Don’t Wait – Register Now For Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: December 16, 2005
Release Number: 1603-235

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BATON ROUGE, La. -- State and federal officials urge Louisiana residents who have not yet registered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance to do so as soon as possible. FEMA's registration deadline for Louisiana residents impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and/or Rita has been extended to March 1, 2006.

Any Louisiana resident who suffered a loss because of Hurricanes Katrina or Rita should not hesitate to call FEMA's toll-free registration line, 800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 800-462-7585, or register online at www.fema.gov. Louisiana hurricane victims, regardless of where they are living today should register. Registration telephone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sometimes people feel their damage is not large enough to qualify for aid, or that others may have a greater need. However, state and federal officials advise residents that they should not prejudge whether or not to register. The State of Louisiana and FEMA work in partnership to provide a wide range of programs and services to disaster affected residents. Help is also available through a large number of voluntary organizations.

FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs but does not generally compensate for an entire loss. While insurance may cover significant costs during recovery, disaster assistance may still help pay for some needs not covered under the policy. Individuals and families may also qualify for low-interest loans offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

More than 500,000 people were displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. To date, over 1.4 million Louisiana residents have registered with FEMA and Community Relations team have conducted outreach to about 5,000 residents currently residing in hotels and motels.

Last Modified: Thursday, 22-Dec-2005 09:14:36