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Some Nonprofits May Qualify for FEMA Disaster Grants

BATON ROUGE, La. – Nonprofit organizations that experienced damage or losses from the August floods may apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance grants to help them get back to the business of helping others.

As part of its mission, FEMA provides grants to state, tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofits through its Public Assistance program. For the August floods, these grants reimburse 90 percent of eligible costs for emergency protective measures, and repair and restoration of public facilities and infrastructure to pre-disaster condition.

Only certain nonprofit organizations (PNPs) are eligible. If they provide critical services, such as education, utility, emergency or medical, they can apply directly to FEMA. Those that provide non-critical, essential services to the community must first apply for a low-interest loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). FEMA may pay for all eligible emergency work and the permanent work not covered by an SBA loan.

Essential service providers include:

Child care centers;
Libraries, museums and zoos;
Community centers;
Disability advocacy and service providers;
Homeless shelters and rehabilitation facilities;
Social and human services organizations for children, youth and adults; and
Senior citizen centers.

For more information about eligible essential and critical service providers, reference FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide on FEMA.gov.

A nonprofit that can prove its tax-exempt status from the IRS or the state can begin the process by submitting a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) to the State of Louisiana. RPA forms can be downloaded and submitted at louisianapa.com/site/resources/cfm (in the “forms” section). The State of Louisiana will forward completed applications to FEMA for eligibility determination.

Local emergency management offices may also provide information about the grant process. A list of Louisiana’s parish emergency managers can be found online at gohsep.la.gov/about/parishpa.

For information about SBA loans, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster.

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Some Nonprofits May Qualify for FEMA Disaster Grants

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

Louisiana Flood Survivors Can Still Get FEMA Rebuilding Advice

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

FEMA mitigation specialists are still on hand to provide information at the following area Home Depot and Lowe’s stores through Oct. 15. They are 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 are 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 are 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, are available at all locations. More information about strengthening property can be found at http://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 Mitigation representatives speaking to two women inside a home improvement store. A table with FEMA Mitigations information is available for the shoppers to take.

Mitigation representatives from FEMA offer advice to customers inside of the Home Depot in Baton Rouge, La. (Photo by J.T. Blatty/FEMA)

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Louisiana Flood Survivors Can Still Get FEMA Rebuilding Advice

Debris Removal Continues; Now More than 50 Percent Complete

BATON ROUGE, La. – Recovery officials estimate that recent flooding left 4.8 million cubic yards or 80,000 truckloads of debris in its wake. Removal of that debris is an important sign of progress in disaster recovery, but it takes time. On Sept. 25, debris removal hit the 55-percent completion mark.

For the August flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program will reimburse eligible Louisiana jurisdictions 90 percent of reasonable costs involved in debris removal. To receive reimbursement for debris removal, a local jurisdiction must be eligible for the program and have the legal authority to remove debris from public rights-of-way.

Reasonable costs include overtime for full-time employees as well as contractor fees for removal, disposal, recycling and/or monitoring. (The contract must have been competitively bid and comply with state, federal and local standards.)

In general, private property debris removal is not eligible for FEMA reimbursement under the law. However, because of the large amount of debris, the threat it posed to human health and safety, and the lack of right-of-way to deposit debris FEMA has expanded curbside debris removal for the recent Louisiana flooding. Property owners who have questions should contact their local emergency manager. Before anyone can go onto private property, the local jurisdiction must have a sworn statement of permission from the property owner to remove debris.

Recovery officials encourage people to continue sorting debris into categories and moving it to the curbside. The categories are household garbage; construction debris; vegetative debris; household hazardous waste; white goods (i.e., washing machines, refrigerators, etc.); and electronics.

Separating debris will speed recovery. However, recovery officials want to remind everyone to be safe, especially during ongoing debris removal operations. The sight of heavy trucks hauling debris may seem familiar, but it is vital to follow safety guidelines at all times around debris and heavy equipment.

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Debris Removal Continues; Now More than 50 Percent Complete

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Iberville, Livingston and Vermilion Parishes for Louisiana Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – Disaster recovery centers will open on Friday, August 26, in Iberville, Livingston and Vermilion parishes to assist Louisiana flood survivors. The centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

These disaster recovery centers are located at the following addresses:

Iberville Parish East Iberville Gym 3285 Highway 75
St. Gabriel, LA 70776

Livingston Parish American Legion Hall 26200 Highway 43
Springfield, LA 70462

Vermilion Parish Old Health Unit
401 S. St. Charles St. Abbeville, LA 70510

Survivors may locate other centers near them at fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

To register with FEMA, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

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 disaster recovery centers 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.

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/4277.

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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 website at SBA.gov/disaster Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Iberville, Livingston and Vermilion Parishes for Louisiana Survivors

Smithsonian Experts to Share Tips on Salvaging Family Treasures

BATON ROUGE, La. – When homes are flooded and lives are upended, treasured keepsakes such as photos, artwork, quilts and family heirlooms become more cherished. Although they may have been damaged in the flood, these treasures may be salvageable.

For example, photographs can be rinsed gently in clean water and air-dried on a plastic screen or paper towel. They can also be hung with plastic clothespins. It is important the image not come in contact with other surfaces as it dries. Many items can be air-dried – preferably indoors. However, high direct heat from hair dryers and irons or prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause irreversible damage. A better choice is to increase airflow with fans, open windows, air conditioners and dehumidifiers.

Flood survivors can learn how to salvage their treasures directly from Smithsonian Institution preservation experts on Friday, Sept. 23, and Saturday, Sept. 24, at two Disaster Recovery Centers. The experts will demonstrate how to handle, dry and clean damaged objects and share tips on personal safety, setting priorities and other preservation options.

The sessions will be:

Friday, September 23

Lafayette Parish
Lafayette Disaster Recovery Center
301 West University Avenue
Lafayette

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, September 24

East Baton Rouge Parish
Celtic Disaster Recovery Center
10000 Celtic Drive
Baton Rouge

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Clyde R. Meyers, Denham Springs flood survivor, holds a photograph of his parents, saturated with floodwater from the 2016 historic flooding in Louisiana. (Photo by J.T. Blatty/FEMA)

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Smithsonian Experts to Share Tips on Salvaging Family Treasures

Understand the Process for Continued Housing Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. –If you’re a disaster survivor who wants to extend temporary housing assistance from FEMA it’s important to provide the proper documents in order to make your request.

If you’re eligible for an extension, you may use temporary housing assistance to pay for a place to live, such as a house, apartment, hotel or recreational vehicle. The assistance covers rent, security deposit and essential utilities like electricity and water.

To continue receiving temporary housing assistance, you have to complete and submit the following paperwork to FEMA that demonstrates you have a disaster-related and financial need:

A completed form FEMA provides you. Contact FEMA if you haven’t received a form.
A copy of your lease.
Receipts showing proper use of the federal disaster housing assistance you’ve received.
Current household income status.
Any household financial obligations.

Keep your contact information current so you receive correspondence from FEMA. Update information online at disasterassistance.gov or by downloading and using the FEMA app. You may also call FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.

The state and FEMA encourage you to develop a permanent housing plan while you’re receiving temporary housing assistance. Free assistance and tools are available to help you find more permanent housing if you’re having difficulty creating a plan. Just call the FEMA helpline or visit a Louisiana Disaster Recovery Center. Locate your closest center by going to fema.gov/drc or by calling the FEMA helpline.

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Understand the Process for Continued Housing Assistance

FEMA Reinterment Assistance

FEMA disaster assistance may be available for reinterment efforts in Louisiana cemeteries, where floodwaters have dislodged or destroyed caskets, vaults, and mausoleums.

FEMA disaster assistance for reinterment of exposed human remains or dislodged burial vessels is available to individual survivors and cemeteries on a case-by-case basis. Factors that affect eligibility for assistance include where the cemeteries are located, who has legal responsibility for them, and who has legal ownership of them.

Information regarding reinterment assistance is available at the FEMA helpline,
800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

Private versus Public Cemeteries

When determining eligibility for FEMA reinterment assistance,

Private refers to:
- Cemeteries owned and operated by a private entity
- Cemeteries owned and operated by a private nonprofit (PNP) entity
- Cemeteries maintained by an individual or family on their own private property
Public refers to:
- Cemeteries owned and operated by a governmental entity
- Abandoned private cemeteries for which a governmental entity has assumed full legal responsibility

FEMA Reinterment Assistance Regarding Private Cemeteries

Reinterment costs may be eligible, regardless of the cemetery type, when those costs are the legal responsibility of an individual and not the cemetery
Individuals or families who maintain a cemetery on their own private property may also be eligible for reinterment assistance through the Other Needs Assistance provision of FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program
In order to be considered for reinterment assistance from FEMA, individuals or families must register with FEMA and provide the following documentation:
- A signed statement from an authoritative medical official (e.g., a coroner or medical examiner) stating that the disinterment was a direct result of the flooding
- Receipts or verifiable estimates for reinterment expenses that prove the cost for reinterment will fall upon the individuals being considered for assistance
- Any applicable documentation of burial insurance or prior reinterment assistance from any voluntary or governmental agency
Survivors can register with FEMA by going online with any computer, smartphone or tablet to DisasterAssistance.gov, calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA mobile app
Individuals or families who receive reinterment assistance may be reimbursed for:
- Transferring remains
- Caskets, containers, vaults or urns that were damaged
- Markers or headstones that were damaged
- Necessary costs related to identifying remains
- Necessary work at the gravesite to reinter remains
Individuals or families who receive FEMA reinterment assistance are responsible for understanding and abiding by any applicable local, parish,or state laws or ordinances regarding human remains and their interment

FEMA Reinterment Assistance for Public Cemeteries

Public cemeteries may be eligible for FEMA reinterment assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance program
In order to be considered for FEMA reinterment assistance through the Public Assistance program, the owner and/or operator of the public cemetery must apply via louisianapa.com
Owners and/or operators of public cemeteries who receive FEMA reinterment assistance are responsible for understanding and abiding by any applicable local, parish, or state laws or ordinances regarding human remains and their interment

If You Are Ineligible for FEMA Reinterment Assistance

If you are deemed ineligible for FEMA reinterment assistance, contact your local or parish government to determine if any other assistance programs are available

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FEMA Reinterment Assistance

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

Volunteer Organizations Aid Louisiana’s Recovery

BATON ROUGE, La. – September 11 marks the National Day of Service and Remembrance enacted by Congress in 2009 to inspire Americans to engage in charitable activities. The observance was started after 9-11 to create one of the largest days of charitable acts with citizens coming together the way they did after the attack.

In Louisiana, voluntary agencies have been very active and will continue to provide a wide range of assistance to the many who have experienced damage, including flood debris clean-up, shelter, food, clothing, counseling, home repairs and reconstruction, and help for other unmet needs on a case-by-case basis. Louisiana disaster survivors can call 2-1-1 or visit http://www.louisiana211.org/ to request help with clean-up or other available services.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (http://gohsep.la.gov/) partner with a variety of nonprofit groups to provide assistance to disaster survivors. These organizations have had a key role in the disaster response here. They are financed through charitable donations, not by the federal government, and their volunteers do much of the work.

FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Liaisons assist these volunteer, faith-based and community organizations with coordinating federal programs and managing resources. They can identify special-needs populations and help survivors avoid duplication of benefits. Liaisons also guide and promote long-term recovery to restore normalcy to the affected communities.

Volunteer agencies continue to help storm and flood victims in all affected parishes, regardless of their federal-declaration status. If you want to know more about the work of the national and local volunteer groups you may visit www.nvoad.org or lavoad.org.

Applying with FEMA is a separate process from registering with a volunteer organization. If you suffered damages and losses from the August 11-31 weather events you should apply for FEMA assistance as soon as possible. Apply at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services call 800-621-3362 to register. You can find the FEMA mobile app at www.Ready.gov.

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Volunteer Organizations Aid Louisiana’s Recovery

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