tangipahoa.
  • Oct. 8, 2012 – Assumption, Iberville, St. Helena, St. James, St. Mary, Terrebonne and Washington.
  • Oct. 15, 2012 – East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana and West Feliciana.

To file a DUA claim, visit http://www.laworks.net/UnemploymentInsurance/UI_Claimants.asp. Those without Internet access or who have difficulty filing a claim online can contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission toll-free at 1-866-783-5567. 

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

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). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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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Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available

INITIATIVE D’AIDE À l’HÉBERGEMENT TEMPORAIRE DE LA FEMA LANCÉE EN LOUISIANE

BATON ROUGE, La – L’Agence fédérale des situations d’urgence (Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA), à la demande de l’État de Louisiane, a démarré son programme d’aide à l’hébergement temporaire, ce qui permet aux évacués des zones touchées par l’ouragan Isaac, bénéficiant de l’aide et dont les voisinages ne sont pas accessibles ou dont les domiciles ont été détruits de séjourner à l’hôtel ou dans un motel pendant une période limitée, tous frais et taxes payés directement à l’hôtel par la FEMA.

« L’aide à l’hébergement temporaire offre aux rescapés des logements provisoires en attendant de trouver et de mettre en place d’autres solutions de logement, » explique Mike Hall,  agent de coordination fédérale. « Nous oeuvrons étroitement avec notre État et les partenaires régionaux pour mettre au point une solution de logement à long terme dans le but d’aider les rescapés de l’ouragan Isaac jusqu’à ce que leur foyer et collectivité soit remis en état ou réparés. »

Pour bénéficier de l’aide à l’hébergement temporaire, les évacués doivent remplir les conditions suivantes :

  1. La résidence principale doit se situer dans une des zones qui a été désignée comme zone sinistrée ;
  2. La résidence principale est inaccessible ou rendue inhabitable en raison de dommages ou de l’absence de courant ; et
  3. La FEMA doit pouvoir vérifier leur identité.

 La période d’aide initiale démarre à compter du 3 3 sept. jusqu’au 16 sept. 2012. Les repas, les appels téléphoniques et autres frais imprévus ne sont pas couverts, et les frais de logement supérieurs à l’allocation autorisée sont à la charge des demandeurs.  Le programme ne rembourse pas les dépenses d’hôtel précédemment engagées.

 La première étape pour ceux touchés par l’ouragan est de s’inscrire en ligne pour demander l’aide de la FEMA www.disasterassistance.gov ou par smart phone à  m.fema.gov. Les demandeurs n’ayant pas accès à Internet ou ne possédant pas de smartphone peuvent appeler le 1-800-621-3362 ou le (téléscripteur/ATS) 1-800-462-7585. Si vous utilisez des services de relais pour malentendants (711-Relay) ou des services de relais vidéo, composez le 1-800-621-3362. Les numéros de téléphone sans frais seront accessibles de 7 h  à 22 h. (heure locale) sept jours par semaine.

Pour en savoir plus sur l’aide aux sinistrés en Louisiane, cliquez sur le lien www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. Vous pouvez suivre la FEMA sur Twitter à www.twitter.com/femaregion6 ou sur Facebook à www.facebook.com/FEMA. Consultez également notre blogue à www.fema.gov/blog.

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INITIATIVE D’AIDE À l’HÉBERGEMENT TEMPORAIRE DE LA FEMA LANCÉE EN LOUISIANE

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana 

Release Date: May 24, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-094

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new East Baton Rouge Parish flood maps which cover portions of Zachary, Central City and the unified city and parish of East Baton Rouge become effective on Tuesday, June 19 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to June 19 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at the Parish Government Office.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 24-May-2012 08:51:26

Source – 

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

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