Disaster Application Deadline Approaches 

Release Date: August 5, 2004
Release Number: 1521-019

» More Information on Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Louisiana residents and business owners in the nine disaster-declared parishes who sustained damage from severe storms and flooding between May 12 and May 19 have just a few more days to apply for disaster assistance. August 9 is the last day applications will be accepted for individual assistance. Loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses to real and personal property must also be submitted by that date. The declared parishes include: Acadia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Livingston, Point Coupee, St. Landry, St. Martin and West Baton Rouge.

“We want people to understand that this is merely an application deadline,” said Peter Martinasco, federal coordinating officer. “For individuals who have already applied, their cases will continue to be processed. New applications will not be accepted after the August 9 deadline.”

Federal and state disaster recovery officials urge those who have not done so to apply as soon as possible by calling the toll-free application number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday-Friday. The special number for those with hearing or speech impairment is TTY 1-800-462-7585.

To date, 7,662 individuals have applied for disaster assistance in the state. Nearly $6.4 million has been approved for individuals impacted by the disaster including $772,200 in disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Aug-2004 14:25:28