BATON ROUGE, La. – You may be able to get FEMA help even if you were receiving U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rental assistance before you were displaced from your home by Louisiana’s recent severe storms and floods.

You can apply for FEMA help even if you were receiving any of the following types of rental assistance and your home is uninhabitable:

  • Living in HUD-assisted public housing.

  • Living in a privately-owned apartment that provides rental assistance from HUD.

  • Living in a private home using a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher from a housing authority.

Here is some FEMA assistance you may receive if you’re eligible:

  • Temporary assistance to pay for a place for you and your family to live.

  • Grants to replace essential contents—such as clothing and essential household items—and medical, dental and burial expenses.

Those who have HUD rental assistance may receive FEMA help to pay for a place to live until:

  • You relocate back to public housing;

  • You relocate back to the private housing that provides HUD assistance; or

  • You sign a lease with a private property owner using a Section 8 voucher.

The first step to be considered for FEMA help is to apply. There are three ways:                     

  • Log onto DisasterAssistance.gov with any computer, smartphone or tablet.

  • Download and use the FEMA app. You can also use the app to check the status of your application.

  • If you cannot access the website or FEMA app, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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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.

Original article – 

Did You Receive HUD Rental Assistance Before the Flood? You May Still Get FEMA Help

BATON ROUGE, La. – Survivors in 22 Louisiana parishes may now be eligible for federal disaster assistance as a result of the continuing severe storms and floods that began Aug. 11.

St. James and West Baton Rouge parish disaster survivors may now be eligible for federal disaster assistance. They join Acadia, Ascension, Avoyelles, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Livingston, Point Coupee, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Washington and West Feliciana as parishes where survivors may receive FEMA help.

Apply for FEMA help three ways:

  • Log onto DisasterAssistance.gov with any computer, smartphone or tablet.
  • Download and use the FEMA mobile app.
  • If you cannot access the website or FEMA app call the FEMA helpline at 800-621- 3362. If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

You don’t need to register again if you’re a survivor in St. James or West Baton Rouge parish who has already done so. The toll-free telephone numbers are operating from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA never charges fees to apply for or receive federal disaster assistance. State and federal officials encourage you to be alert for scams and report any suspicious activity by calling the Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection hotline at 800-351-4889.

Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners and renters can include grants for rent, temporary housing and home repairs to their primary residence, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

In addition, Assumption, Cameron, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist and West Baton Rouge parishes have joined Acadia, Ascension, Avoyelles, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Livingston, Point Coupee, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Washington and West Feliciana as parishes eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. The loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Homeowners and renters should apply as quickly as they can, even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments but underinsured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Residents are urged to contact their insurance company to file their flood insurance claims. For flood insurance policyholders who may have questions, FEMA has streamlined its process to better service claims and answer questions. Policyholders may call 800-621- 3362 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and select Option 2. Call center staff are available to assist policyholders with information regarding their policy, offer technical flood guidance to aid in recovery, and respond to general as well as complicated questions about the NFIP. Policyholders with questions specifically about an insurance claim can be transferred to their insurance carrier for additional assistance.

Download and use the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips. You can also check the status of your FEMA help application. 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 details.

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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.

View article – 

Survivors in St. James and West Baton Rouge Parishes May Receive FEMA Help, Urged to Register

BATON ROUGE, La. – A mobile disaster recovery center is opening Friday, Sept. 2, in Livingston Parish to assist Louisiana flood survivors. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

The mobile disaster recovery center is operating at the following address and hours:

Livingston Parish

Location:  Bass Pro Shops

175 Bass Pro Boulevard

Denham Springs, LA 70726

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

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

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

Disaster recovery centers are staffed by representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, National Flood Insurance Program specialists, volunteer groups and other agencies. These representatives are available to provide information about disaster assistance, flood insurance, personal and property risk reduction and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.

Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing many affected areas and are able to register people for FEMA assistance 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, download the FEMA mobile app, 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.

Read this article:  

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Livingston Parish for Louisiana Survivors

Baton Rouge, La. — As Louisianans repair or rebuild their homes damaged by August floods, 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 at area Home Depots from  Aug. 25 through 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 geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

FEMA advisors will be on hand at information centers in these stores 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

 

THE HOME DEPOT

Lafayette Parish
1700 NE Evangeline Thruway

Lafayette, La. 70501

East Baton Rouge Parish

8181 Airline Hwy.

Baton Rouge, La. 70815
 

St. Tammany Parish

40 Park Place Drive

Covington, La. 70433

 

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 FEMA.gov/what-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.

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

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.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service

Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting

SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call

(800)877-8339.

 

Originally posted here: 

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

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you are cleaning out your home and removing flood-damaged materials, be aware of potentially hazardous wastes and dispose of them properly.

Hazardous waste should always be separated from non-hazardous materials. Types of hazardous waste includes:

  • Cleaning products such as bleach, ammonia, and polishes

  • Pesticides and repellants

  • Automotive fluids

  • Paints, varnishes, and solvents

  • Batteries, fluorescent lightbulbs, and items containing mercury

  • Fire starters, accelerants, and other flammable items

Materials contaminated with flammable products should be separated from all other waste and stored in a well-ventilated area. If stored outdoors, flammable materials should be placed in a covered, fire-resistant container to prevent soil or groundwater contamination.

In the case of a chemical or oil spill, survivors are encouraged to call local authorities before contacting the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at 1-888-763-5424.

Specific instructions for all waste removal, including hazardous waste removal, are available at the DEQ website at http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal.

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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 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.

Original article – 

Take Extra Care with Hazardous Waste

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you have property affected by the recent severe storms and flooding in Louisiana, you’re encouraged to get the necessary permits before starting new construction or repairs.

“The first step for any property owners in Louisiana who have damage to their homes or businesses should be to check with your local building official,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar. “That official can work with you or your contractor to ensure any permits are properly filed and necessary inspections are carried out.”

Permits may be required for repairs to roofs, walls, siding, wallboard, plaster, insulation, paneling, cabinets, flooring, electrical systems, plumbing, septic systems and heating/air conditioning systems.

Additionally, you should talk to your local floodplain administrator who can help ensure that your repairs are in compliance with your local floodplain management ordinances.

With the proper permits secured, mitigation experts say this is an opportunity to repair and rebuild safer and stronger by taking some smart steps. Those steps, carried out with the help of trained and qualified professionals, include elevating your home; elevating your heating and air-conditioning systems; and rebuilding with flood-resistant materials.

But there are also mitigation ideas that you can do yourself and may cost less than $50:

  • Power up: After checking what local codes allow, consider raising electrical outlets at least one foot about the minimum flood level for your area, or 24 inches above the floor. Benefit: This helps keep water from seepage or a low-level flood from infiltrating an electrical receptacle.

  • Put on a strip: Install weather stripping on outside doors and windows to help seal out air and even water. Benefit: It’s relatively easy to install, is effective and durable and comes in a variety of colors.

  • Caulk it up: Use caulk to seal all exterior openings such as holes where wires, cables and pipes enter or exit a structure. Benefit: In severe storms, a well-sealed exterior helps to keep out wind-driven rain and overland flooding.

For more mitigation ideas and information, visit https://www.fema.gov/mitigation-ideas-and-tips-rebuilding.  

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 www.ready.gov for more details.

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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.

 

Read this article – 

Get Local Permits Before You Rebuild; Repair Safer & Stronger

BATON ROUGE, La. –You may find yourself frequently moving if you’re a survivor of Louisiana’s recent severe storms and floods.

If you’ve had any changes to your contact information it’s important to let FEMA know so the disaster assistance process stays on track.

FEMA may need to contact you to schedule an inspection or to get additional information to help process your application. That’s why it’s important to let them know as soon as possible if you’ve moved or have a new phone number.

You may update contact information two ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

  • By calling 800-621-3362

    • People who use TTY may call 800-462-7585

    • Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) may call 800-621-3362.

If you had storm or flood damage in Louisiana you may also use those resources to apply for FEMA help if you haven’t done so already. Survivors in Acadia, Ascension, Avoyelles, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Livingston, Point Coupee, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Washington and West Feliciana parishes may be eligible.

It’s important to note that FEMA disaster assistance checks cannot be forwarded. If you cannot access your home address, you can request the postal service to hold your mail. You can also have the funds sent via direct deposit to your financial institution.

Residents are urged to contact their insurance company to file their flood insurance claims. For flood insurance policyholders who may have questions, FEMA has streamlined its process to better service claims and answer questions. Policyholders may call 800-621-3362 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and select Option 2. Call center staff are available to assist policyholders with information regarding their policy, offer technical flood guidance to aid in recovery, and respond to general as well as complicated questions about the NFIP. Policyholders with questions specifically about an insurance claim can be transferred to their insurance carrier for additional assistance.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. The loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

###

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.

This article is from:  

Louisiana: Keep in Touch and Update Info with FEMA to Avoid Delays

Baton Rouge, La – Louisiana disaster survivors in East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena, and Tangipahoa parishes are urged to register for federal disaster assistance with FEMA.

Individuals and business owners in the designated parishes who had severe storm or flood damage may register for assistance the following ways:

  • Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov

  • By calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

    • People who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585.

    • For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

    • These toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners and renters can include grants for rent, temporary housing and home repairs to their primary residences, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. The loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Residents and business owners should apply as quickly as they can, even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments but underinsured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Residents are urged to contact their insurance company first to file their flood insurance claims. For flood insurance policyholders who may have questions, FEMA has aligned its call center to better support them with the servicing of their claims and getting answers to their questions quickly. Policyholders may call 1-800-621-3362 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and select Option 2. Call center staff are available to assist policyholders with information regarding their policy, offer technical flood guidance to aid in recovery, and respond to general as well as complicated questions about the NFIP. Policyholders with questions specifically about an insurance claim can be transferred to their insurance carrier for additional assistance.

Survivors seeking information on flood clean up, repairing, and rebuilding can find valuable tips and guidance at www.fema.gov/Louisiana-disaster-mitigation.

###

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 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 losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

Taken from:

Louisiana Residents Urged to Register with FEMA

DENTON, Texas – Homeowners, renters and business owners are encouraged to review revised preliminary flood maps for St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. Anyone who wishes to file an appeal or comment has until Aug. 10, 2016, for submission.

 “We hope that everyone reviews the maps to understand the flood risks involved,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “It is also very important that we receive the public’s input on these maps.”  
    
Appeals are formal objections and must be based on technical data showing proposed maps to be scientifically incorrect. Appeal topics include: Proposed base flood elevations or flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries and zones, or floodways. Anyone making an appeal must include the method, data and analysis used to support the claim.  

Comments are objections to a base map feature change. Those feature changes could include labels, incorrect road names or jurisdictional boundaries, or any other non-appealable change.

The public can provide comments and appeals to their local floodplain administrator, who will forward them to FEMA for final resolution.

The maps can be viewed at the parish floodplain administrator’s office, or by:

•    Viewing the preliminary flood map at: http://maps.riskmap6.com/LA/StBernard/
•    Using a live chat service about flood maps at go.usa.gov/r6C, just click on the “Live Chat” icon;
•    Contacting a FEMA Map Specialist at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The next step is the resolution of all the comments and appeals. When that is complete, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

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

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Appeals and Comments on Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for St. Bernard Parish Ends Soon

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Mientras que el cielo se despeja y las aguas de la inundación retroceden, los socorristas, voluntarios y equipos dedicados a ayudar a los residentes de Virginia Occidental devastados por las inundaciones han llegado para hacer la diferencia. Las Organizaciones Voluntarias Activas en Desastres de Virginia Occidental (WV VOAD, por sus siglas en inglés) han estado trabajando con los gerentes y funcionarios oficiales de emergencia locales y estatales para coordinar los recursos a través de las redes de las agencias de socorro por desastre. Han estado solicitando a individuos de buen corazón formas que están buscando formas de cómo ayudar a los sobrevivientes del desastre, a que hagan una donación al fondo de Socorro del Desastre de WV VOAD o que se registren como voluntarios. Las donaciones financieras son las mejores formas para ayudar con los esfuerzos en este momento. Las donaciones serán usadas para apoyar las necesidades de las familias relacionadas con el desastre a través de la red de las agencias de voluntariado y los fondos de socorro por desastre a nivel estatal.

Se aceptan donaciones financieras y se puede encuentrar mayor información en: https://wvvoad.communityos.org

Los voluntarios que deseen ayudar más directamente en la respuesta y la recuperación pueden inscribirse en línea en www.volunteerwv.org. Volunteer West Virginia se ha asociado para unir voluntarios a nivel estatal con organizaciones, para asistir en la respuesta y la recuperación. Cuando las calles peligrosas estén limpias y se identifiquen las necesidades, un coordinador voluntario se pondrá en contacto con los voluntarios registrados para programar los turnos de los voluntarios o el despliegue inmediato.

Los funcionarios federales y estatales han anunciado la apertura de un centro de recuperación por desastre (DRC, por sus sigla en inglés) y con planes tentativos para abrir más. Los DRC son ubicacione de multiservicio para los sobrevivientes elegibles de la tormenta, para proporcionar la ayuda individual y en persona de las organizaciones no gubernamentales locales y estatales. Los representantes de la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa de los Estados Unidos (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) también estarán presentes para brindar información sobre los préstamos a baja tasa de interés y ayudar a completar las solicitudes de préstamo por desastre a los solicitantes que son propietarios de vivienda, inquilinos y negocios de todos los tamaños.

Se ha establecido un DRC en el condado de Kanawha en Crede Warehouse 3300 Pennsylvania Ave. en Charleston, WV 25302. El centro abrirá los siete días de la semana de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m. Adicionalmente, un centro de recuperación por desastre móvil (MDRC, por sus siglas en inglés) en el condado de Greenbrier está abierto de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m. hasta el viernes, horas adicionales serán determinadas. El centro se encuentra ubicado en 65 West Main St. in White Sulfur Springs, WV 24986.  

Sin embargo, los individuos no tienen que visitar un centro de recuperación por desastre para inscribirse y recibir la asistencia. Si usted ha sido afectado por las inundaciones y necesita asistencia, visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es o inscríbase usando su teléfono inteligente en m.fema.gov. Para aquellos sin acceso a internet, FEMA tiene un número de teléfono gratuito: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) y también está disponible (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 para personas sordas o con pérdida auditiva.

Para aprender más acerca de los centros de recuperación por desastre, diríjase a FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Los funcionarios de FEMA han informado que más de $290,000.00 dólares en fondos federales han sido aprobados para individuos y familias afectadas por el desastre. Se han recibido las inscripciones de 2,600 individuos, 800 de las cuales han sido referidas a los inspectores. La asistencia federal por desastre para individuos y familias puede incluir dinero para la asistencia para la renta, reparaciones esenciales de la vivienda, pérdidas de la propiedad personal y otras necesidades serias relacionadas con el desastre que no están cubiertas por el seguro.

Para mayor información sobre la recuperación por desastre de Virginia Occidental, visite fema.gov/disaster/4273twitter.com/FEMAfacebook.com/FEMA y fema.gov/blog.

CONSEJOS PARA LA LIMPIEZA DE ESCOMBROS

Los escombros relacionados con las tormentas y las inundaciones son elegibles para que sean recogidos y tirados por el condado o la municipalidad si los residentes colocan los siguientes tipos de escombros en la vía pública al frente de su propiedad para ser recogidos. Cuando coloque los escombros en la calle, los residentes deben colocarlos cuidadosamente sin cubrir o impedir el acceso a los medidores de los servicios públicos o buzones de correo.

Los residentes que elijan que los escombros sean recogidos en la orilla de la banqueta deben separar los escombros en las siguientes categorías:

  • escombros de vegetación (ramas de árboles, arbustos, etc.);
  • escombros de construcción y demolición;
  • productos de línea blanca (aparatos electrodomésticos, etc.);
  • productos electrónicos (televisores, aparatos electrónicos); y
  • artículos del hogar peligrosos (soluciones para limpiar, químicos automotrices, etc.)

ESCOMBROS MANEJADOS POR LOS CONTRATISTAS: algunas pólizas de seguro de propietarios de vivienda podrían cubrir la remoción de los escombros. Se les recuerda a los residentes que si ellos contratan su propio servicio, no deben colocar los escombros en la calle. El costo para la remoción de escombros está típicamente incluido en los presupuestos de los contratistas. Los propietarios de vivienda deben revisar sus pólizas de seguro y determinar si sus pólizas cubren la remoción de escombros. Bajo ninguna circunstancia los escombros de la reconstrucción o demolición creados por el dueño de la propiedad o el contratista privado deben ser puestos en la orilla de la banqueta. El dueño de la propiedad, la compañía de seguros o el contratista serán responsables de remover y transportar todos los escombros de reconstrucción o demolición a un área designada y aprobada.

DESPUÉS DE UN DESASTRE – CONSEJOS RÁPIDOS PARA AYUDAR EN EL CAMINO DE LA RECUPERACIÓN

  • Las lesiones pueden ocurrir cuando las personas caminan en medio de los escombros del desastre y al entrar a los edificios dañados. Use zapatos resistentes o botas, mangas largas y guantes cuando maneje o camine en o cerca de los escombros.
  • Esté alerta de los posibles peligros estructurales, eléctricos o escapes de gas en o cerca de su casa.
    • Póngase en contacto con los inspectores de construcción del condado o de su ciudad para obtener información sobre los códigos y estándares de seguridad estructural antes de regresar a una vivienda que tenga líneas eléctricas caídas o la posibilidad de que haya una fuga de gas.
    • No toque las líneas eléctricas u objetos en contacto que estén en contacto con las líneas eléctricas caídas.
    • Reporte las líneas eléctricas caídas peligrosas a la policía y a la compañía de servicios públicos. Ellos también pueden ofrecer sugerencias para encontrar un contratista calificado que haga el trabajo por usted.
  • Si no tiene electricidad, use un generador o velas de forma segura.
    • Nunca use un generador dentro de su vivienda, sótano, cobertizo o garaje, incluso si las puertas y ventanas están abiertas.
    • Mantenga los generadores afuera y lejos de las ventanas, puertas y ventilas. Lea  la etiqueta de su generador y el manual de operación y siga las instrucciones. 
    • Si usa velas, por favor, sea precavido. Si es posible, use linternas en su lugar. Si tiene que usar velas, no las prenda en o cerca de algo que pueda incendiarse.
  • Fuera de su vivienda o negocios: esté alerta de las áreas donde las aguas de la inundación hayan retrocedido. Es posible que los caminos se hayan debilitado y podrían colapsarse por el peso de un vehículo.
  • Use precaución extrema cuando entre a los edificios; puede haber daños escondidos, particularmente en los cimientos.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a nuestros ciudadanos y a las agencias de socorristas para garantizar que trabajemos juntos como nación para desarrollar, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad para prepararnos, protegernos, dar respuesta, recuperarnos y mitigar todos los peligros. La jurisdicción de la región III de FEMA incluye Delaware, el Distrito de Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia y Virginia Occidental. Permanezca informado sobre las actividades de FEMA en línea: videos y podcasts se encuentran disponibles en fema.gov/medialibrary y youtube.com/fema. Síganos en Twitter en twitter.com/femaregion3.

This article is from:  

Respuesta y recuperación para Virginia Occidental: por encima de las inundaciones

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