New Shelter at Home program numbers are in. Temporary repairs are now complete on 6,407 flood damaged homes.
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GOHSEP Employee Chosen for FEMA Flood Map Advisory Council
Baton Rouge (October 31)- Jeffrey Giering, Technical Services Section Chief for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), has been chosen State Hazard Mitigation Officer for the Technical Mapping Advisory Council (TMAC). The TMAC provides valuable assistance to FEMA leadership on matters related to flood hazard mapping. Giering’s two year term of office began October 1st.
The TMA...
Continue ReadingGOHSEP RELEASE
October 27, 2016
Louisiana Shelter at Home Program Reaches Another Milestone
...Continue Reading
Disaster Recovery Centers are still operating in many flood impacted parishes. Please take advantage of this resource if you have issues concerning your personal recovery.
Survivors may locate centers near them by visiting fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers, calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA mobile app.
Disaster recovery centers are staffed by representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Fed...eral Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, National Flood Insurance Program specialists, volunteer groups and other agencies. These representatives are available to provide information about disaster assistance, flood insurance, personal and property risk reduction and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.
Diane Bridges with FEMA explains why it is important to utilize the DRC's.
A Shelter at Home representative will be at the Lafayette DRC today if you have questions about the program.
Louisiana Shelter at Home Program See More
If you live in the Lafayette area and have questions about your case, we will have a representative in the Lafayette Disaster Recovery Center THIS Wednesday to ...answer your questions.
Other representatives will be in Central, Amite, Hammond, Denham Springs and throughout East Baton Rouge Parish Disaster Recovery Centers as well over the next several weeks.
BATON ROUGE, La. — In less than three months following the August severe storms and floods, more than $1 billion has been paid to National Flood Insurance Program policyholders in Louisiana.
These payments have helped Louisiana policyholders repair or rebuild their disaster-damaged homes and businesses. Some have received additional payments to enhance their structure’s ability to better withstand future storms and floods.
Those who have questions about flood insurance can ca...ll the FEMA helpline and select Option 2, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call center staff are available to assist policyholders with information regarding their policies, offer technical flood guidance to aid in recovery, and answer questions.
Policyholders may visit a Louisiana Disaster Recovery Center to speak with specialists who can answer questions about their flood insurance. Location information can be found online at fema.gov/drc or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use TTY may call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362.
Flooding is the nation’s costliest and most common disaster. Louisiana residents can learn how to buy a flood-insurance policy by calling 888-379-9531 or TTY 800-427-5593. Information is also available online at floodsmart.gov.
Information about repairing and rebuilding is available online at fema.gov/louisiana-disaster-mitigation.
If you have question about your Shelter at Home case, the call center will still be available.
Louisiana Shelter at Home Program
The deadline to apply for Shelter at Home has passed, however our call center representatives are still here Monday - Saturday to assist you with questions regarding your case. Please contact us at 1-800-927-0216 to speak to a representative and discuss your application.
Spent the day with Devonte and Micah thanks to the Big Buddy program. They toured the GOHSEP Emergency Ops Center and FEMA offices in downtown Baton Rouge.
Today is the deadline to apply for Shelter at Home! Go to www.shelterathome.la.gov for info on receiving temporary flood repairs.
The new Shelter at Home application deadline is Friday
Just a reminder--the deadline to apply has been extended to THIS FRIDAY, October 21st!
Sign up at www.shelterathome.la.gov or via phone at 1-800-927-0216
LWC to assist in hiring event for flood displaced workers
Event to be held in Tangipahoa Parish
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) is proud to assist with hosting a hiring event which will look to employ displaced workers from the recent flooding in the area.
...On Friday, October 28, a hiring event will be held in Tangipahoa Parish at 1745 Southwest Railroad Ave. Hammond, LA 70403 to help workers displaced by the flood. Workers will be able to apply for Tangipahoa & Livingston Parish debris removal services as well as other cleanup opportunities from the surrounding area. This event is scheduled to be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
In order to qualify for jobs at this event, workers must be able to prove that they are:
· Individuals who have been unemployed for 13 weeks
· Individuals who lost their job directly due to the recent flooding
The Louisiana Workforce Commission will provide additional on-site assistance at this event to individuals registering for unemployment for the first time.
About the Louisiana Workforce Commission
The Louisiana Workforce Commission is an agency of state government that administers programs designed to enhance workforce growth and provide family-sustaining jobs for Louisiana residents. The commission monitors employment, administers unemployment compensation and tax funds, provides training resources for employers and employees and oversees worker compensation benefits. The agency also gathers and supplies information on the labor market and occupational sectors in Louisiana.
Contact FEMA if you have questions about the MHU program:
Survivors Can Help Avoid Delays in the Manufactured Housing Unit Process
BATON ROUGE, La. –Louisiana disaster survivors who are eligible for Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs) can help FEMA make the process go as smoothly as possible....
If you're eligible for an MHU, FEMA will contact you to schedule a site inspection if you want to place a unit on your property. Keep in mind the following steps to avoid slowing the process:
• Be available. You must be present for a site inspection. FEMA will arrange to place an MHU on your property if the agency determines it is feasible. A FEMA representative will provide information during the inspection process so you can contact them if you have questions about the status of your MHU.
• Contact your power company to install a second service and meter on your property. Your parish or city will then inspect the installation and notify the power company that power may be turned on. Tell the power company it is for a FEMA MHU installation.
• Help FEMA obtain right-of-entry from your neighbors. FEMA may need permission to trench utility lines or gain access to the site.
If defects are discovered in the air-conditioner, water, lighting, toilets or other parts of the unit, FEMA must repair them before turning over the keys to you. FEMA will also arrange for safety modifications such as elevation and anchoring.
MHUs are a last resort for survivors whose primary home is uninhabitable, have uninsured housing needs, and have no practicable temporary housing options within a reasonable commuting distance.
FEMA has expanded its services to accommodate your questions about MHUs. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362. You may also visit their closest disaster recovery center by going online to fema.gov/drc or by calling the FEMA helpline.
A Disaster Recovery Center is a readily accessible facility or mobile office where survivors may go for information about our programs or other disaster assistance programs, and to ask questions related to your case. Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Prepa...
fema.gov
Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program Extended to November 18th
Baton Rouge, LA (October 17) – The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) received word that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the state’s request to extend the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for flood survivors.
The program allows eligible Louisiana survivors of August’s severe storms and floods to stay in participating hotels temporarily if they cannot return home.
The TSA checkout date has been extended to Friday, November 18, 2016. The previous deadline was October 19, 2016. FEMA will contact applicants who are eligible for the extension to notify them of their new checkout date.
The state requested the extension due to a lack of rental resources and because of significant, widespread damage to homes throughout Louisiana. TSA is meant to be a short-term housing solution to displaced evacuees from flood impacted areas who cannot return to their homes. The cost of the room is paid directly to the hotel by FEMA.
There are currently 2,426 households in the TSA program checked into 261 hotels in 9 states.
La. National Guard: no ignition scheduled for today
Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
PINEVILLE, La. – Reports that the first of three ignitions to destroy the Clean Burning Ignitor (CBI) stored in three magazines located at the Louisiana National Guard’s Camp Minden in Minden, are inaccurate. There is no activity planned to destroy the CBI today, Oct. 17.
...Plans and a timeline on how and when the Army will destroy the CBI have not been finalized.
As previously stated at the town hall meeting Oct. 13, absolutely no ignitions will occur without the Louisiana National Guard releasing a statement to inform the public via media, the LANG’s social media sites and the http://geauxguard.com website. The dates previously mentioned are target dates with many variables and conditions that impact them. There are no firm dates as of today as the plans, requirements and conditions for ignition have not yet been met.
The Louisiana National Guard appreciates the public and media’s patience as the plans are finalized.
Baton Rouge, LA (October 14) – The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) received word that FEMA approved the state’s request to extend the deadline to apply for the Shelter at Home program. The new deadline is October 21, 2016. The need to extend the deadline became apparent over the last week as hundreds of Louisiana flood survivors registered for the program. As of Friday, October 14, 2016, the number of applicants has climbed to 20,...
Continue ReadingThe Ind publication has selected GOHSEP Deputy Director Christina Dayries as a 2016 Women Who Mean Business honoree.
The publication's ABiz magazine annually profiles the leading ladies of Acadiana, those inspiring women from across the community — business, politics, education, nonprofits — who are active in their careers and recognized for their professionalism, entrepreneurship, civic involvement and community leadership.
The Women Who Mean Business honorees and trailbla...zers will be featured as a cover story in the September issue of ABiz.
GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom was on hand as she received the award.
The Shelter at Home application deadline is Oct. 15th.
Louisiana Shelter at Home Program See More
Two days left!! Shelter at Home application deadline is the end of the day tomorrow, October 15!
Applications can still be submitted online at shelterathome.la....gov as well as via our phone number at 1-800-927-0216.
Uncertain as to whether you need or want Shelter at Home? Still apply, get the application in and started and make your decisions as we move you through the process.
Gov. Edwards' Statement on Federal Assistance for Flood Recovery
BATON ROUGE — Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards released the following statement on the announcement that Louisiana would receive $438 million of the $500 million Congress approved last month for flood recovery. The announcement comes two months after historic flooding hit South Louisiana, however, the assistance will be for both the March and August floods.
“Historic flooding in Louisiana nearly crippled communities... in every corner of our state, but thanks to the hard work of the entire Louisiana congressional delegation and the administration, our state is receiving financial assistance in record time,” said Gov. Edwards. “This is just the beginning, but it is a critical first step in getting help to Louisiana families and businesses that need it most. I am grateful to our entire delegation and the president and his administration for making this a priority. I look forward to working with them after the election on a comprehensive recovery package that will address Louisiana’s long-term recovery needs.”
Gov. Edwards, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain and the entire Louisiana congressional delegation worked together to get this assistance approved before Congress adjourned in September. Gov. Edwards made three trips to Washington, DC to lobby members of Congress on the disaster package. During those trips, he secured commitments from congressional leaders and the administration that this would serve as a down payment on assistance, with a more comprehensive package to be considered after the election.
Before the funds are released to Louisiana, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will publish guidelines for how the money may be spent and the State will respond by submitting an action plan for HUD approval.
The numbers continue to climb. More than 2,100 homes have temporary repairs through the Shelter at Home program. GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom this week personally visited homes where construction crews were busy providing this form of assistance. A woman in Ponchatoula told him how the program is benefitting her family. www.shelterathome.la.gov
Louisiana Disaster Assistance Deadline Extended to November 14
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisianans in parishes affected by August flooding now have until Monday, Nov.14, 2016, to register for federal disaster assistance. The State of Louisiana and FEMA advise that the deadline to apply for disaster assistance has been extended, so that all eligible residents have enough time to apply for assistance.
Federal officials hope this additional time will ensure that everyone affected by ...the August severe storms and flooding has an opportunity to register for FEMA assistance. The goal is to reach all flood survivors who still need help.
Registration is open to survivors in Acadia, Ascension, Avoyelles, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena,
St. James, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana Parishes.
This new deadline also applies to homeowners, renters and businesses submitting applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
You can apply for assistance or track your status online at www.disasterassistance.gov<http://www.disasterassistance.gov> or by using the FEMA app. If you prefer, call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; multilingual operators are available.
Homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the floods, can apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan after registering with FEMA by going online to SBA’s secure site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela, calling 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). For information on SBA disaster assistance, go to www.sba.gov<http://www.sba.gov>.
SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster- damaged private property. SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofits for their uncompensated physical disaster losses (homes, personal property and business assets). For small businesses and most private nonprofits, SBA disaster loans are available to cover working capital needs caused by the disaster, whether or not the business suffered physical damage.
For more information on the Louisiana recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the flooding at fema.gov/disaster/4277<http://fema.gov/disaster/4277>; or visit the website for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at gohsep.la.gov<http://gohsep.la.gov>. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion6.
- Is it acceptable for the shelter at home guys to install a bathroom ...door placing black screws through the face of the trim only to have it fall off that same evening on top of my wife because said screws were too short and not even in the studs? I sure hope they enjoy that $15000 , I could have completed my entire home with that amount ...wasteful See More
- You need to read the horrors of Shelter at hoe team sent to my place.... Things are worse now than before they came. See my private messages. Once again, my Temporary housing assistance ends Tuesday morning. See More
- Someone needs to stand up for the people of Louisiana!! This is not ...acceptable! https://www.facebook.com/cre8ivmommy/posts/10154533568417225 See More
Alaynna Fourroux King2starRaymond Guedry wrote: Well facebook family, I am at an utter loss for words. We started with 30 plus boats this morning..., trickled down to about 15 because zero. I repeat zero local, state, or federal agencies could guide us to help people. I have never heard the words I don't know, this much in my whole life. After about 5-6 hours of trying we made it to i12 only to be told that they had no idea why we came they were Only lunching special response boats. 30 boats can hold an east 250+ People per trip. Our group is completelyheartbroke n. 30+ boats brought 3 people to safety. I am sorry to all who messaged or commented we exhausted all efforts, I pray for friends and loved one. Just a few weeks under 30 years old and this is by far the most helpless I have ever felt. See More 
Keri Sievert1starLet's see how our sucky governmenthelps us for losing houses and vehicles. I pray that y'all are able to help everyone ...affected financiall y and not give us loans and make us pay them back like y'all did when Katrina help. Y'all need to make better drainage and roads so this shit doesn't happen. See More
