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...

BATON ROUGE, La. - Disasters such as the recent floods and storms commonly result in the loss of important documents, but Louisiana residents have ways to replace them. Here is a list of useful websites and telephone numbers:Credit Cards – Contact the appropriate issuing institution:Replacing Lost or Damaged Documents in LouisianaOther support:Replacing Lost or Damaged Documents in LouisianaNOTE: FEMA does not endorse any specific products or services.###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...

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), along with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and volunteers from around the country, continues to support and assist flood survivors in Louisiana.Since President Obama’s major disaster declaration to 20 parishes in South Louisiana, more than 128,000 households registered for FEMA assistance – with FEMA approving more than $385 million for survivors so far. That includes $108 million in advanced flood insurance payments and $277 million for temporary rental assistance, essential home repairs, and other disaster-related needs.Housing Assistance:As housing remains a priority...

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana recovery continues with the energy and work of businesses, voluntary, faith-based, and community-based organizations along with government agencies and committed citizens.Unfortunately, disasters also bring out criminals looking to prey on survivors who appear to be rich targets for their fraudulent services.Being cautious is essential to preventing rip-offs.  Don’t offer personal financial information over the phone. Know who you are dealing with. Never be shy about asking for identification. Government workers will never ask for a fee or payment. They always wear an official government photo ID.Homeowners...

BATON ROUGE, La. — As Louisianans repair or rebuild their homes damaged by August floods, Federal Emergency Management Agency (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 Lowe’s stores from Aug. 30 to 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 aimed...

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 polishesPesticides and repellantsAutomotive fluidsPaints, varnishes, and solventsBatteries, fluorescent lightbulbs, and items containing mercuryFire starters, accelerants, and other flammable itemsMaterials 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...

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...

BATON ROUGE, La. – A disaster recovery center is opening Sunday, August 28, in Lafayette 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 disaster recovery center is operating at the following address and hours:Lafayette ParishLocation:  Lafayette Court (at University and Lee)                  301 West University Avenue                  Lafayette, LA 70506Hours:      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...