Five Counties Added To Alabama Disaster For Public Assistance

CLANTON, Ala.  – Governor Robert Bentley’s request for five counties to be added to the President’s major disaster declaration for damage caused by Hurricane Isaac was granted Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

Local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Covington, Dallas, Geneva, Monroe and Perry counties are now eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

The program provides grants, on a cost-sharing basis, to reimburse state agencies, local governments and eligible private nonprofits for emergency protective measures, debris removal, and permanent repairs to roads, bridges and public buildings and infrastructure damaged by the hurricane.

Baldwin, Mobile and Pickens counties were previously designated for assistance in the Sept. 21 disaster declaration.

FEMA Public Assistance grants cover 75 percent of the approved eligible costs with the remainder coming from state and local governments.

Alabama Emergency Management Agency officials will schedule Applicants’ Briefings in the added counties.

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.

 

Original article – 

Five Counties Added To Alabama Disaster For Public Assistance

Marrero and Metairie Disaster Recovery Centers to Remain Open

BATON ROUGE, La. — Survivors in Jefferson Parish have more time to visit the State/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Centers in Marrero and Metairie, as the centers’ operating dates have been extended.

The Marrero recovery center will be open through Oct. 16 and the one in Metairie through

Oct. 31. They had been scheduled to close on Tuesday.

The recovery centers are located at:

 

Metairie

6716 W. Metairie Ave.

Metairie, LA 70003

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Oct. 31. Closed Sundays.

 

  Marrero

5801 Leo Kerner Pkwy.

Estelle, LA 70072

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Oct. 16. Closed Sundays.

 

(Directions to the Marrero DRC location from Barataria Boulevard-Turn south onto Leo Kerner-Lafitte Pkwy/Lafitte Larose Hwy/LA 3134.  There’s a Walgreens and McDonald’s on the corner. Keep south on Leo Kerner-Lafitte Pkwy/Lafitte Larose Hwy /LA 3134. Pass the Destrehan intersection and pass Grace Baptist Church on the right side of the highway. Continue driving for one to two miles. Look for Estelle Playground on the left side of Leo Kerner-Lafitte Pkwy/Lafitte Larose Hwy.)

At the recovery centers, hurricane survivors can speak directly with federal specialists who can provide answers to their questions about the types of assistance available to eligible applicants, check on the status of a survivor’s application, provide answers about ineligibility letters and filing an appeal, and explain other programs that may be available to survivors. The agency representatives do not distribute cash, checks or debit cards.

For a list of open centers in Louisiana, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4080.

Survivors may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Small Business Administration (SBA) offers federal low-interest disaster loans to residents and businesses. After registering with FEMA, visit any disaster recovery center where SBA representatives will answer questions, explain the application process and help each resident or business owner apply to SBA. For SBA information or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955. Individuals who are speech or hearing impaired may call 1-800-877-8339.

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

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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Originally posted here:  

Marrero and Metairie Disaster Recovery Centers to Remain Open

FEMA, Private Sector Partner to Share Critical Information with Millions of Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – Critical recovery information has reached more than 2.3 million Hurricane Isaac survivors in Louisiana via Private Sector pathways, including businesses and nonprofit groups.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has partnered with the Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center, chambers of commerce and trade associations to share messaging such as how to register for federal disaster assistance in prominent locations. Examples include:

  • The Outdoor Advertising Association of America displaying important registration information on electronic billboards,
  • In Lafourche Parish, Water District #1 and South Coast Gas Co. included registration information with their bills, while Vision Communication posted that information on its community access channel, and  
  • Lodgenet Interactive Corporation flashing that same registration information on screens in 23,000 local hotel rooms.

Businesses have even asked their workers to spread the word, helping the registration message reach more Hurricane Isaac survivors.   

FEMA’s Private Sector and Community Relations specialists have also teamed up to reach out to small, independent and owner-operated businesses, going door to door to learn about the challenges they face and to inform them of possible resources that may help them recover faster.

“The private sector plays an essential role in a community’s recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA. “Their partnership and collaboration with government agencies helps all of us carry out the mission of recovery in Louisiana.”

The major disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac made federal assistance available to eligible survivors in 21 parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington and West Feliciana.

Individuals, families and business owners who sustained uninsured and underinsured damages in those parishes can register for assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Read article here: 

FEMA, Private Sector Partner to Share Critical Information with Millions of Survivors

Supplemental Funding Available for Private Property Debris Removal in St. Bernard Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved supplemental funding for private property debris removal from qualified properties in St. Bernard Parish.

Debris removal from private property is generally not eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance funding. FEMA may help fund removal if debris on residential and private business property is so widespread that public health, safety and the economic recovery of the community is threatened, but it must be approved in advance by FEMA.

Supplemental funding under the PA program is provided to the state and then forwarded to its eligible agencies, local governments, certain private nonprofit organizations and federally recognized tribal governments. Under the program, FEMA obligates funds to the state for 75 percent of eligible costs, while the applicant covers the remaining 25 percent.

Eligible removal includes the clearance, removal, and/or disposal of storm-generated debris such as trees, sand and gravel, building materials, wreckage, vehicles and personal property.

Ineligible debris includes debris form vacant lots, forests, heavily wooded areas and debris on agricultural lands used for crops or livestock. Construction debris used in the reconstruction of disaster-damaged improved property is ineligible.

For debris removal to be eligible the work must be necessary to:

  • Eliminate an immediate threat to lives, public health and safety,
  • Eliminate immediate threats of significant damage to improved public and private property when the measures are cost effective, or
  • Ensure the economic recovery of the affected community to the benefit of the community-at-large.

Four parishes are now approved for funding for private property debris removal: Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. John. Requests from other parishes for this type of assistance are being reviewed.

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

Originally from: 

Supplemental Funding Available for Private Property Debris Removal in St. Bernard Parish

Disaster Recovery Center Opens for Three Days in Livingston Parish

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

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

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday at:

            American Legion Hall

24195 Highway 22

Maurepas, LA 70449

The other recovery center, which opened Sept. 7, is located at the Satsuma Village Mall, 28975 S. Satsuma Rd., Suite D in Livingston. That one will remain open every day but Sunday until further notice.

Survivors may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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

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

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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens for Three Days in Livingston Parish

Questions and Answers About FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program provides supplemental financial assistance to state and local government agencies, certain private nonprofit organizations and federally recognized tribal governments to help pay for response and recovery expenses incurred because of Hurricane Isaac. Assistance is available to eligible applicants in 55 Louisiana parishes.

What type of work is eligible for PA reimbursement? Two types of work are eligible:

  • Emergency Work including removal and disposal of disaster-related debris and emergency measures taken to protect lives and property before, during and after the storm
  • Permanent Repair to roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, and parks and recreational and other facilities that received disaster-related damage

What kinds of nonprofit organizations are eligible? Nonprofits that provide critical services to the public such as:

  • Hospitals and other medical treatment facilities
  • Fire, police and other emergency services
  • Power, water and sewer facilities
  • Educational institutions

And, those that provide essential services* to the public such as:

  • Libraries, museums and zoos
  • Community centers
  • Homeless shelters and rehabilitation centers
  • Senior citizen centers and daycare centers

*Private nonprofits that provide essential services are eligible for PA for emergency work. For permanent repairs they must apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan before applying to FEMA.

Who manages the Public Assistance reimbursement program?

The PA program is based on a partnership among FEMA, the state and applicants. FEMA approves grants and provides technical assistance to the state and applicants. The state informs potential applicants about the process, works with FEMA to manage the program and is responsible for disbursing funds and monitoring the grants awarded. Applicants are responsible for identifying damage, providing information necessary for FEMA to approve grants, managing the funded projects and providing documentation to the state that project expenses have been paid.

Does FEMA reimburse 100 percent of eligible expenses?

FEMA’s PA program is a cost-sharing, reimbursement program. FEMA pays 75 percent of eligible costs and the state and/or applicant pays the remaining 25 percent.

What is the sequence of delivery for the PA process?

Submission – The state with FEMA support holds Applicant Briefings throughout the disaster-affected areas to provide an overview of the PA program and answer questions. Applicants usually have 30 days from the date of declaration or designation of the parish to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Applications are reviewed for eligibility by state and FEMA officials.

Approval – FEMA and state PA specialists meet individually with an applicant at a kick-off meeting to discuss specific needs. Teams visit damage sites and reach a consensus on work needed to return the site to pre-disaster condition.  Applicants have 60 days from kick-off to identify damage. A project worksheet is developed that outlines the scope of work, describes damages and dimensions and estimates the cost for the project. The project is reviewed by FEMA and state environmental and historic preservation specialists, and PA and mitigation specialists, to ensure it complies with all relevant state and federal regulations. If the project is approved it is funded. If the project is denied the applicant has 60 days to appeal the decision.

Emergency measure projects must be completed within 6 months of the declaration or designation of the parish. Permanent repair projects must be completed within 18 months of declaration or designation.

Reimbursement – FEMA provides the approved funds to the state. The state disburses the funds to the applicant. As the project proceeds, the applicant periodically requests funds from the state as invoices are submitted. The state holds the balance of funds until project completion.

Closeout – The state determines the final cost of accomplishing the eligible work and submits information on the completed project to FEMA. The state certifies the actual costs were incurred to complete the eligible work. Applicants must maintain records of completed work for three years after the official closeout. Projects are subject to state and federal audits.

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

Link:  

Questions and Answers About FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program

Questions and Answers About FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program provides supplemental financial assistance to state and local government agencies, certain private nonprofit organizations and federally recognized tribal governments to help pay for response and recovery expenses incurred because of Hurricane Isaac. Assistance is available to eligible applicants in 55 Louisiana parishes.

What type of work is eligible for PA reimbursement? Two types of work are eligible:

  • Emergency Work including removal and disposal of disaster-related debris and emergency measures taken to protect lives and property before, during and after the storm
  • Permanent Repair to roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, and parks and recreational and other facilities that received disaster-related damage

What kinds of nonprofit organizations are eligible? Nonprofits that provide critical services to the public such as:

  • Hospitals and other medical treatment facilities
  • Fire, police and other emergency services
  • Power, water and sewer facilities
  • Educational institutions

And, those that provide essential services* to the public such as:

  • Libraries, museums and zoos
  • Community centers
  • Homeless shelters and rehabilitation centers
  • Senior citizen centers and daycare centers

*Private nonprofits that provide essential services are eligible for PA for emergency work. For permanent repairs they must apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan before applying to FEMA.

Who manages the Public Assistance reimbursement program?

The PA program is based on a partnership among FEMA, the state and applicants. FEMA approves grants and provides technical assistance to the state and applicants. The state informs potential applicants about the process, works with FEMA to manage the program and is responsible for disbursing funds and monitoring the grants awarded. Applicants are responsible for identifying damage, providing information necessary for FEMA to approve grants, managing the funded projects and providing documentation to the state that project expenses have been paid.

Does FEMA reimburse 100 percent of eligible expenses?

FEMA’s PA program is a cost-sharing, reimbursement program. FEMA pays 75 percent of eligible costs and the state and/or applicant pays the remaining 25 percent.

What is the sequence of delivery for the PA process?

Submission – The state with FEMA support holds Applicant Briefings throughout the disaster-affected areas to provide an overview of the PA program and answer questions. Applicants usually have 30 days from the date of declaration or designation of the parish to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Applications are reviewed for eligibility by state and FEMA officials.

Approval – FEMA and state PA specialists meet individually with an applicant at a kick-off meeting to discuss specific needs. Teams visit damage sites and reach a consensus on work needed to return the site to pre-disaster condition.  Applicants have 60 days from kick-off to identify damage. A project worksheet is developed that outlines the scope of work, describes damages and dimensions and estimates the cost for the project. The project is reviewed by FEMA and state environmental and historic preservation specialists, and PA and mitigation specialists, to ensure it complies with all relevant state and federal regulations. If the project is approved it is funded. If the project is denied the applicant has 60 days to appeal the decision.

Emergency measure projects must be completed within 6 months of the declaration or designation of the parish. Permanent repair projects must be completed within 18 months of declaration or designation.

Reimbursement – FEMA provides the approved funds to the state. The state disburses the funds to the applicant. As the project proceeds, the applicant periodically requests funds from the state as invoices are submitted. The state holds the balance of funds until project completion.

Closeout – The state determines the final cost of accomplishing the eligible work and submits information on the completed project to FEMA. The state certifies the actual costs were incurred to complete the eligible work. Applicants must maintain records of completed work for three years after the official closeout. Projects are subject to state and federal audits.

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

Link:  

Questions and Answers About FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program

Supplemental Funding Available for Private Debris Removal in St. John Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved supplemental funding for debris removal from qualified private property in St. John Parish.

Debris removal from private property is generally not eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance funding. FEMA may help fund removal if debris on residential and private business property is so widespread that public health, safety and the economic recovery of the community is threatened, but it must be approved in advance by FEMA.

“Hurricane Isaac left tons of debris in its wake. FEMA continues to work with our partners in St. John Parish to help eliminate this safety and health hazard for their citizens,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall.

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

Eligible removal includes the clearance, removal, and/or disposal of storm-generated debris such as trees, sand, gravel, building materials, wreckage, vehicles and personal property.

Ineligible debris includes debris from vacant lots, forests, heavily wooded areas and debris on agricultural lands used for crops or livestock. Construction debris used in the reconstruction of disaster-damaged improved property is ineligible.

For debris removal to be eligible the work must be necessary to:

  • Eliminate an immediate threat to lives, public health and safety,
  • Eliminate immediate threats of significant damage to improved public and private property when the measures are cost effective, or
  • Ensure the economic recovery of the affected community to the benefit of the community-at-large.

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

Link:

Supplemental Funding Available for Private Debris Removal in St. John Parish

Follow Community Guidelines on Debris Cleanup

BATON ROUGE, La. – As survivors of Hurricane Isaac continue cleaning up after the storm, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges everyone to check with their local officials regarding their community’s plan for storm debris cleanup and disposal.

“Our first recommendation is for everyone to carefully follow the community’s guidelines,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall. “Debris created by a hurricane has unique challenges and we want everyone to help clean up and start getting their neighborhoods back to normal. But, we want them to do it safely.”

To get current information about the types and schedules of debris disposal, storm survivors should contact their local officials, city or parish waste disposal online sites, or local waste-disposal agency.

Affected communities have varying methods of disposing of storm debris.  That debris may include: household garbage; construction debris such as wood, drywall and carpet; household hazardous waste such as motor oil and batteries; vegetation debris; electronic items; and white goods such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, and air conditioners. Residents should clearly mark the contents on the debris containers.

If your community offers curbside pickup, please leave all household debris at the curbside.  Do not leave debris leaning against trees or poles or on private property, as this makes it harder to retrieve the debris.

If a community does not offer curbside pickup, residents should contact local officials for instructions.

Survivors can register for disaster aid online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

Continued: 

Follow Community Guidelines on Debris Cleanup

FEMA Public Assistance Grants Help Louisiana Rebuild after Hurricane Isaac

BATON ROUGE, La. —  Federal disaster assistance is available through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program to help Louisiana communities in 55 parishes recover from Hurricane Isaac.

Under the program, FEMA is providing supplemental financial assistance to the state and its agencies, local and federally recognized tribal governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations for their eligible response and recovery expenses.

Although funds are awarded to eligible government entities and nonprofits through the state, the PA program is intended to benefit everyone — neighborhoods, cities and states. PA dollars help clean up communities overwhelmed by disaster-related debris, repair roads and bridges people use every day getting to work and school, put utilities and water systems back in order, repair certain nonprofit hospitals, rebuild or repair public schools and universities and put playground equipment back in public parks.

FEMA PA dollars come to Louisiana communities through a cost-sharing partnership among the state, the applicants and the federal government. FEMA reimburses applicants 75 percent of their eligible costs, and the state and/or applicant pays the remaining 25 percent.

The state of Louisiana, with FEMA support, is holding Applicant Briefings throughout the disaster-affected areas to provide a general overview of the PA program and to answer questions. FEMA/state PA program specialists are then meeting individually with applicants in kick-off meetings to address the applicant’s specific needs, damages and costs incurred.

In an effort to expedite PA assistance to applicants, some kick-off meetings are being held immediately following Applicant Briefings — with the goal of producing formal Requests for Public Assistance.

FEMA obligates federal PA funds directly to the state, which disburses the money to the local jurisdiction or organization that incurred costs.

Two types of work are eligible for reimbursement under the PA program:

  • Emergency Work
    • Removal and disposal of eligible disaster-related debris
    • Emergency measures taken to protect lives and property before, during and after the storm
  • Permanent Repairs to:
    • Roads and bridges
    • Water control facilities
    • Public buildings and equipment
    • Public utilities
    • Parks, recreational and other facilities

To be eligible for FEMA reimbursement funding, applicants must complete their projects within the established time frame.

  • Emergency work must be completed within six months of the presidential disaster declaration or designation of the affected parish.
  • Permanent repair work must be completed within 18 months of the declaration or designation of the affected parish.

Types of entities that may be eligible for Public Assistance include:

  • State governments and state agencies
  • Local governments (towns, cities, parishes) and special districts
  • Federally recognized tribal governments
  • Certain private nonprofit organizations providing services, such as:
  • Critical services:
    • Hospitals and other medical treatment
    • Fire, police and other emergency services
    • Power, water and sewer utilities
    • Educational institutions
  • Essential services*:
    • Libraries, museums and zoos
    • Community centers
    • Homeless shelters and rehabilitation facilities
    • Senior citizen centers and day-care centers

*Private nonprofits that provide essential services are eligible for Public Assistance for emergency work. For permanent repairs, they must apply to the Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan before applying to FEMA.

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

More: 

FEMA Public Assistance Grants Help Louisiana Rebuild after Hurricane Isaac

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