Mapping Expedites Assistance For Louisiana 

Release Date: December 7, 2005
Release Number: 3215-029

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Special mapping technology being used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is expected to expedite the distribution of disaster assistance for thousands of Louisiana residents whose homes were damaged during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Geospatial maps, produced from satellite images by FEMA-contracted Baker Inc., will allow the agency to accurately determine water levels reached in some parts of Louisiana during hurricane-induced flooding. Mapping large areas will enable the agency to determine hurricane damage in some instances without the necessity of individual property inspections. This will speed the distribution of disaster aid.

The maps will be especially helpful in areas where it has been impossible for inspectors because of widespread inaccessibility and residents evacuating to other parts of the country. So far, five parishes in Louisiana have been mapped: Orleans, St. Bernard, Jefferson, St. Tammany and Plaquemines.

On-site visual inspections have been conducted in more than 200 locations within the defined areas of the geospatial maps. The results of these inspections support the water levels reported on the maps and offer assurance that awards will be made with the highest degree of accuracy.

Maps of water levels used for damage assessments
Replacement award based on a two-bedroom home with complete furnishings

UNINSURED 24"(or more)
(Destroyed)		 12" to 24"
(Major damage)		 Up to 12"
(Moderate damage)
Real Property
(building structure)		 homeowner = $10,500
renter = $0		 homeowner = $5,200
renter = $0		 homeowner = $2,600
renter = $0
Personal Property homeowner =$13,000
renter = $10,000
(When denied an SBA* loan)		 homeowner = $6,500
renter = $5,000
(When denied an SBA* loan)		 homeowner = $3,000
renter = $2,000
(When denied an SBA* loan)

*Small Business Administration

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 07-Feb-2006 15:29:46