Don’t Let Past Disaster Assistance Affect Your Decision to Register Today 

Release Date: December 7, 2006
Release Number: 1668-030

» More Information on Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding

ALEXANDRIA, La. -- Residents may be eligible for federal disaster assistance even if they have received assistance in the past. Over the past few years many Louisiana residents have applied for and received disaster assistance. This past assistance will not disqualify applicants from receiving assistance for other disasters.

Residents who experienced damages from the severe storms and flooding that began Oct. 16 are encouraged to register for assistance today, said officials at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).

Residents should not disqualify themselves by not applying. If you had damages, call and register. If applicants have questions about their eligibility, the FEMA helpline can provide answers. The helpline can explain the disaster assistance process and provide valuable information on the types of assistance available to each individual.

The deadline to register for assistance is Jan. 2, 2007. Victims can register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 only for the hearing or speech impaired, or visit www.fema.gov.

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. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must complete and return them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Friday, 08-Dec-2006 02:53:13