Individual Assistance Designated Parishes: Acadia Parish, Ascension Parish, Avoyelles Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, East Feliciana Parish, Evangeline Parish, Iberia Parish, Iberville Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish, Lafayette Parish, Livingston Parish, Pointe Coupee Parish, St. Helena Parish, St. James Parish, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Vermilion Parish, Washington Parish, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana Parish.
Apply for assistance:
- Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
- Call 800-621-3362 (711 or Video Relay Service). If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center.
Stay in Touch
After you apply, we may need to contact you to schedule an inspection or to get additional information to help process your application. Let us know as soon as possible if you’ve moved or have a new phone number.
Update contact information online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by 800-621-3362 (711 or Video Relay Service). If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585.
Other Language Resources:
Thông tin bằng Tiếng Việt
Español: Louisiana tormentas severas e inundaciones (DR-4277)
Help After a Disaster in other languages
Returning Home
Mold may be a serious health risk so don’t wait for a visit from FEMA or your insurance company before you start cleaning up. FEMA inspectors and insurance claims adjusters will still be able to verify flood damage.
Remove flood-damaged valuables from your home. Take lots of pictures before your insurance adjuster visits.
Follow guidelines from local officials. Local emergency management contact information can be found on the Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness website.
Additional resources:
- Safety tips as you return home (Graphic)
- After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures (PDF)
- Mold recovery guidance from the Louisiana Department of Health (PDF)
- Debris removal guidelines (Graphic)
- How to file a flood insurance claim (Graphic)
- More information about Louisiana disaster mitigation
Types of Assistance
Click here to view a flyer that explains the assistance process.
If you have questions about types of assistance available to you, the best way to get answers is to contact a FEMA representative who can walk you through your options. Call 800-621-3362 (711 or Video Relay Service). If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to speak with a representative in person.
Non-FEMA Forms of Recovery Assistance
There are many ways survivors of Louisiana’s August severe storms and floods can get help:
Clothing, Food, etc.
- 2-1-1 is a single access point for resources like food, clothing, financial assistance and health resources. Visit www.louisiana211.org.
Food Assistance
- Go online to www.brfoodbank.org or call 225-359-9940 if you’re in the Greater Baton Rouge area.
- Go online to www.no-hunger.org or call 855-392-9338 if you’re in Acadiana or the Greater New Orleans area.
- Go online to www.fbcenla.org or call 318-445-2773 if you’re in central Louisiana.
Funding Sources to Enhance Protection from Disasters
- If you have a National Flood Insurance Program policy and a substantially damaged home or business, you may be eligible for additional funds related to complying with local regulations, such as elevating your property. Contact your flood insurance agent for more information.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses, most private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. If your loan application is approved, you may be eligible for additional funds to cover the cost of improvements that will protect your property against future damage. Examples include retaining walls, seawalls and sump pumps. The funds would be in addition to the amount of the approved loan, but may not exceed 20 percent of the total amount of SBA-verified physical damage to real and personal property. Applicants are encouraged to discuss mitigation questions with an SBA representative. Learn more by going online to www.sba.gov/disaster, calling 800-659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. If you use TTY, call 800-877-8339.
Help for Farmers
- Farmers may be able to get help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for livestock and crop losses. Learn more at fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/index.
Legal Services
- Get free legal assistance with getting FEMA help and other benefits, insurance claims, home repair contracts, replacing wills and other legal documents, consumer protection, counseling for mortgage-foreclosures, and counseling on landlord/tenant problems. Go online to www.slls.org or www.louisianalawhelp.org or call the Louisiana Civil Justice Center at 800-310-7029 to learn more.
Mental Health Services
- Get free crisis counseling by calling the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health at 866-310-7977 or the Disaster Distress Hotline at 800-985-5990.
Shelter at Home
- The state may assist eligible homeowners to make repairs that create a safe, secure, habitable place for their family while they continue their permanent home rebuilding. Learn more at www.shelterathome.la.gov or by calling 800-927-0216.
Housing Assistance
In Louisiana, there are several different programs that address Housing Assistance.
Housing solutions for flood survivors
Frequently asked questions about FEMA Rental Assistance for recreational vehicles
Frequently asked questions about Housing Assistance
Filing a Flood Insurance Claim
If you have experienced a flood, you can file your flood insurance claim by following these three steps.
STEP ONE: NOTIFY YOUR INSURER TO START THE CLAIMS PROCESS
After experiencing a flood, contact your agent or insurance company to file a claim. Make sure you have the following information handy:
- The name of your insurance company
- Your policy number
- A telephone and/or email address where you can be reached at all times
An adjuster should contact you within a few days of filing your claim. If you do not hear from an adjuster, you can contact your insurance agent or company again.
Find your company’s toll-free phone number.
STEP TWO: DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE
Separate damaged from undamaged property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage to your home and possessions to prepare your repair estimate.
- Take photographs of all of the damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage, and standing floodwater levels.
- Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their date of purchase, value, and receipts, if possible.
- Officials may require disposal of damaged items so, if possible, place flooded items outside of the home.
STEP THREE: COMPLETE A PROOF OF LOSS TO SUPPORT YOUR CLAIM
Your adjuster will assist you in preparing a Proof of Loss (which is your sworn statement of the amount you are claiming including necessary supporting documentation) for your official claim for damages. A Proof of Loss can be many things, but must contain the specific details set forth in the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. You'll need to file your Proof of Loss with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. This document substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or insurance company can make payment.
You'll receive your claim payment after you and the insurer agree on the amount of damages and the insurer has your complete, accurate, and signed Proof of Loss. If major catastrophic flooding occurs, it may take longer to process claims and make payments because of the sheer number of claims submitted.
Find out more about filing your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flood Insurance (Video)
After You Apply
After registering, a FEMA inspector will call you to schedule an appointment.
During the Inspector's visit
Inspectors will:
- wear official FEMA ID badges.
- confirm your disaster registration number.
- review structural and personal property damages.
Inspectors won't:
- determine eligibility.
- cost any money.
- ask for credit card information.
- take the place of an insurance inspection.
Be ready to...
Keep your scheduled appointment.
- Appointments take 10-20 minutes, and you must be present.
- Contact your insurance agent, if you have insurance.
Present these documents:
- Photo ID: driver’s license or passport
- Proof of occupancy: lease or utility bill
- Proof of ownership: deed, title, mortgage payment book, or tax receipts
Within 10 days after the inspector's visit, you will be sent a decision letter.
- If eligible for assistance, you will receive a check or an electronic funds transfer.
- A follow-up letter will explain how the money can be used.
Loan Application Info:
- You may receive a low-interest disaster loan application in the packet.
- You do not have to accept a loan but to remain eligible for other types of federal assistance, complete the application and return it.
After Receiving a Decision Letter
If you disagree with the decision letter you received, you can follow the below guidance to appeal the decision.
1. Read the letter carefully to find out why the decision was made.
Do you need to provide additional information?
- Insurance determination letter.
- Proof of occupancy or ownership.
- Proof of ID.
- Applicant’s signature.
Common reasons for the initial decision:
- The damage was to a secondary home or a rental property, not a primary residence.
- Someone else in the household applied and received assistance.
- Disaster-related losses could not be verified.
- Insurance covered all losses.
2. Contact FEMA for help with filing an appeal or any questions.
Call
- 800-621-3362 (711 or Video Relay Service available)
- 800-462-7585 (TTY)
3. File a written appeal.
- Explain why you think the decision was not correct.
- Provide supporting information and documents.
- Include your FEMA registration number on all documents.
- Sign the letter.
Mail or fax your appeal within 60 days of the decision letter date, or drop it off at a Disaster Recovery Center.
Business Resource
- Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center (LA BEOC) - This Business Status Map is intended for businesses to report the current condition of their business as either OPEN or CLOSED, and to enter comments that might assist customers. This map is provided as a public service and is intended to assist communities in recovering from a disaster or emergency by restoring normal business functions. The accuracy and timeliness of information within this app is the responsibility of the individual business owner or manager.
Ways to Help
For the Press
- Press Releases and related blog posts
- White House Live Updates: What You Need to Know about Flooding in Louisiana
- FEMA Blog: Update 1, Update 2
- @FEMAspox
Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs) specific materials
- Inside look at Manufactured Housing Units with Craig Fugate
- Manufacted Housing Units Fact Sheet
- Additional Footage of Manufactured Housing Units
- Photos: MHU Exterior, MHU Interior
Additional reference information and graphics:
- Safety tips as you return home (Graphic)
- After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures (PDF)
- Debris removal guidelines (Graphic)
- How to file a flood insurance claim (Graphic)
- Sources of Financial Help After a Disaster (PDF)
Photos & Images
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For more photos from Louisiana please look at the whole collection.
News
BATON ROUGE, La. — Survivors of Louisiana’s August floods can always get help with just one phone call.Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 for information about many federal disaster assistance-related matters. Lines are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Call 800-462-7585 if you use TTY or 800-621-3362 if you use 711 or Video Relay Service.Here are some of the many ways the helpline can support your disaster recovery:Learn about Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs) and where you are in the process if you’re interested in getting one.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Submit your U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan application now to prevent missing out on potential funding for your recovery.An SBA loan can help repair flood-related damage to your home or business and replace personal property. SBA representatives provide one-on-one assistance through the entire disaster loan process to assist in your recovery.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana disaster survivors affected by August flooding have one week left to register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 14, 2016.
Geographic Information
![Map of declared counties for [Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding (DR-4277)]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161110080936im_/https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/gis/dec_4277.jpg)
Financial Assistance
Individual Assistance - Dollars Approved
Individual Assistance DefinitionsIndividuals & Household Program (IHP): Provides money and services to people in Presidentially declared disaster areas.
Housing Assistance (HA): Provides assistance for disaster-related housing needs.
Other Needs Assistance (ONA): Provides assistance for other disaster-related needs, such as furnishings, transportation, and medical.
| Total Individual Assistance (IA) - Applications Approved: | Total Individual & Households Program - Dollars Approved* | Total Housing Assistance - Dollars Approved* | Total Other Needs Assistance - Dollars Approved* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Amount | 81,424 | $720,546,661.69 | $572,694,839.40 | $147,851,822.29 |
Public Assistance - Dollars Approved
Public Assistance DefinitionsPublic Assistance (PA): Disaster grant assistance available for communities to quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President
Emergency Work (Categories A-B): Work that must be performed to reduce or eliminate an immediate threat to life, protect public health and safety, and to protect improved property that is significantly threatened due to disasters or emergencies declared by the President
Permanent Work (Categories C-G): Work that is required to restore a damaged facility, through repair or restoration, to its pre-disaster design, function, and capacity in accordance with applicable codes and standards
*Dollars Approved: Assistance dollars approved but not necessarily disbursed.
*Dollars Obligated: Funds made available to the State via electronic transfer following FEMA's final review and approval of Public Assistance projects.
| Total Public Assistance Grants - Dollars Obligated* | Emergency Work (Categories A-B) - Dollars Obligated* | Permanent Work (Categories C-G) - Dollars Obligated* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Amount | $217,958,625.92 | $211,750,978.24 | $571,397.68 |
