Storm Preparation and Recovery Information

Get Ready for Flooding

  • Pack your emergency kit. Include a gallon of water per person, per day – 3 days for evacuation, 2-week supply for home. Also pack a 3-day supply of non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery or hand crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, medications, sanitation and personal hygiene items, cell phone with charger, family and emergency contact information, extra cash, a map of the area and items for babies, anyone with special needs and your pets.
  • Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do if a flood watch or warning is issued.
  • Get access to NOAA radio broadcasts.
  • Keep insurance policies, valuables and other important documents in a safe deposit box or a safe place not likely to be damaged in a flood. Take pictures and keep copies of important documents and files on a flash drive that you can carry with you. Have your insurance agent’s phone number as well as the web address or number to file a claim.
  • Don’t forget your pets. Prepare a pet emergency kit for your companion animals.

Right Before a Flood

  • Know the difference between a watch and warning. A watch means that a flood or flash flood is possible in your area, while a warning means that flooding/flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
  • Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
  • Be prepared to evacuate quickly if directed and know your routes and destinations. If someone needs to find a shelter they can visit redcross.org/shelter
  • Check emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply. Keep it nearby.
  • Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information

During a Flood

  • Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground. Evacuate if directed. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
  • Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage.
  • Continue listening to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
  • Avoid already flooded areas and areas that are subject to sudden flooding such as dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc. Stay away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
  • Do not attempt to cross flowing streams or water covered roads.
  • If caught in a flash flood, try to get to higher ground and stay there. Just six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over and two feet will float a car.
  • Turn around and find another route if you come upon floodwater, rapidly rising water or barricades.
  • Don’t allow children to play in or near flood water. It may be contaminated with sewage.

More information, including a flood safety checklist in several languages, is available here.

DOWNLOAD APPS – People can download the Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to weather alerts for their area and where loved ones live. Expert medical guidance and a hospital locator are included in the First Aid App in case travelers encounter any mishaps. Both apps are available to download for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps. These apps are also available in Spanish. Search for “American Red Cross” in your mobile app store or go to redcross.org/apps. In the app, go to “settings” and “change your apps language” to switch your language to Spanish.

Be Safe AFTER

  • Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  • Avoid driving, except in emergencies.
  • Snakes and other animals may be in your house. Wear heavy gloves and boots during clean up.
  • Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
  • Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
  • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

Additional recovery resources can be found in the disaster guide available here.

Quick Links

FEMA or other funding for lost income

Blue roof program

  • Blueroof.us – (888) 766-3258
  • Cannot have significant structural damage (50%) to roof
  • Verification by aerial imagery and home visit if needed. Will not contact you until contractor comes

Insurers covering evacuation

  • Check your insurance documents. Could fall under Loss of Use coverage.

Aid to rebuild homes

  • If Insufficient Insurance Coverage: If the loss is more than their insurance settlement, they can apply for an SBA Disaster Assistance Loan. If you have insurance and do not qualify for SBA loan, FEMA will only provide some assistance if the damages are less than your deductible. In that case, FEMA will cover the bare minimum repairs to make the home safe, habitable, and accessible.
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DSNAP

Call Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCSF) at 1-888-524-3578 or register online at http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/dsnap-registration.

Parish Contacts

Parrish Number
Ascension
Citizens Service Number: 225-450-1200
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 225-621-8360
Assumption
LA #911 down in part of Assumption Parish
Direct line to Assumption Parish 911 Center: 985-369-7386
Calcasieu
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 337-721-3800
East Baton Rouge
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 225- 389-2100
East Feliciana
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 225- 719-1962 and 225-244-5881
Iberia
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 337-369-4427
Iberville
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 225-687-5140
Jefferson
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: (504) 349-5360
Lafayette
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: (337) 291-5075
Lafourche
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: (985) 537-7603
Livingston
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 225-686-3066
Orleans
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 504-658-8700
Plaquemines
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 504-934-6000
Pointe Coupee
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 225-638-9556
St Bernard
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 504-278-4268
St Helena
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 225-222-3544
St James
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 225-562-2346
St John the Baptist
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 985-652-2222
St Martin
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: (337) 394-2800
St Mary
(337) 828-4100 Ext 135
St Tammany
Emergency Operations Center: 985-898-2323
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 985-898-2359
Tangipahoa
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 985-748-3211
Terrebonne
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 985-873-6357
Washington
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 985-839-0434
West Baton Rouge
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: (225) 346-1577
West Feliciana Parish
Parish Office of Emergency and Preparedness: 225-784-3136
St Charles Parish
Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: 985-783-5050

Louisiana Flood Information

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE FEMA PROCESS

The law requires that the governor ask the president for a major disaster declaration to access federal assistance for parishes under the disaster declaration. The governor’s initial declaration can be amended to include additional parishes.

FOR RESIDENTS WHOSE PARISH HAS NOT BEEN DECLARED YET

If people live in a parish that is not included in the initial declaration, they should contact their parish OHSEP (Office of Homeland security and emergency preparednesshere to report damages. Parish OHSEP reports to GOHSEP and after more damage assessments come into the state, the governor can amend the declaration to include other parishes. It is critical that people report damages to their parish OHSEP in order for their parishes to be declared federal disasters.

HOW TO APPLY FOR AID

  • Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Constituents may call the registration phone number at 1-800-621-3362; those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
  • FEMA has an app for constituents to upload pictures in order to document damage, apply for assistance, learn about the process, locate nearby shelters and local assistance in addition to numerous links and documents to help with preparedness, emergency relief and clean up/removal.

INFORMATION CHECKLIST FOR APPLYING FOR FEMA

Before starting your application, you, your co-applicant or a minor in your home must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien. Please have a pen and paper and the following information ready:

  • Social Security Number: If you do not have a Social Security number, please apply for a Social Security number, then visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to complete your disaster application. Your household may still be able to receive assistance if there is a minor in the household who is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien with a Social Security number.
  • Insurance Information: Describe the type(s) of insurance coverage you have, such as homeowners, flood, automobile, mobile home insurance, etc.
  • Damage Information: Describe your damages caused by the disaster, including the type of disaster (flood, hurricane, earthquake) and type of dwelling (mobile home, house) or vehicle (car, boat).
  • Financial Information: Provide your family’s total annual household income, before taxes, at the time of the disaster.
  • Contact Information: Give FEMA the address and phone number where the damages happened and the address and phone number where you can be reached after the disaster.
  • Direct Deposit Information (optional): If you are approved for assistance and want your funds deposited directly into your bank account, provide your banking information. This includes:
    • Bank name
    • Type of account (ex: checking, savings, etc.)
    • Routing number
    • Account number

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WHEN APPLYING FOR FEMA

If you have not applied for disaster assistance yet, please apply online firstThis form is not valid until you have an application on record.

If you have applied and are asked to complete a Declaration and Release Form (OMB form 009-0-3; PDF, 89 KB), you can print, fill it out, and mail it to:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Or fax: 1-800-827-8112

Or visit:

If you need help filling out the form, please call the FEMA Helpline, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, 7 days a week:

  • 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362)
  • TTY 1-800-462-7585
  • 711 or VRS 1-800-621-3362

You don’t have to provide the requested information. It’s voluntary. But if you choose not to provide it, disaster assistance could be delayed or denied.

Use this link to Check your status.

FEMA ASSISTANCE FOR AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES CAN INCLUDE AS REQUIRED

  • Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
  • Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
  • Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)
  • Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)
  • Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $500,000 for structure and $100,000 for contents. Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
  • Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
  • Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
  • Other relief programs: Income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans’ benefits and social security matters.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Call Center

For assistance with flood insurance claims, call (800) 621-3362, then press 2.

Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster

  • For non-critical disaster distress, contact the Red Cross chapter at (225) 291-4533 and ask to speak with a mental health professional.
  • National Disaster Distress Hotline operated by SAMSA at 1-800-985-5990.
  • Text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

LINKS TO OTHER RESOURCES

*local media and government may have information