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FEMA Urges Residents to Take Evacuation Orders Seriously Ahead of Hurricane Matthew

WASHINGTON – As evacuations begin today in some coastal counties, with more likely to follow, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging residents to listen closely to state and local officials’ guidance and to take seriously any directions to evacuate.

FEMA is working with its federal and state partners at the Regional Response Coordination Centers in Atlanta and Philadelphia to help coordinate any requests for assistance from states potentially affected by Hurricane Matthew.

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Matthew is moving northward with sustained winds of 125 miles per hour through the northern Caribbean, and it could impact Florida and the U.S. East Coast this week. Hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings have been issued for Florida’s coastline. Heavy rain between four to ten inches, winds and significant wave heights are expected to impact the Florida Keys, coastal Southeast and the Carolinas beginning on Thursday through the weekend. Evacuations for some coastal counties are beginning today.

“Residents and visitors should take evacuation orders seriously and heed the directions of state, local and tribal officials,” said FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate. “This is a major hurricane that has the potential to cause significant harm to life and property. If instructed to evacuate, don’t wait for the next forecast, evacuate.”

FEMA liaisons are deployed to the state emergency operation centers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina to assist state responses, as needed in advance of the storm. FEMA stands ready to assist additional states and tribes, as needed and requested.

FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) are deployed to emergency operations centers (EOC) in Florida and North Carolina. Additional IMATs are scheduled to arrive at the EOCs in South Carolina and Virginia today 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.

Four Incident Support Bases have been identified in Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, to pre-position commodities and resources closer to potentially affected areas.

Shelters are beginning to open across the potentially impacted states. 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.

If you will be evacuating, contact family and friends to let them know you are leaving and where you’re going; and take your pets with you or pre-identify a pet-friendly safe location like a pet friendly hotel or shelter.

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 Take Evacuation Orders Seriously Ahead of Hurricane Matthew

FDEM and FEMA Teams Canvassing Hurricane-Stricken Areas in Florida

Atlanta, Ga.–Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are working in hurricane-stricken neighborhoods to help Florida hurricane survivors register for assistance.

The teams are made up of disaster specialists from the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They are canvassing areas to give residents an opportunity to register for disaster assistance and to quickly identify and address immediate and emerging needs. The teams can also provide application updates and referrals to additional resources when needs remain.

These mobile team members can be identified easily by their photo identifications and FDEM or FEMA clothing. Florida residents are reminded to ask for photo identification before providing personal information.

Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Hermine from August 31 to September 11, 2016, in Citrus, Dixie, Hernando, Hillsborough, Leon, Levy, Pasco, and Pinellas counties are eligible to register for federal assistance.

In addition to the registration opportunity offered by recovery teams, survivors can register for assistance by the following methods:

Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
By calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362, which is video relay service accessible. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing or who have difficulty speaking may call TTY 800-462-7585. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Assistance is available in multiple languages.
Business owners can find an electronic loan application on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Questions can be answered by calling the SBA disaster customer service center at 800-659-2955/ (TTY) 800-877-8339 or visiting sba.gov/disaster.

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 receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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FDEM and FEMA Teams Canvassing Hurricane-Stricken Areas in Florida

FEMA Public Assistance Extended in Eight Florida Counties Hit by Hermine

Atlanta, Ga.–The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended federal disaster aid in eight Florida counties to help the state, local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofits cover disaster-related expenses and the repair or rebuilding of critical infrastructure.

The state, local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofits in Alachua, Baker, Gilchrist, Manatee, Marion, Sarasota, Sumter, and Union counties can now request funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to help pay for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or rebuilding of roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities.

Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties were previously designated for FEMA Public Assistance funding.

“The additional federal infrastructure funding is intended to help Florida’s hard-hit communities recover from the devastation left by Hurricane Hermine,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Terry L. Quarles.

Assistance for Individuals and Businesses

Individuals and businesses in Citrus, Dixie, Hernando, Hillsborough, Leon, Levy, Pasco, and Pinellas counties can begin the disaster assistance process by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362, which is video relay service 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.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

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FEMA Public Assistance Extended in Eight Florida Counties Hit by Hermine

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Florida

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Florida.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)
Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)
Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans’ benefits and social security matters.

How to Apply for Assistance:

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Assistance for the State, Tribal, and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible tribal and local governments on a cost-sharing basis (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal, and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state, tribal, and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Florida

Take Action and Be Disaster Ready: National PrepareAthon! Day

CHICAGO –Join National PrepareAthon! Day on September 30 and take action to improve your emergency preparedness and resilience to disasters. America’s PrepareAthon! is a grassroots campaign developed to encourage individuals, organizations and communities to prepare for specific hazards through drills, group discussions and exercises.

“It’s important to be proactive about emergency preparedness so you know what to do if disaster strikes,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Engage your family, friends and neighbors to identify the risks in your community and understand what to do to stay safe.”

Sign up for local alerts and warnings and check for access to wireless emergency alerts. Visit the websites for your city and/or county to find out if they offer emergency alert notifications. You should also ensure your cell phone is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to warn you of extreme weather and other emergencies in your area. Remember, warning sirens are intended for outdoor notification. When indoors, your alert-enabled smart phone or weather radio can provide you with critical alerts.
Develop and test emergency communications plans. Visit www.Ready.gov/plan-for-your-risks for tips on how to ensure your plan is as comprehensive as possible.
Assemble or update emergency supplies. Include drinking water, a first-aid kit, canned food, a radio, flashlight and blankets. Visit www.Ready.gov/build-a-kit for a disaster supply checklist. Don’t forget to store additional supply kits in your car and at the office.
Collect and safeguard critical documents. Make copies of important documents (mortgage papers, deed, passport, bank information, etc.). Keep copies in your home and store originals in a secure place outside the home, such as a bank safe deposit box.
Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards. Discuss with your insurance agent the risks that may threaten your home and the types of coverage you may need to ensure your property is adequately insured.
Download the FEMA app to your smartphone. You’ll receive alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the U.S. and have access to information about how to stay safe.

More information about the ways to register for and participate in America’s PrepareAthon! Day is available at www.Ready.gov/prepare. For even more readiness information, follow FEMA Region V at twitter.com/femaregion5 and facebook.com/fema.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at 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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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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Take Action and Be Disaster Ready: National PrepareAthon! Day

Louisiana Flood Survivors Can Get FEMA Rebuilding Advice at Home Improvement Stores

BATON ROUGE, La. — As Louisianans repair or rebuild their homes damaged by August floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local hardware and home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand to provide information at area Lowe’s stores from Sept. 26 through Oct. 15. They will be available to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is aimed at people who prefer “do-it-yourself” projects and general contractors.

FEMA advisors will be on hand at information centers in these Lowe’s stores 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday:

East Baton Rouge Parish
1777 Millerville Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Iberia Parish
2816 Highway-14
New Iberia, LA 70560

Mitigation specialists will be in these Home Depot stores 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday:

Ascension Parish
2740 South Cajun Ave.
Gonzales, LA 70737

East Baton Rouge Parish
8181 Airline Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70815

East Baton Rouge Parish
6600 Main Street
Zachary, LA 70791

St. Martin Parish
213 St. Nazaire Road
Broussard, LA 70518

Free reference booklets, in English and Spanish, with information on protecting your home from flood damage, will be available at all locations. More information about strengthening property can be found at www.fema.gov/what-mitigation.

Survivors who have questions about their flood insurance policies and coverage should contact the National Flood Insurance Program call center at 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday.

Additional information on Louisiana’s disaster recovery can be found by visiting fema.gov/disaster/4277, twitter.com/femaregion6, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, fema.gov/blog and www.fema.gov/louisiana-disaster-mitigation.

FEMA representative speaks with a senior management home depot representative across a table with brochures.

FEMA mitigation representative talks to Jeff Partin, Home Depot Senior Manager of Corporate Security, in his store on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge, La. Partin visited the store to thank the FEMA Mitigation staff for their Community Education Outreach and the Disaster Survivor Assistance service to survivors. Partin was joined by Clay Rives, Director of Operations for the Louisiana Business Emergency Operation Center and Susan Langhoff, FEMA Assistant External Affairs Officer, Private Sector. (Photo by J.T. Blatty/FEMA)

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Louisiana Flood Survivors Can Get FEMA Rebuilding Advice at Home Improvement Stores

Mandatory Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System

FEMA, FCC, in Coordination with State Broadcasters and Emergency Managers, test the EAS

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a mandatory nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, September 28, at 2:20 p.m. EDT to verify the delivery and broadcast, and assess the readiness for distribution of the national level test message.

The EAS test is made available to radio, television, cable, and direct broadcast satellite systems and is scheduled to last approximately one minute. The message of the test will be similar to the regular monthly test message of EAS, normally heard and seen by the public: “This is a national test of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a test.”

Significant coordination and regional testing has been conducted with the broadcast community and emergency managers in coordination and preparation for this EAS national test. The test is intended to ensure public safety officials have the methods and systems that will deliver urgent alerts and warnings to the public in times of an emergency or disaster. Periodic testing of public alert and warning systems is also a way to assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure required for the distribution of a national message and determine what technological improvements need to be addressed.

Receiving preparedness tips and timely information about weather conditions or other emergency events can make all the difference in knowing when to take action to be safe. FEMA and partners are working to ensure you can receive alerts and warnings quickly through several different technologies no matter where you are–at home, at school, at work, or in the community. The FEMA App, which can be downloaded on both Android and Apple devices, is one way to ensure you receive both preparedness tips and weather alerts of your choice. Download the FEMA App today.

More information on the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) is available at www.ready.gov/alerts.

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Background: In 2007, FEMA began modernizing the nation’s public alert and warning system by integrating new technologies into the existing alert systems. The new system, known as the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) became operational in 2011. Today, IPAWS supports over 700 local, state, tribal, and federal users through a standardized message format. IPAWS enables public safety alerting authorities such as emergency managers, police and fire departments to send the same alert and warning message over multiple communication pathways at the same time to citizens in harm’s way, helping to save lives. For more information on FEMA’s IPAWS, go to: www.fema.gov/ipaws. For more preparedness information, go to www.ready.gov.

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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Mandatory Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System

Louisiana Flooding Survivors Receive FEMA Rebuilding Advice at Area Home Improvement Stores

BATON ROUGE, La. — As Louisianans repair and rebuild their homes damaged by August’s floods, FEMA and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes safer and stronger.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand at area home improvement stores from Sept. 12 through Sept. 24. They will be available to answer questions, offer tips and discuss proven methods for preventing and mitigating damage from future disasters. Most of the information is intended for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

FEMA advisors will be on hand at information points in the following stores from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The advice stand is closed on Sunday.

THE HOME DEPOT at the following locations:
3721 Ambassador Caffery Blvd.
Lafayette, La. 70501

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18139 Highland Rd.
Baton Rouge, La. 70810

143 N. Shore Blvd.
Slidell, La. 70460

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5000 Masonic Drive
Alexandria, La. 71301

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LOWE’S
2700 Charity St.
Abbeville, La. 70510

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STINE LUMBER COMPANY
29200 Walker Rd. South
Walker, La. 70785

Free reference booklets, in English and Spanish, with information on protecting your home from flood damage, will be available at all locations.

More information about mitigation can be found at http://www.fema.gov/louisiana-disaster-mitigation. Additional information on Louisiana’s disaster recovery can be found by visiting fema.gov/disaster/4277, twitter.com/femaregion6, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, fema.gov/blog.

Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the nation. The latest feature of the app allows you to send notifications to your device to remind you to take important steps to prepare your home and family for disasters. Go to Ready.gov for more detail.

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Louisiana Flooding Survivors Receive FEMA Rebuilding Advice at Area Home Improvement Stores

Where to Bring Your Donations to Aid Louisiana Recovery Efforts: Multi-Agency Disaster Warehouse Available

BATON ROUGE, La. — A multi-agency warehouse has recently opened where volunteers can sort and store much-needed donations and supplies to support recovery efforts across the state. The warehouse is being operated as a partnership between the state and Louisiana VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster).

Adventist Community Services, a national and Louisiana State VOAD partner, is managing the warehouse operations, supported by an AmeriCorps team.

The warehouse will serve as a centralized intake point for donations from local community members as well as businesses across the country. Donations will be distributed to support the efforts of non-profits, shelters, and parishes as they respond to the needs in their communities.

Contact Information:

Phone: 225-800-2227

Email: 2016flooddonations@gmail.com

Destination:

Please bring or ship to:

Multi-Agency Disaster Warehouse
9550 Dawnadele Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Items always needed include: Canned or non-perishable food, sports drinks, personal care items, work gloves, disposable baby diapers, baby food/formula, can openers (manual), plastic ware, paper products, blankets, disposable adult diapers, cleaning supplies, dust masks, heavy rubber kitchen gloves, flashlights and fresh batteries, non-sterile surgical gloves, mops, brooms, shovels, hand tools, kitchen items (such as new sets of pots and pans/cooking utensils). If unsure, just ask.

What is NOT needed: There is NO need for new or used clothing.

How to get it to us: We are encouraging businesses and groups to put together a truckload of supplies. This is the most effective way to make a difference. There is no funding to pay for shipping, so look for a business or trucker willing to donate a trip.

Once you have a truckload planned and know when it is ready to leave, it is essential to coordinate logistics before the truck leaves. We need to know a detailed inventory of contents, precise time it will leave, departure point, and estimated time of arrival. All truckloads of donations must be coordinated at least 48 hours in advance of arrival.

How to Pack Materials: Pack donations so they are not damaged in transit and are easily handled. Pack materials in cardboard cartons. Fill each carton with the same kind of item; mark it clearly with a large marker or other method, such as large paper labels. Organize canned goods by type.

Use cartons of small to medium sizes so they are manageable. Maximum weight should not exceed 30 pounds. Be careful not to overfill cartons. Pack cartons in trucks so they will not be easily crushed in transit. Palletized, shrink-wrapped loads are preferred.

How you can help:

A truly compassionate response is based on what is really needed by survivors. Be sure to confirm what can be used before collecting and shipping goods. Always arrange logistics in advance to ensure that the shipments can be accepted when they arrive to avoid delays.

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Where to Bring Your Donations to Aid Louisiana Recovery Efforts: Multi-Agency Disaster Warehouse Available

Louisiana Flood Survivors Can Get FEMA Rebuilding Advice in Gonzales

BATON ROUGE, La. — As Louisianans repair or rebuild their homes damaged by the August floods, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local hardware and home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand to provide information in an Ascension Parish Home Depot store from Sept. 1 to Sept. 10. They will be available to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is aimed at both do-it-yourselfers and general contractors.

FEMA advisors will be on hand from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Ascension Parish
Home Depot
2740 S. Cajun Ave.
Gonzales, La. 70737

Survivors who have questions about their flood insurance policies and coverage should contact the National Flood Insurance Program call center at 800–621-3362 (Option 2) between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday. Specialists can help service claims, provide general information regarding policies, and offer technical assistance to aid in recovery.

Free reference booklets, in English and Spanish, with information on protecting your home from flood damage, will be available at the Gonzales location. More information about strengthening property can be found at http://www.fema.gov/what-mitigation.

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Louisiana Flood Survivors Can Get FEMA Rebuilding Advice in Gonzales

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