FEMA News In Review 

Release Date: October 2, 2005
Release Number: 1603-052

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

BATON ROUGE, La. - The following is a summary of important information released in the one-week-period September 24-30, 2005, by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the Louisiana Joint Field Office for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Additional Parishes Designated for Increased Assistance
Six more Louisiana parishes have been added to the list of parishes eligible for increased disaster assistance from FEMA. Individual Assistance for Ascension, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vernon and West Baton Rouge parishes has been made available to help home owners, renters, and business owners recover from the effects of Hurricane Rita. All six parishes were previously designated for the Public Assistance Program for emergency services and eligible debris removal. The designation brings to 18 the number of parishes now eligible for Individual Assistance. In addition, Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, St. Mary, Terrebonne and Vermilion parishes are now eligible for all categories of assistance under FEMA's Public Assistance Program. In addition to reimbursement for eligible costs for emergency services and debris removal, these parishes are now eligible to receive funds to help restore vital public and certain non-profit infrastructure such as roads, buildings, bridges and utilities.

Note on Purpose of Disaster Recovery Centers
FEMA reminded citizens Disaster Recovery Centers are for the dissemination of information to assist in victim recovery. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners. Often representatives of state, federal, and voluntary agencies, as well as Customer Service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance, will be on hand to answer questions and provide recovery information. No cash, checks, debit cards or vouchers are distributed at Disaster Recovery Centers.

FEMA Reiterates Aid Application Process
In a continuing series of columns answering commonly asked disaster recovery questions, an "Ask FEMA" release responded to the question, "What happens after I apply for disaster assistance?" The column reviewed the FEMA publication "Help after a Disaster: Applicant's Guide to the Individuals and Households Program." It explained one should apply whether or not insured, discussed exceptions for damage caused by flooding, and provided a timeline for the government's response to applications. The column explained how to appeal a FEMA decision and provided information on applying for a Small Business Administration loan - available to assist individuals and households as well as businesses after a disaster.

Inspectors Fan Out to Verify Hurricane Damage
1,200 FEMA-contracted home inspectors fanned out across hurricane-affected parishes through the state to reach damaged homes. Residents were advised that after they applied for aid through FEMA, inspectors would call to set up a time for inspection of the home. If unable to meet an inspector at their damaged homes, applicants can identify an "Authorized Agent" who can be present during the inspection, such as a trusted neighbor or relative. If the applicant does not have someone in the area who can be the Authorized Agent, the inspector can offer an Authorized Agent who is a FEMA employee to represent the interests of the applicant. The purpose of inspections is to verify damages, not to determine residents' eligibility.

Residents Cautioned on Spending Assistance Funds
FEMA cautioned people receiving disaster assistance for hurricane losses to heed instructions that accompany assistance checks. Recipients are required to keep receipts for three years, and they must sign a declaration and a release certifying all funds will be spent on the expenses for which they are intended. If the recipient receives money from insurance policies to cover the same expenses, the FEMA disaster money must be returned. Random audits may be made to confirm funds were spent properly.

Mold Can Be a Danger When Evacuees Return Home
Residents returning to their homes after the hurricanes were warned that mold in water-damaged houses can create a health problem, particularly for those sensitive to mold spores and for people with respiratory problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised that anyone cleaning a mold-ridden house wear rubber gloves and a respiration mask rated n95, available at hardware or building supplies stores. The CDC guideline for items that may have mold is, "When in doubt, take it out!"

Recovery Progress Noted
Near week's end, FEMA had approved $2 billion in payments for disaster housing; and Louisiana applications for assistance in recovering from back-to-back hurricanes had topped one million. Electrical power had been restored to more than 700,000 Louisiana customers affected by Hurricane Katrina; while about 500,000 customers remained without electrical power - the majority as a result of Hurricane Rita. Telephone outages in the state had been reduced from 890,000 to 350,000 despite an additional 225,000 outages due to Rita. The Red Cross and the Salvation Army had served about 6.5 million hot meals in Louisiana and the Red Cross had provided shelter to 66,000 State residents in 256 facilities. Electrical generators provided through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were meeting the critical needs of hospitals, law enforcement, public safety, water and sewage utilities, and to power the pumps that are unwatering New Orleans.

Last Modified: Monday, 03-Oct-2005 08:04:29