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Disaster Survivors in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana Can Get Rebuilding Tips from FEMA at a Local Home Improvement Store

Baton Rouge, La. — Survivors from Beauregard Parish who are rebuilding after the March severe storms and floods can receive a free consultation with hazard mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The mitigation representatives will be available at Moses True Value in DeRidder, starting on Monday, April 18 and ending on Saturday, April 23.

The mitigation specialists can answer questions about protecting homes from future disaster-related damage as well as offer tips and techniques to build hazard resistant homes. Most of the information and the free publications provided are geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Recovery topics to be covered include roof repair and rebuilding flooded homes.

The store location is as follows:

Moses True Value
1007 East 1^st St.
DeRidder, La.

The mitigation specialists will be available beginning Monday, April 18 through Friday, April 22 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturday, April 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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

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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 at www.gohsep.la.gov, 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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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 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 www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Disaster Survivors in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana Can Get Rebuilding Tips from FEMA at a Local Home Improvement Store

Centro de recuperación por desastre abre en Sicily Island para ayudar a los sobrevivientes de Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. – Un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) abrirá el domingo 17 de abril, en Sicily Island, Parroquia de Catahoula, para ayudar a los sobrevivientes de las inundaciones en Louisiana. El centro abre de 8:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m., lunes a sábado y de 12:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m. los domingos.

El DRC estará localizado en la siguiente dirección:

Old Martin Junior High School
825 Highway 8
Sicily Island, La.

Los sobrevivientes pueden visitar la página web http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm para encontrar el centro más cercano, o pueden llamar al 800-621-3362.

Representantes de la Oficina del Gobernador de Seguridad Nacional y Preparación para Emergencias, la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias, la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa de los EE.UU. (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés), grupos voluntarios y otras agencias están en los centros para contestar preguntas relacionadas con la asistencia por desastre y los préstamos por desastre a bajo interés para dueños de vivienda, inquilinos y negocios. Ellos pueden también ayudar a los sobrevivientes a solicitar la asistencia por desastre federal.

Los Equipos de Asistencia a Sobrevivientes del Desastre (DSAT) están visitando las parroquias designadas y pueden ayudar a las personas a inscribirse con FEMA. Muchas veces los puede encontrar en lugares convenientes para su comunidad, como bibliotecas y la oficina del alcalde. Cuando los residentes requieren ayuda adicional, los equipos pueden referirlos al DRC más cercano.

No es necesario visitar un centro para inscribirse y recibir la asistencia por desastre federal. Si es posible, los sobrevivientes deben inscribirse con FEMA antes de visitar un centro de recuperación.

Para inscribirse por Internet, vaya a DisasterAssistance.gov/es o llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Hay ayuda disponible en la mayoría de los idiomas y las líneas telefónicas operan de 7:00 a.m. a 10:00 p.m. siete días a la semana, hasta nuevo aviso.

Los sobrevivientes de desastre que son sordos, que tienen problemas de audición o del habla y que usan TTY pueden llamar al 800-462-7585 para inscribirse. Aquellos que usan 711 o el Servicio de Retransmisión de Video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés) o requieren algún servicio particular mientras visitan un centro pueden llamar al 800-621-3362. Todos los centros de recuperación por desastre son accesibles y están equipados con herramientas de comunicación para sobrevivientes de desastres con discapacidades. Para reunirse con un intérprete de Lenguaje de Señas Americano (ASL, por sus siglas en inglés) en los centros, llame al 225-382-1739 (servicio solamente disponible en inglés).

Hay préstamos por desastre a bajo interés de la SBA disponibles a negocios de todos tamaños, incluyendo arrendadores, además de organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro, propietarios de viviendas e inquilinos. Los préstamos por desastre cubren pérdidas no compensadas totalmente por el seguro u otros fondos de asistencia.

Para más información, los solicitantes pueden ponerse en contacto con el Centro de Servicio al Cliente de SBA llamando al 800-659-2955, enviando un correo electrónico a DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov o visitando la página web del SBA en sba.gov/disaster. Las personas sordas y con problemas de audición pueden llamar al 800-877-8339.

Para mayor información llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362 o vaya en línea a www.DisasterAssistance.gov/es o www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4263.

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Los alentamos a que continúe con precaución en áreas donde haya todavía áreas inundadas. Siga los pasos de DOTD en su página web www.511la.org para obtener la información más reciente sobre el cierre de caminos. Esté atento a los comunicados de advertencia de sus autoridades locales y de los gerentes del manejo de emergencias. Usted puede encontrar información actualizada en la página de respuesta del estado en www.emergency.la.gov. También GOHSEP proporciona información en Facebook y Twitter. Usted puede recibir alertas de emergencia en la mayoría de los teléfonos celulares y tabletas al descargar la nueva aplicación de alerta de FM. Esta es gratuita usando el servicio básico. Usted también puede descargar la Guía para la Preparación en Emergencias de Louisiana y encontrar otra información adicional en www.getagameplan.org

La asistencia para la recuperación por desastre está disponible sin tomar en consideración raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o nivel económico. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce ha sido discriminado, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Para llamar al TTY use 800-462-7585.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a los 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. Síganos en Twitter en http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6 y en el blog de FEMA en http://blog.fema.gov.

La Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) es el recurso primario de fondos del gobierno federal para reconstruir a largo plazo la propiedad privada dañada por los desastres. El SBA ayuda a los propietarios de viviendas, inquilinos y negocios de todos los tamaños y privados, organizaciones sin fines de lucro a financiar la reparación o esfuerzos de reconstrucción y cubrir los costos de reemplazo por la pérdida o daño causado por el desastre a la propiedad personal. Estos préstamos por el desastre cubren pérdidas no compensadas completamente por el seguro u otras formas de recuperación y no duplica los beneficios de otras agencias u organizaciones. Para mayor información, los solicitantes deben ponerse en contacto con el Centro de Servicio al Cliente de la Asistencia por Desastre de SBA llamando al (800) 659-2955, por correo electrónico

disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, o al visitar la página web de SBA en www.sba.gov/disaster. Para personas con problemas auditivos o del habla, llamar al (800) 877-8339.

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Centro de recuperación por desastre abre en Sicily Island para ayudar a los sobrevivientes de Louisiana

Spend FEMA Grants Wisely

RIDGELAND, Miss. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has already put more than $5 million in federal disaster relief funds in the hands of Mississippians recovering from flooding and severe weather. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and FEMA want to remind those receiving grant payments to spend those funds wisely. Survivors should use Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance grants on housing repairs and other essential needs.

Housing Assistance grants are intended for basic housing repairs, including repairs to a septic system or private well. Housing Assistance grants also may be used for short-term rental payments or reimbursement of hotel/motel expenses.

Other Needs Assistance grants are intended to help replace essential personal property and meet disaster-related medical, dental and funeral expenses. The money also may be used to repair or replace a car damaged by the disaster and to replace work-related tools.

Most FEMA disaster grants are deposited electronically at the applicant’s request to their bank account. A follow-up letter explains how the money should be spent.

If grant money is not used as outlined in the letter, a recipient may have to repay FEMA and could lose eligibility for further help. FEMA grants should not be used for luxury goods, such as flat-screen televisions, video games or other entertainment electronics. Grants may be audited, so survivors should keep receipts for three years to document disaster-related expenses.

The first step toward obtaining recovery assistance is to register with FEMA.

Survivors can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should call 800-462-7585.) The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Business owners, homeowners and renters can apply for low-interest disaster loans at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. SBA representatives are available at the disaster recovery centers to

answer questions and help survivors complete their disaster loan applications. Questions can also be answered by calling the SBA disaster customer service center at 800-659-2955 or (TTY) 800-877-8339 for the deaf or hard of hearing, or by visiting disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on Mississippi’s flood recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4268 or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency site at msema.org.

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The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money to help business of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters rebuild and recover after a disaster. SBA low interest disaster loans repair and replace property losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Taken from –

Spend FEMA Grants Wisely

A Disaster Recovery Center Is Scheduled To Close in Stephenville

AUSTIN, Texas – The disaster recovery center, located at Erath County Fire Station, 830 A East Road, Stephenville, will close at 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 16.

DRCs are operated jointly by FEMA and the state. After the center closes, Texans whose homes or businesses were affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred March 7-29, can still register for assistance, get questions answered and check on the status of their claim the following ways:

Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Call 800-621-3362 (FEMA or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. The deadline to register for federal assistance is May 18, 2016.

Recovery officials encourage Texans, who registered for disaster assistance with FEMA, to “stay in touch.” If survivors change their address or phone number they should update FEMA with the information. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in getting a home inspection or receiving assistance.

Disaster survivors can visit any DRC. There may be another recovery center nearby. To find the closest one, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center locator at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

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Original post:

A Disaster Recovery Center Is Scheduled To Close in Stephenville

Help Remains After Tunica Recovery Center Closes

JACKSON, Miss. – The disaster recovery center operated by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Tunica County will close permanently Saturday, April 16, at 6 p.m., and recovery center hours are changing at all other centers beginning Saturday, April 16.

Disaster survivor assistance teams continue to canvass flood-affected areas throughout Mississippi with information on available assistance. Area residents may still call the FEMA helpline listed below or visit nearby centers.

Disaster recovery centers are open this week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Beginning Saturday, April 16, center hours will be Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.,

Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sunday

Centers are located at:

Bolivar County

Willard R. Samuel Jr. Gymnasium

700 N. Chrisman Ave.

Cleveland, MS 38732

Coahoma County (Closed Saturday, April 16, and Sunday, April 17, for a local event)

506 E. Second St.

Clarksdale, MS 38614

Quitman County

Marks Fire Department

108 W. Main St.

Marks, MS 38646

Tunica County

G.W. Henderson Senior Recreation Center

1165 Abbay Drive

Tunica, MS 38676

Washington County

Washington County Convention Center

1040 South Raceway Road

Greenville, MS 38703

Anyone affected by the storms and flooding in a designated county may visit any of the centers. Survivors can locate the nearest center by visiting fema.gov/drc or by calling the FEMA helpline.

Many services available at disaster recovery centers are also available by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Survivors with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who need to register for assistance, may visit online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should call 800-462-7585.) The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

If you require a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille Large Print, etc.) while visiting a disaster recovery center, call the appropriate Helpline number above.

Survivors also can use the helpline to:

Ask questions about a letter from FEMA.
Learn how to appeal a FEMA decision. All applicants may appeal.
Inquire about the status of a registration.
Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.
Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

Applicants should have their nine-digit FEMA registration number and ZIP code if they want to discuss their application.

For the latest information on Mississippi disaster recovery operations, go online to msema.org and fema.gov/disaster/4268.

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The U.S. Small Business Administration 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.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. People who are referred to SBA by FEMA will be contacted by SBA and provided options for the application process. Completed applications must be submitted to SBA officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Help Remains After Tunica Recovery Center Closes

Speaking the Language of Louisiana Flood Survivors

Baton Rouge, La. – The population of Louisiana traces its origins back in many directions, with Spanish and French influences dominating. Along the coast, more recent arrivals may speak primarily Vietnamese or other languages.

In fact, it’s estimated that more than 70,000 residents of the 35 parishes designated for federal disaster assistance speak a language other than English. According to census data, the four most prevalent non-English languages spoken in parishes designated for federal assistance are Spanish, French, Chinese and Vietnamese.

However, language is not a barrier to receiving FEMA disaster assistance.

If you or someone you know is non-English speaking, let them know that FEMA has many ways to meet the language needs of survivors. For instance, many FEMA employees are bilingual or multilingual and are able to assist survivors in their primary language during normal encounters in communities, at Disaster Recovery Centers or at public meetings.

As FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams canvass neighborhoods in designated parishes, they take special note of language needs and work with non-English speaking survivors to help them register.

When a Louisiana resident desires to register for FEMA assistance by phoning 800-621-3362, they can speak with a FEMA employee fluent in their language. However, it is helpful if someone who speaks English can assist the disaster survivor when placing the FEMA call.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services also are available for disaster survivors who are Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use TTY to call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service or require accommodations while visiting a Disaster Recovery 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.

ASL interpreters are available at Disaster Recovery Centers open in many places throughout Louisiana; they also are on hand at public meetings where FEMA speakers appear.

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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.

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 Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800)877-8339.

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This article is from –

Speaking the Language of Louisiana Flood Survivors

Mississippi Storm Damage Assistance Tops $5.1 million

Mississippi Storm Damage Assistance Tops $5.1 million

JACKSON, Miss. – More than $5.1 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been disbursed to help those affected by the storms and flooding in Mississippi that began March 9, 2016.

Of this amount, more than $4 million was for housing assistance for repairing/rebuilding homes and rental assistance to provide more than 650 people a temporary place to live. An additional more than $1 million in other needs assistance was delivered to help cover the costs of replacing lost contents, medical, dental and other disaster-related expenses.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been contacted by more than 2,900 people for help or information regarding disaster assistance.

In addition to FEMA grants for individuals and families, other forms of disaster assistance are provided by partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration and voluntary agencies. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and FEMA often refer survivors to those agencies. All businesses are also referred to the SBA.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance coverage, survivors who sustained damage in the 16 disaster-designated Mississippi counties are urged to apply for help. The Individual Assistance-designated counties are Bolivar, Clarke, Coahoma, Forrest, George, Greene, Jones, Marion, Panola, Pearl River, Perry, Quitman, Sunflower, Tunica, Washington and Wayne.

Individuals and businesses in any of the 16 designated Mississippi counties begin the disaster assistance process by registering online at disasterassistance.gov. Survivors also can call 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can speak in person with state, federal and voluntary agency representatives by visiting a disaster recovery center. Centers are open in Bolivar, Coahoma, Forrest, Greene, Quitman, Tunica and Washington counties. Centers are planned in additional counties in the coming days. To locate the nearest center, call the FEMA helpline or go to fema.gov/drc.

For more information on Mississippi’s recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4268 or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency site at msema.org.

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Mississippi Storm Damage Assistance Tops $5.1 million

FEMA, State Grants Will Not Affect Social Security Or Other Federal Benefits

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in March will not lose Social Security benefits, pay additional taxes, or give up income-based benefit programs if they accept federal or state disaster aid. This includes homeowners, renters and businesses in Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Jasper, Limestone, Marion, Newton, Orange, Parker, Shelby and Tyler counties who register for disaster assistance.

In most cases, the Social Security Administration does not count federal or state disaster aid as income, according to recovery officials from the state of Texas and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

A few questions that often come up following a disaster declaration are:

FEMA Grants

Question: I’m between 62 and 65 years of age, and have chosen to receive Social Security benefits. If my income is more than a certain amount each year, I must reimburse a portion of my Social Security payment. Will FEMA grants add to my income and require me to repay Social Security?

Answer: No. FEMA grants for housing and other disaster assistance are not counted as income.

Taxes

Question: I’m over 65, but if I earn more than a certain amount, I must pay tax on my Social Security income. Will FEMA grants boost my income and require me to pay tax on my Social Security income?

Answer: No. The IRS does not count FEMA grants for housing and other disaster assistance as income.

Other Assistance

Question: Will receiving a grant cause my income to increase to the point that I am no longer eligible for Medicaid, welfare assistance or food stamps?

Answer: No. Grants for housing and other disaster assistance are not counted as income in determining eligibility for income-tested benefit programs that the U.S. government funds.

Apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4266, Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

Visit fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

Excerpt from –

FEMA, State Grants Will Not Affect Social Security Or Other Federal Benefits

FEMA helpline available for Missouri flood survivors

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The deadline for Missourians to register for disaster assistance may have passed, but help is still available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Survivors can still contact FEMA to get answers to questions or to get referrals for help with any unmet need.

The FEMA helpline is available seven days a week as a resource for Missourians who sustained losses from the late December and January floods. To talk to a knowledgeable FEMA recovery specialist, call 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-621-3362. Assistance is available by phone from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Survivors can use the helpline to:

Ask questions about FEMA decision letters.
Learn how to appeal FEMA decision letters. Any applicant may appeal.
Inquire about the status of a registration.
Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid delays in processing disaster assistance.
Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
Receive answers to questions about federal disaster assistance.

Applicants should have their nine-digit FEMA registration number if they have questions about their application.

If they prefer, survivors can also go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov and click “Check Your Status” to get an update on their application for state and federal assistance.

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For breaking news about flood recovery, follow FEMA Region 7 on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion7 and turn on mobile notifications or visit the FEMA web pages dedicated to this disaster at www.fema.gov/disaster/4250.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

FEMA helpline available for Missouri flood survivors

Make Smart Decisions with Louisiana Flood Recovery Funds

Baton Rouge, La. – With more than $4.3 million in Individual Assistance already in the hands of Louisiana flood survivors, state and federal officials have some advice: Resist the urge to splurge.

State and federal disaster assistance is meant to help people pay for necessities and start to get back on their feet.

Disaster assistance may include grants and loans to help pay for emergency repairs to damaged homes, temporary housing, or other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources.

A letter explaining a payment’s purpose will arrive within a day or two of the check or direct deposit payment. If survivors use payments on anything other than their intended purpose, they may have to repay those funds – and might not be able to receive future disaster assistance.

Survivors who have not yet registered may do so online at www.DisasterAssistance.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. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

The state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provide assistance to eligible survivors primarily as Housing Assistance and/or Other Needs Assistance. Federal assistance also is available in the form of low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters to recover.

FEMA Housing Assistance grants may be used for:

Temporary rental assistance
Essential repairs necessary to return a damaged home to a safe and functional condition
Replacing a home that has been completely destroyed

Other Needs Assistance grants may be used to cover disaster-related expenses, such as:

Medical, dental, funeral and burial costs
Replacement of disaster-damaged personal property, specialized tools for employment household items and appliances
Vehicle repair or other serious needs

Excerpt from:

Make Smart Decisions with Louisiana Flood Recovery Funds

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