Speaking the Language of Louisiana Flood Survivors

Baton Rouge, La. – The population of Louisiana traces its origins back in many directions, with Spanish and French influences dominating. Along the coast, more recent arrivals may speak primarily Vietnamese or other languages.

In fact, it’s estimated that more than 70,000 residents of the 35 parishes designated for federal disaster assistance speak a language other than English. According to census data, the four most prevalent non-English languages spoken in parishes designated for federal assistance are Spanish, French, Chinese and Vietnamese.

However, language is not a barrier to receiving FEMA disaster assistance.

If you or someone you know is non-English speaking, let them know that FEMA has many ways to meet the language needs of survivors. For instance, many FEMA employees are bilingual or multilingual and are able to assist survivors in their primary language during normal encounters in communities, at Disaster Recovery Centers or at public meetings.

As FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams canvass neighborhoods in designated parishes, they take special note of language needs and work with non-English speaking survivors to help them register.

When a Louisiana resident desires to register for FEMA assistance by phoning 800-621-3362, they can speak with a FEMA employee fluent in their language. However, it is helpful if someone who speaks English can assist the disaster survivor when placing the FEMA call.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services also are available for disaster survivors who are Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use TTY to call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service or require accommodations while visiting a Disaster Recovery Center may call 800-621-3362. All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids.

ASL interpreters are available at Disaster Recovery Centers open in many places throughout Louisiana; they also are on hand at public meetings where FEMA speakers appear.

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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 on 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.

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 https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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 Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800)877-8339.

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This article is from – 

Speaking the Language of Louisiana Flood Survivors

Free FEMA Advice Available at Local Home Improvement Stores

Free FEMA Advice Available at Local Home Improvement Stores

JACKSON, Miss. – Those whose homes were damaged during the storms and tornadoes beginning March 9 can get advice and pamphlets on how to make cost-effective repairs as well as information on how to make their homes stronger and safer at several local home improvement stores.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be available at booths to answer questions. Most of the information is geared toward do-it-yourself workers and general contractors.

Advisers will be available April 14-19 at the following locations between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.:

  • Lowe’s Store, 1135 Highway 6 East, Batesville, MS 38606

  • Lowe’s Store, 1886 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Greenville, MS 38701

For more information on Mississippi’s flood recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4268 or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency site at msema.org.

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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.

 

Originally posted here: 

Free FEMA Advice Available at Local Home Improvement Stores

Mississippi Storm Damage Assistance Tops $5.1 million

Mississippi Storm Damage Assistance Tops $5.1 million

JACKSON, Miss. – More than $5.1 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been disbursed to help those affected by the storms and flooding in Mississippi that began March 9, 2016.

Of this amount, more than $4 million was for housing assistance for repairing/rebuilding homes and rental assistance to provide more than 650 people a temporary place to live.  An additional more than $1 million in other needs assistance was delivered to help cover the costs of replacing lost contents, medical, dental and other disaster-related expenses.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been contacted by more than 2,900 people for help or information regarding disaster assistance.

In addition to FEMA grants for individuals and families, other forms of disaster assistance are provided by partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration and voluntary agencies. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and FEMA often refer survivors to those agencies. All businesses are also referred to the SBA.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance coverage, survivors who sustained damage in the 16 disaster-designated Mississippi counties are urged to apply for help. The Individual Assistance-designated counties are Bolivar, Clarke, Coahoma, Forrest, George, Greene, Jones, Marion, Panola, Pearl River, Perry, Quitman, Sunflower, Tunica, Washington and Wayne.

Individuals and businesses in any of the 16 designated Mississippi counties begin the disaster assistance process by registering online at disasterassistance.gov. Survivors also can call 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can speak in person with state, federal and voluntary agency representatives by visiting a disaster recovery center. Centers are open in Bolivar, Coahoma, Forrest, Greene, Quitman, Tunica and Washington counties. Centers are planned in additional counties in the coming days. To locate the nearest center, call the FEMA helpline or go to fema.gov/drc.

For more information on Mississippi’s recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4268 or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency site at msema.org.

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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.

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’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. People who are referred to SBA by FEMA will be contacted by SBA and provided options for the application process. Completed applications must be submitted to SBA officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

More here:

Mississippi Storm Damage Assistance Tops $5.1 million

FEMA, State Grants Will Not Affect Social Security Or Other Federal Benefits

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in March will not lose Social Security benefits, pay additional taxes, or give up income-based benefit programs if they accept federal or state disaster aid. This includes homeowners, renters and businesses in Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Jasper, Limestone, Marion, Newton, Orange, Parker, Shelby and Tyler counties who register for disaster assistance.

In most cases, the Social Security Administration does not count federal or state disaster aid as income, according to recovery officials from the state of Texas and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

A few questions that often come up following a disaster declaration are:

FEMA Grants

Question: I’m between 62 and 65 years of age, and have chosen to receive Social Security benefits. If my income is more than a certain amount each year, I must reimburse a portion of my Social Security payment. Will FEMA grants add to my income and require me to repay Social Security?

Answer: No. FEMA grants for housing and other disaster assistance are not counted as income.

Taxes

Question: I’m over 65, but if I earn more than a certain amount, I must pay tax on my Social Security income. Will FEMA grants boost my income and require me to pay tax on my Social Security income?

Answer: No. The IRS does not count FEMA grants for housing and other disaster assistance as income.

Other Assistance

Question: Will receiving a grant cause my income to increase to the point that I am no longer eligible for Medicaid, welfare assistance or food stamps?

Answer: No. Grants for housing and other disaster assistance are not counted as income in determining eligibility for income-tested benefit programs that the U.S. government funds.

Apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4266, Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

Visit fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

Excerpt from – 

FEMA, State Grants Will Not Affect Social Security Or Other Federal Benefits

Disaster Recovery Centers Open for Survivors in Forrest and Greene Counties

Disaster Recovery Centers Open for Survivors in Forrest and Greene Counties

PEARL, Miss. – Two additional Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in Mississippi  to provide assistance to survivors of the severe storms and flooding that began March 9, 2016.

Recovery centers are run jointly by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Representatives of state, federal and voluntary agencies are set up in the center to explain the various programs designed to help survivors recover.

The Forrest County center is located at the Forrest County Community Shelter facility, 946 Sullivan Dr., Hattiesburg, MS 39401

The center in Greene County is at the McLain Town Office, 106 Church Ave., McLain, MS 39456.

Centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays until further notice. Centers are now open at:

Bolivar County                                                          Coahoma County

Willard R. Samuels Jr. Gymnasium                            Clarksdale Civic Center

700 N. Chrisman Ave.                                    `           506 E. Second St. 700

Cleveland, MS 38732                                                  Clarksdale, MS 38614

Forrest County                                                          Greene County

Forrest County Community Shelter facility                McLain Town Office

946 Sullivan Dr.                                                            106 Church Ave.

Hattiesburg, MS 39401                                                McLain, MS 39456

Quitman County                                                       Washington County 

Marks Fire Department                                              Washington County Convention Center

108 W. Main St.                                                           1040 S. Raceway Road

Marks, MS 38646                                                        Greenville, MS 38703

Anyone affected by the storms and flooding in a designated county may visit any of the centers. Survivors can locate the nearest center by visiting fema.gov/drc or by calling the FEMA helpline.

If possible, survivors with disaster-related losses are encouraged to register for assistance before going to the disaster recovery center by calling FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362, which is video relay services accessible. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have difficulty speaking may call TTY 800-462-7585. Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week until further notice. Survivors can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Homeowners, renters and business owners can apply for low-interest disaster loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. SBA representatives are available at the disaster recovery centers to answer questions and help survivors complete their disaster loan applications. Questions can also be answered by calling the SBA disaster customer service center at 800-659-2955 or (TTY) 800-877-8339 for the deaf or hard of hearing, or by visiting sba.gov/disaster.

For more information on Mississippi’s flood recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4268 or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency site at msema.org.

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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.

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 temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who are referred to SBA must submit the loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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.

 

Excerpt from: 

Disaster Recovery Centers Open for Survivors in Forrest and Greene Counties

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Winnsboro, Franklin Parish, for Louisiana Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – A disaster recovery center will open Tuesday, April 12, in Winnsboro, Franklin Parish, to help Louisiana flood survivors. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays until further notice.
The disaster recovery center is located at the following address:

Franklin Parish Public Works Building
8327 Highway 17
Winnsboro, La.

More centers are planned to open in other parishes. Survivors may locate centers online at fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by calling 800-621-3362.

Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, volunteer groups and other agencies are at the center to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.

Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing many affected areas, and are able to register people for FEMA assistance if needed. Sometimes these teams will remain in certain locations convenient to the community, such as a library or mayor’s office. When residents require further assistance the teams may refer them to a disaster recovery center nearby.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register for and receive federal disaster assistance. If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center.

To register, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service or require accommodations while visiting a center may call 800-621-3362. 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.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are available for businesses of all sizes including landlords, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For more information, applicants may contact the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting the SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

For information call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4263.

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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 on 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.

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 https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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 Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800)877-8339.

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Originally posted here – 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Winnsboro, Franklin Parish, for Louisiana Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Kinder, Allen Parish for Louisiana Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – A mobile disaster recovery center will be available Saturday, April 9, in Kinder, Allen Parish, to help Louisiana flood survivors. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 9, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 10.

The mobile center will be parked at the following address:

On Monday, April 11th the mobile center will be open at the following address:
Kinder Fire Department
808 2nd Ave.
Kinder, La.
    
On Tuesday, April 12, the mobile center will reopen at the following address:
Allen Parish Fire District
215 W. 5th Ave.
Oberlin, La.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Locations will alternate over the next two weeks –The mobile center will return to Kinder on Friday, April 15, and Saturday, April 16. It will be back in Oberlin on Monday, April 18, and Tuesday, April 19.

More centers are planned to open in other parishes. Survivors may locate centers online at fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by calling 800-621-3362.

At the center, residents can get questions about disaster assistance answered. Also if survivors need help with FEMA registration or filling out a U.S. Small Business Administration loan application for a low-interest disaster loan, someone at the center can help them.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register for and receive federal disaster assistance. If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center.

To register, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service or require accommodations while visiting a center may call 800-621-3362. 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.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are available for businesses of all sizes including landlords, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For more information, applicants may contact the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting the SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

For information call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4263.

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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 on 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.

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 https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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 Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800)877-8339.

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Read More:

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Kinder, Allen Parish for Louisiana Survivors

Help Remains for Louisiana Disaster Survivors after Disaster Recovery Centers Close in Grand Cane, Desoto Parish and Satsuma, Livingston Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Grand Cane and Satsuma disaster recovery centers will close Monday, April 11, at 6 p.m.

The centers are located at the following addresses:

Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Training Center
120 Sprocket Lane
Grand Cane, La.

Satsuma Village Mall
28975 South Satsuma Road, Suite D
Satsuma, La.

Louisiana disaster survivors 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 (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.  

Other information that can be obtained on the helpline:

  • Ask questions about FEMA determination letters.
  • Learn how to appeal FEMA determination letters. All applicants may 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

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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 on 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.

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 https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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 Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800)877-8339.

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Originally posted here: 

Help Remains for Louisiana Disaster Survivors after Disaster Recovery Centers Close in Grand Cane, Desoto Parish and Satsuma, Livingston Parish

Help Remains for Louisiana Disaster Survivors after Disaster Recovery Center Closes in Jena, LaSalle Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Jena disaster recovery center will close Saturday, April 9, at 6 p.m.

The center is located at the following address:

East Jena Baptist Church
1220 Pepper Street
Jena, La.

Louisiana disaster survivors 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 (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.

Call to:

  • Ask questions about FEMA determination letters.
  • Learn how to appeal FEMA determination letters. All applicants may 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.

###

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 on 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.

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 https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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 Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800)877-8339.

###

From – 

Help Remains for Louisiana Disaster Survivors after Disaster Recovery Center Closes in Jena, LaSalle Parish

Preliminary Flood Maps for Three Texas Counties Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – New preliminary flood maps for residents of Chambers, Liberty and San Jacinto counties area ready for residents to review. Communities affected by the maps include Liberty, Dayton, Dayton Lakes, and Mont Belvieu.

These maps help homeowners and businesses decide about purchasing flood insurance. By knowing their risks, individuals and community leaders can make informed decisions about building and development.  
    
“We’ve worked with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the area. We hope that everyone reviews the maps to understand the flood risks involved,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “It is very important for the community to be an active partner in the flood mapping process.”

To see the revised flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator. He or she may be located at City Hall or the local county government building. You can also visit http://msc.fema.gov/portal or http://maps.riskmap6.com. To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call
1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

What happens after flood risks are identified? The next step is to consider purchasing a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in your area.
                                             

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, and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Preliminary Flood Maps for Three Texas Counties Ready for Public View

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