Articles by alexa.brown

BATON ROUGE, La. – Two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) serving Louisiana survivors of Hurricane Francine in Ascension and St. John the Baptist parishes will close at 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11 and move to new locations next week. Ascension Parish Closes on Oct 11 at: Lemann Memorial Center, 1100 Clay Street, Donaldsonville, LA 70346 at 5 p.m.Reopens on Oct 15 at: Lamar Dixon Expo Center, 9039 St. Landry Road, Gonzales, LA 70737 St. John the Baptist ParishCloses on Oct 11 at: Reserve Library, 1482 Hwy 44, Reserve, LA 70084 at 5 p.m.Reopens on Oct 16 at: Westbank Library, 2979 Hwy 18, Edgard, LA 70049The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.Additional locations in Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes are open. To find the DRC nearest to you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).Residents in all nine parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.Additional options when applying include:Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6. […]

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA remains in Louisiana to assist survivors recovering from Hurricane Francine. As of Oct. 7, more than 17,000 residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes have received more than $46 million in assistance since Hurricane Francine made landfall on Sept. 11, 2024. This includes: More than $12.6 million for Serious Needs Assistance, a one-time payment of $750 per household. This payment would be in addition to any other assistance from FEMA. The money can be used for emergency supplies like water, food, first aid, breastfeeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, or fuel for transportation. It is available to eligible survivors who apply within the first 30 days after the disaster was declared.More than $8.7 million for Displacement Assistance or money to help with housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options.More than $2.5 million for the Clean and Sanitize program which is up to $300 from FEMA and the State of Louisiana to help clean up houses damaged by Francine that remain habitable.Both Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance require an inspection to confirm eligibility before funds are provided to applicants.In the nine parishes designated for federal assistance, Disaster Recovery Centers are open to support survivors. FEMA employees are on-hand to answer questions and assist with applications. Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Louisiana and nonprofit and nongovernmental partners are also on available to assist survivors as they navigate their recovery. The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).DRCs are open at the following locations: Ascension ParishLemann Memorial Center1100 Clay St.Donaldsonville, LA 70346Assumption ParishAssumption High School, North Building4880 Hwy 308Napoleonville, LA 70390 Jefferson ParishMartin Luther King Community Resource Center1042 31st StKenner, LA 70065Lafourche ParishLafourche Parish Emergency Operations Center4876 Hwy. 1Raceland, LA 70394St. Charles ParishAlan Arterbury Building14564 River RoadNew Sarpy, LA 70078St. John the Baptist ParishReserve Library1482 Hwy 44Reserve, LA 70084St. James ParishConvent Community Center5775 Hwy 44Convent, LA 70723St. Mary ParishMorgan City Municipal Auditorium728 Myrtle St.Morgan City, LA 70380Terrebonne ParishTerrebonne Parish Library151 Library DriveHouma, LA 70360The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No appointment is necessary. You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.Additional options when applying include:Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6. […]

BATON ROUGE, La. – Like all natural disasters, hurricanes can cause massive destruction to homes, property and infrastructure. Typically, hurricanes cause the greatest damage to structures of light construction, including some manufactured homes and other residential dwellings.Mitigation measures are available to improve personal safety and reduce or eliminate the risk of future damages to structures and personal property. FEMA building specialists can give you information on how to repair, retrofit, or rebuild your home to be safer and stronger before the next disaster.Mitigation Topics to ConsiderRoof DesignRoof failures are a common cause of major damage to buildings and their contents from high winds. There are mitigation measures that can be taken to reduce potential roof damage.These mitigation measures include:Designing Wind-Resistant RoofsReinforcing Gable Roof EndsSecuring Sheathing ProperlyInstalling Shingles Properly flood mitigationPREPARE OR UPDATE A LIST OF BELONGINGS – Documenting all of your belongings will help with the insurance claims process. Consider taking photos of high-value items or doing a video walkthrough of your home to document its contents. GET FLOOD INSURANCE – Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. Protect your investment by purchasing flood insurance for your home and contents, even if you do not live in a high-risk flood zone.ELEVATE UTILITIES ABOVE BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE) – Elevate or floodproof mechanical units, furnaces, water heaters, electrical systems, and other utilities on masonry, concrete, or pressure-treated lumber at least 12 inches above the BFE. REPLACE CARPETING WITH TILES – Tiles are more flood-resistant than carpet. Using tile or other flood-resistant materials in areas below the BFE can help reduce water damage.INSTALL FLOOD VENTS – Install flood vents in foundation walls, garages, and other enclosed areas to allow water to flow through, drain out, and lower the risk of structural damage. USE FLOOD-RESISTANT INSULATION AND DRYWALL – Flood-resistant insulation and drywall will help minimize damage and can be easily cleaned and sanitized. PREVENT SEWAGE BACK-UP – In some areas, flooding can cause sewage to back up through drainpipes in your home. Consult with a plumber and, if applicable, invest in a sewer backflow valve to prevent this potential health hazard.Local Building OfficialsAlways check with local building officials before beginning any repairs or rebuilding because:Building codes, permits, inspection requirements, and zoning ordinances may be involved.A floodplain ordinance will affect rebuilding when the structure has sustained substantial damage and is situated in a floodplain.Building officials will reinforce the point that only licensed professionals are qualified to perform structural repair or structural mitigation work.Email a SpecialistIf you are unable to call, email your questions, comments, or issues to FEMA-LAMit@fema.dhs.gov to receive a written response from a Specialist.Speak to a SpecialistMitigation Helpline – Available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling 833-FEMA-4-US or 833-336-2487.Not available when you call? Leave a message and a Specialist will return your call within 24 hours.Online ResourcesFor the latest information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6. […]

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA continues to support Louisiana residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Francine.Since Sept. 11, FEMA and the State of Louisiana have put more than $44 million in the hands of Louisiana survivors to assist with their recovery from the hurricane.To build on this commitment, a new Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open in Kenner on Saturday, Oct. 5, to provide one-on-one help to Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Francine. This center will join eight others in the parishes hardest hit by the storm.New center location:Jefferson ParishMartin Luther King Community Resource Center1042 31st StKenner, LA 70065Additional DRCs are open at the following locations: Ascension ParishLemann Memorial Center1100 Clay St.Donaldsonville, LA 70346Assumption ParishAssumption High School, North Building4880 Hwy 308Napoleonville, LA 70390 Lafourche ParishLafourche Parish Emergency Operations Center4876 Hwy. 1Raceland, LA 70394St. Charles ParishAlan Arterbury Building14564 River RoadNew Sarpy, LA 70078St. John the Baptist ParishReserve Library1482 Hwy 44Reserve, LA 70084St. James ParishConvent Community Center5775 Hwy 44Convent, LA 70723St. Mary ParishMorgan City Municipal Auditorium728 Myrtle St.Morgan City, LA 70380Terrebonne ParishTerrebonne Parish Library151 Library DriveHouma, LA 70360The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.Residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.Additional options when applying include:Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6. […]

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in all communities and incorporated areas of Camp County, Texas.Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community residents can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment period for the maps.For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Camp County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Community leaders and residents can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards, development and flood insurance that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flood event.FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:For more information about the flood maps:There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov. […]

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA assistance is available to renters, including students, as well as homeowners with uninsured losses from Hurricane Francine. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Residents in Ascension, Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes may apply by: Going online to disasterassistance.gov/.Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.Visiting any Disaster Recovery Center. For operating hours and addresses, go online to fema.gov/drc..U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster LoansThe U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), FEMA’s federal partner in disaster recovery, may also be able to help. FEMA has streamlined the application process so people can apply to FEMA and SBA at the same time. SBA representatives are available to provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants at the Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area. Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 for more information.For the latest information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6. […]

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA and the State of Louisiana will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Napoleonville on Thursday, Oct. 3, to provide one-on-one help to Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Francine.Center location:Assumption ParishAssumption High School, North Building4880 Hwy 308Napoleonville, LA 70390 Additional DRCs are open at the following locations: Ascension ParishLemann Memorial Center1100 Clay St.Donaldsonville, LA 70346Lafourche ParishLafourche Parish Emergency Operations Center4876 Hwy. 1Raceland, LA 70394St. Charles ParishAlan Arterbury Building14564 River RoadNew Sarpy, LA 70078St. John the Baptist ParishReserve Library1482 Hwy 44Reserve, LA 70084St. James ParishConvent Community Center5775 Hwy 44Convent, LA 70723St. Mary ParishMorgan City Municipal Auditorium728 Myrtle St.Morgan City, LA 70380Terrebonne ParishTerrebonne Parish Library151 Library DriveHouma, LA 70360The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.Residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.Additional options when applying include:Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6. […]

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA and the State of Louisiana will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Convent on Wednesday, Oct. 2, to provide one-on-one help to Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Francine.Center location:St. James ParishConvent Community Center5775 Hwy 44Convent, LA 70723Additional DRCs are open at the following locations: Ascension ParishLemann Memorial Center1100 Clay St.Donaldsonville, LA 70346Lafourche ParishLafourche Parish Emergency Operations Center4876 Hwy. 1Raceland, LA 70394St. Charles ParishAlan Arterbury Building14564 River RoadNew Sarpy, LA 70078St. John the Baptist ParishReserve Library1482 Hwy 44Reserve, LA 70084St. Mary ParishMorgan City Municipal Auditorium728 Myrtle St.Morgan City, LA 70380Terrebonne ParishTerrebonne Parish Library151 Library DriveHouma, LA 70360The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.Residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.Additional options when applying include:Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6. […]

BATON ROUGE, La.  – If your home was damaged during Hurricane Francine but you can still live in it safely, you may qualify for up to $300 from FEMA and the State of Louisiana to help with cleanup. This assistance is for eligible homeowners and renters whose homes were damaged by the Sept. 11 hurricane.You may qualify if:You live in a parish designated for Individual Assistance: currently Ascension, Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes.If you own your home and a FEMA inspection determines it was damaged by the disaster but is habitable. If you are a renter and the inspector notes that you can live on the property, but cleanup is needed or has already been done.The damage is not covered by your insurance.FEMA determines your disaster-damaged home is safe to occupy.You save your receipts from any supplies, materials or paid help.Homeowners and renters can apply several ways:Go online to disasterassistance.gov.Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Find a DRC near you.Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/. […]

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA and the State of Louisiana will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Reserve on Tuesday, Oct. 1, to provide one-on-one help to Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Francine.Center location:St. John the Baptist ParishReserve Library1482 Hwy 44Reserve, LA 70084Additional DRCs are open at the following locations: St. Charles ParishAlan Arterbury Building14564 River RoadNew Sarpy, LA 70078St. Mary ParishMorgan City Municipal Auditorium728 Myrtle St.Morgan City, LA 70380Terrebonne ParishTerrebonne Parish Library151 Library DriveHouma, LA 70360Lafourche ParishLafourche Parish Emergency Operations Center4876 Hwy. 1Raceland, LA 70394Ascension ParishLemann Memorial Center1100 Clay St.Donaldsonville, LA 70346The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.Residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.Additional options when applying include:Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6. […]