Contact Local Officials About Substantial Damage and Permits Before Starting Work

BATON ROUGE, La.— Move your recovery forward and get informed to make sure you invest resources properly and rebuild or repair wisely.
 
Contact your community’s floodplain management or building officials to start the inspection process to determine if your home or business is substantially damaged. Also get the proper permits for things like plumbing, electrical system, foundation and structural repairs.

Substantial damage exists in Special Flood Hazard Areas, or floodplains—areas that have increased flooding risks— when the cost of restoring a structure equals or exceeds 50 percent of the structure’s pre-damage market value. However, some communities enforce a more restrictive definition. 
 
It’s important to know the structural damage percentage of your home or business because that information helps determine the work needed to repair or replace the damaged structure. It also helps determine if additional work will be needed to comply with local codes and ordinances.

You may appeal a substantial damage determination with your local officials if you disagree with their decision.

A structure located in a floodplain must be brought into compliance with local regulations if a local official determines it is substantially damaged. Local building departments may have adopted standards higher than FEMA’s that property owners would have to comply with when rebuilding.
 
Owners who decide to rebuild may need to elevate their structures, or change them in some other way to comply with local regulations and avoid future flood losses. Those who own non-residential structures may need to flood-proof their building.

Contact Local Officials About Substantial Damage and Permits,

Property owners who have flood insurance and a substantially damaged building in a floodplain may be able to get additional funds for costs related to complying with local regulations. Contact your insurance agent for more information. 

Your parish emergency management office can assist with contacting your community’s floodplain management or building officials.  Find their contact information online at www.gohsep.la.gov/about/parishpa.

If you have specific questions about your flood insurance policy or flood insurance claim, please call the FEMA call center at 800-621-3362 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and select Option 2.  If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585.  If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

Learn more about mitigation by going online to fema.gov/Louisiana-disaster-mitigation.

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Contact Local Officials About Substantial Damage and Permits Before Starting Work

FEMA Urges Residents to Know Their Evacuation Routes, Take Direction from State, Local, and Tribal Officials Ahead of Potential Landfall by Hurricane…

WASHINGTON – FEMA, through its regional offices in Atlanta, Georgia, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is monitoring Hurricane Matthew and remains in close coordination with state emergency managers and tribal officials, as well as our federal partners at the National Weather Service forecast offices. FEMA is urging residents in potentially affected states – from Florida to the Mid-Atlantic – to familiarize themselves with evacuation routes now, prepare, and to take direction from state, local, and tribal officials.

Matthew is a major hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale with sustained winds near 145 miles per hour (MPH) and while some fluctuations in intensity are possible during the next couple of days, this storm is expected to remain a powerful hurricane. According to the National Weather Service, the current forecast models for impact to the United States vary greatly from direct landfall to remaining offshore along the East Coast. Direct hurricane impacts are possible in Florida later this week.

“The time to prepare is now. Residents in potentially affected areas should learn their evacuation routes and monitor weather conditions,” said FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate. “Storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. Residents and visitors in areas from Florida through the mid-Atlantic in potentially at risk areas, including inland areas, should continue to monitor local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information. Follow instructions of state, local and tribal officials, and make sure you’re taking steps to prepare your home, family or business.”

FEMA liaisons are already deployed to the state emergency operation centers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina to assist state responses, as needed. FEMA has additional personnel deployed in Florida and an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) is at the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center. Today, FEMA also deployed additional IMATs to Atlanta to support preparation activities and ensure there are no unmet needs. Additional teams from around the country are ready to deploy to affected states and tribes as necessary.

There have been no requests for federal assistance at this time, however FEMA stands ready to assist additional states and tribes, as needed and requested.

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories. Two Incident Support Bases have been identified in Albany, Georgia, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to pre-position commodities and resources closer to potentially affected areas.

FEMA encourages residents in potentially affected states to download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips, in English and in Spanish. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, disaster survival tips, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The app also enables users to receive push notifications reminding them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters.

 

Safety and Preparedness Tips

Hurricane Matthew has potential for life-threatening rain, wind and storm surge. Those in potentially affected areas should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have a plan for their pets.

Individuals should visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn these and other preparedness tips for tropical storms or hurricanes. If the storm is expected to affect your area, know your evacuation zone and follow the direction of local or tribal officials if an evacuation is ordered for your area.

Create a household inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims.

Other steps to take right now to protect property are:

  • Make sure your sump pump is working, and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. If you already have a battery backup, install fresh batteries. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
  • Clear debris from gutters and downspouts. Clear storm drains in the street or near your home of leaves and debris.
  • Move electronics, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.
  • Roll up area rugs, where possible, and store them on higher floors or elevations. This will reduce the chances of rugs getting wet and growing mold.
  • Shut off electrical service at the main breaker if the electrical system and outlets will be under water.
  • If you incur expenses due to protecting your home in preparation for coming storms and flooding – such as purchasing sandbags – you may be able to file a claim against your National Flood Insurance Program flood policy for reimbursement. Call your insurance agent to discuss your coverage and learn more.

There is the potential for flooding with this storm. Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous and almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas, at bridges and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If you encounter flood waters, remember – turn around, don’t drown.

Get to know the terms that are used to identify severe weather and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued:

For a hurricane:

  • A Hurricane Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 74 MPH poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. 
  • A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 74 MPH or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

For a tropical storm:

  • A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 39 MPH or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours.
  • A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 MPH or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less.

For flooding:

  • A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding.
  • A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
     

To learn more about what to do before, during and after severe weather, visit www.Ready.gov.
 

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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.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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FEMA Urges Residents to Know Their Evacuation Routes, Take Direction from State, Local, and Tribal Officials Ahead of Potential Landfall by Hurricane…

Louisiana Disaster Assistance Applicants: Understand FEMA Determination Letters and How to Appeal Them

BATON ROUGE, La.— A quick fix may change your decision if you applied for FEMA help following Louisiana’s August severe storms and floods and you disagree with your determination letter.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Everybody has a right to appeal. Read your determination letter carefully to understand FEMA’s decision and know exactly what you need to do for your appeal.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Many times applicants just need to submit some extra documents for FEMA to process their application. FEMA can reconsider you in some cases if you:

  • Submit insurance documents. Provide documents from your insurance company that detail your coverage or settlement is insufficient to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay, or replace certain contents. FEMA cannot duplicate homeowner or renter insurance benefits.
  • Prove occupancy. Provide documents that prove the damaged home or rental was your primary residence by supplying a copy of utility bills, driver’s license or lease.
  • Prove ownership. Provide documents such as mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed. If you don’t have a deed handy, contact your local or parish officials about obtaining a copy.

There are many other reasons you may disagree with FEMA’s decision. If you feel the amount or type of assistance is incorrect, submit an appeal letter and any documents to support your claim, including a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. You should have received a booklet called “Help After a Disaster” that explains what you need to provide for your situation. The booklet is available online at www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

Your letter should also include:

  • Your full name
  • Your registration number on all pages
  • The FEMA disaster declaration number—DR-4277-LA—on all pages
  • Your signature

Mail documents and your letter within 60 days of receiving your determination letter to:

FEMA National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

You can also submit them online at disasterassistance.gov or fax them to 800-827-8112.

If you have any questions about submitting insurance documents, proving occupancy or ownership, or anything else about your determination letter, you may call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. You can also visit a Louisiana disaster recovery center and speak with a disaster assistance representative. Locate your closest center by going online to fema.gov/drc or by calling the FEMA helpline.

What to do if you disagree with FEMA’s decision letter1. Read the letter carefully to find out why the decision was made.Do you need to provide additional information?• Insurance determination letter.• Proof of occupancy or ownership.• Proof of ID.• Applicant’s signature.Common reasons for the initial decision:• The damage was to a secondary home or a rental property, not a primary residence.• Someone else in the household applied and received assistance.• Disaster-related losses could not be verified.• Insurance covered all losses.2. Contact FEMA for help with filing an appeal or any questions.Call800-621-3362 (711 or Video Relay Service available)800-462-7585 (TTY)VisitA Disaster Recovery Center3. File a written appeal.Explain why you think the decision was not correct.• Provide supporting information and documents.• Include your FEMA registration number on all documents.• Sign the letter.Mail or fax your appeal within 60 days of the decision letter date, or drop it off at a Disaster Recovery Center.

This graphic explains the appeals process for individuals who’ve applied for disaster assistance.

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Louisiana Disaster Assistance Applicants: Understand FEMA Determination Letters and How to Appeal Them

Your Right of Appeal for FEMA Disaster Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. — If your house flooded and you did not have flood insurance, you may have received some federal financial assistance for the August flooding. But if your home is in a floodplain and you hold a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, you may be required to buy flood insurance.

This requirement applies when a building has been damaged and is located in an area that is at high risk of flooding. These high-risk areas are called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).

In high-risk areas, there is at least a one in four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. You may be restricted to only rental assistance in a future disaster unless you buy flood insurance and keep the policy in effect.

A flood-insurance policy protects you financially even when a presidential disaster is not declared or if you live in a parish that was not designated for federal assistance.

Once you receive federal financial assistance, you must keep flood insurance coverage at your address even if the damaged building is replaced by a new one. If you sell your home, you are required to inform the new owners that they must maintain flood insurance coverage on the building. Often, an existing flood-insurance policy can be transferred to a new owner with no lapse in coverage.

You may receive a Certificate of Flood Insurance for a Group Policy as a part of your federal Individuals and Households Assistance program (IHP) grant. This policy provides minimal coverage on the home equal to the maximum IHP grant currently available. For the Louisiana August 2016 floods, the required premium provides coverage of $33,000.

  • Group Policies have a term of three years, after which you will be required to purchase and maintain a Standard Flood Insurance Policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until you are no longer the homeowner or renter at that location. In order to avoid any lapse in coverage, it is important to apply for your new coverage at least 30 days before the expiration of the Group Policy.
  • You may cancel your participation in the Group Policy at any time during its policy term, provided that you have purchased your own NFIP flood insurance coverage.

If you are a renter and receive federal financial assistance, flood-insurance coverage must be maintained on the contents for as long as you live at the flood-damaged rental property. The requirement for flood insurance is lifted once you move from the building.

But, because federal law mandates the purchase of flood insurance as a condition of disaster funding, an applicant who does not comply with the flood insurance obligation may become mostly ineligible for future disaster assistance. It’s that important.

If you do not live in a flood zone but your home was flooded, you do not have to maintain flood insurance. Even without the legal requirement, it is a wise decision to purchase flood insurance.

Even though flood insurance isn’t federally required in moderate- to low-risk areas, homeowners and businesses that have mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders may be required to purchase flood coverage by the mortgage holder. Anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods.

In fact, people outside of mapped high-risk flood areas file more than 20 percent of all National Flood Insurance Program flood-insurance claims and receive one-third of federal disaster assistance for flooding. When it’s available, disaster assistance is typically a loan you must repay with interest.

With all that you are going through, don’t let this vital coverage slip through the cracks. Protect yourself and your family from future financial loss by purchasing and maintaining flood insurance coverage.

For more information about the NFIP and flood insurance, call 800-427-4661 or contact your insurance company or agent.

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Your Right of Appeal for FEMA Disaster Assistance

Future Disaster Assistance? Keep Flood Insurance Current

BATON ROUGE, La. — If your house flooded and you did not have flood insurance, you may have received some federal financial assistance for the August flooding. But if your home is in a floodplain and you hold a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, you may be required to buy flood insurance.

This requirement applies when a building has been damaged and is located in an area that is at high risk of flooding. These high-risk areas are called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).

In high-risk areas, there is at least a one in four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. You may be restricted to only rental assistance in a future disaster unless you buy flood insurance and keep the policy in effect.

A flood-insurance policy protects you financially even when a presidential disaster is not declared or if you live in a parish that was not designated for federal assistance.

Once you receive federal financial assistance, you must keep flood insurance coverage at your address even if the damaged building is replaced by a new one. If you sell your home, you are required to inform the new owners that they must maintain flood insurance coverage on the building. Often, an existing flood-insurance policy can be transferred to a new owner with no lapse in coverage.

You may receive a Certificate of Flood Insurance for a Group Policy as a part of your federal Individuals and Households Assistance program (IHP) grant. This policy provides minimal coverage on the home equal to the maximum IHP grant currently available. For the Louisiana August 2016 floods, the required premium provides coverage of $33,000.

  • Group Policies have a term of three years, after which you will be required to purchase and maintain a Standard Flood Insurance Policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until you are no longer the homeowner or renter at that location. In order to avoid any lapse in coverage, it is important to apply for your new coverage at least 30 days before the expiration of the Group Policy.
  • You may cancel your participation in the Group Policy at any time during its policy term, provided that you have purchased your own NFIP flood insurance coverage.

 If you are a renter and receive federal financial assistance, flood-insurance coverage must be maintained on the contents for as long as you live at the flood-damaged rental property. The requirement for flood insurance is lifted once you move from the building.

But, because federal law mandates the purchase of flood insurance as a condition of disaster funding, an applicant who does not comply with the flood insurance obligation may become mostly ineligible for future disaster assistance. It’s that important.

If you do not live in a flood zone but your home was flooded, you do not have to maintain flood insurance. Even without the legal requirement, it is a wise decision to purchase flood insurance.

Even though flood insurance isn’t federally required in moderate- to low-risk areas, homeowners and businesses that have mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders may be required to purchase flood coverage by the mortgage holder. Anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods.

In fact, people outside of mapped high-risk flood areas file more than 20 percent of all National Flood Insurance Program flood-insurance claims and receive one-third of federal disaster assistance for flooding. When it’s available, disaster assistance is typically a loan you must repay with interest.

With all that you are going through, don’t let this vital coverage slip through the cracks. Protect yourself and your family from future financial loss by purchasing and maintaining flood insurance coverage.

For more information about the NFIP and flood insurance, call 800-427-4661 or contact your insurance company or agent.

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Future Disaster Assistance? Keep Flood Insurance Current

Many Residents Missing Out on FEMA Help

BATON ROUGE, La. — Many residents of parishes covered by last month’s presidential disaster declaration might be eligible for federal assistance, but have yet to seek help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Some homeowners and renters who would qualify for assistance miss out on aid because they are mistaken or misinformed about applying, or are returning to damaged dwellings. All you need to do is register with FEMA to get the process started.

To seek aid, call 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. seven days a week. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use TTY call 800-462-7585, and those who use 711 or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. You may also apply online with any computer, smartphone or tablet at www.DisasterAssistance.gov   

Some survivors who already have cleaned up and made repairs themselves think they cannot apply for assistance. Others worry that accepting money from FEMA might affect their Social Security checks or that a FEMA grant would be taxed as income by the IRS. Neither is the case.

Still others might hesitate in accepting taxpayer money because they feel their neighbors need it more.

Sometimes survivors assume that once they collect their insurance claims they are no longer eligible for federal help, even if the insurance payment fell short of covering the damages.

Perhaps the most common reason, however, that people do not apply for FEMA assistance is their mistaken assumption that once they alert local, county or state officials to their damages they automatically are registered with FEMA. They are not.

Register with FEMA at 800-621-3362 or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.   

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Many Residents Missing Out on FEMA Help

You Can Help to Move Your FEMA Assistance Request Forward

BATON ROUGE, La. — You can make a big difference in getting fast action on your FEMA application by providing all the information needed and then staying in touch. The state and FEMA rely on that information to process each claim.

When you register with FEMA, the facts you provide are used to determine what types of assistance you may be eligible to receive. When all the information is complete, FEMA is able to make a decision regarding your disaster aid.

There are a number of reasons flood survivors receive ineligibility letters and yet may qualify for assistance. For example, you may still need to:

  • Return insurance information
    • If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance company and ask for a settlement letter detailing exactly what is covered under your claim.
    • Hand in the letter at a disaster recovery center or mail insurance settlement information to FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
      • National Processing Service Center,
        P.O. Box 10055
        Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
    • FEMA cannot provide money to individuals or households for losses already covered by insurance.
  • Provide information to prove occupancy or ownership of the damaged property
    • Utility bills, tax receipts, rental receipts are all proof you lived at the address.
  • Fill out all necessary paperwork and update your contact information
    • Answer all questions on the form.
    • Let FEMA know each time you move or change a phone number:
      • By going online to DisasterAssistance.gov;
      • By calling 800-621-3362 from  6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily;
      • Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362;
      • By talking face-to-face with a specialist at a disaster recovery center. Find the closest one at fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362; or
      • By downloading the FEMA mobile app.
  • Complete and return the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application.
    • Be sure to return the completed SBA loan application even if you choose to decline the loan.
    • Filling out the loan application is a necessary step so you can be considered for additional forms of disaster assistance.

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You Can Help to Move Your FEMA Assistance Request Forward

Flood Insurance Rates Remain Unchanged

BATON ROUGE, La. – Despite the worst flooding in recent Louisiana history, flood insurance continues to be available to homeowners, renters and businesses at the pre-flood price. Widespread flood losses in Louisiana will not cause flood insurance rates to rise above scheduled annual increases, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The August flooding does not trigger remapping of flood zones, or changes in base flood elevations. That includes the remapping efforts that have been in process for several years in six of the designated parishes. Revisions of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and Base Flood Elevations (BFE) in those parishes will continue, based on data compiled prior to the latest flood.

However, if your home or business was substantially damaged and you are rebuilding, you may need to mitigate your structures (elevate, etc.) to come into compliance with your community floodplain ordinance. It is crucial that you contact your local floodplain administrator to ensure you are in compliance and obtaining the proper building permits.

Properties located in a floodplain that have federally backed mortgages are required by law to be properly insured against known hazards, such as flooding.

Properties that were not required to have flood insurance by the mortgage lender prior to the floods may not be required to carry it when they are rebuilt. It is important to understand that even if the lender is not requiring flood insurance, it is still available to purchase.

The NFIP offers two types of coverage — building and contents. Keep in mind that your mortgage lender may only require you to purchase flood insurance for the structure. Building coverage will include the structure and attached items such as the electrical system and permanent flooring. Contents coverage will cover items such as personal belongings and furniture for an additional premium.

To find your approximate flood insurance costs and the hazard level of your area, visit www.FloodSmart.gov and enter the property address. An interactive display demonstrates the cost of flood damage by inches or feet of water that enters the house.

For an actual quote on a specific property, you should contact your insurance agent. Policies can be written by authorized insurance agencies; they are underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program administered by FEMA.

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Flood Insurance Rates Remain Unchanged

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in St. James Parish for Louisiana Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – A disaster recovery center is opening Thursday, Sept. 15, in St. James Parish to assist Louisiana flood survivors. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.  

St. James Parish
Location:  New Zion Gospel Baptist Church
216 West Main Street
Gramercy, LA 70052

Hours:      8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday through Sunday)

Survivors may locate other centers near them by visiting fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers, calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA mobile app.

To register with FEMA, go online with any computer, smartphone or tablet to DisasterAssistance.gov, call the FEMA helpline, or download the FEMA mobile app. Help is available in most languages and the FEMA helpline is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

Disaster recovery centers are staffed by representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), National Flood Insurance Program specialists, volunteer groups and other agencies. These representatives are available to provide information about disaster assistance, flood insurance, personal and property risk reduction 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.

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.

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, download the FEMA mobile app, or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4277.  

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Disaster Recovery Center to Open in St. James Parish for Louisiana Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center in West Baton Rouge Closing Friday

BATON ROUGE, La. – The disaster recovery center at the following address is closing at noon on Friday, Sept. 16:

West Baton Rouge Parish

Location:  LSU Center at the 4-H Compound
210 Turner Drive
Port Allen, LA 70767

With survivors returning home to repair and rebuild, the number of visits to this disaster recovery center has declined, leading to the facility’s closure.

Survivors can still visit any disaster recovery center and may locate other centers near them by going online to fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers, calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA mobile app.

To register with FEMA, go online with any computer, smartphone or tablet to DisasterAssistance.gov, call the FEMA Helpline, or download the FEMA mobile app. Help is available in most languages and the FEMA Helpline is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

Disaster recovery centers are staffed by representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, National Flood Insurance Program specialists, volunteer groups and other agencies. These representatives are available to provide information about disaster assistance, flood insurance, personal and property risk reduction 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. 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.

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.

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, download the FEMA mobile app, or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4277.  

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Disaster Recovery Center in West Baton Rouge Closing Friday

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