After severe flooding last week, many people have been forced out of their homes, places of employment are closed, leaving some with no place to stay or money for food and other items.As the water starts to recede in some areas, the threat for flooding still remains a strong possibility.Glen Mears, Director of Office of Emergency Preparedness in Beaureguard Parish says, “I’ve been doing this for 26 years, it’s the highest I’ve ever seen.”The water so high, hundreds of people were forced out of their homes across the state of louisiana.The Red Cross, standing in as a home away from home for some of those at community shelters, but they need help.We spoke to Nancy Malone Public Affairs Director for the Red Cross, who says they need monetary donations more than anything else. She says they assess the problem on the ground and can help those families with food and water immediately.Like Susan Cutts, she says she and her famly had to change their emergency plan, “Well normally I go to our camp, but it’s closed too, thank goodness for friends in high places.”Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement Tuesday saying President Obama has declared a major disaster for the entire state of Louisiana so for those who qualify here is the information to get you started:Federal Declarations and Types of Assistance available:INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE – (Assistance to individuals and households):Newly requested parishes: Beauregard, Bienville, Caddo, Caldwell, DeSoto, LaSalle, Livingston, Madison, Natchitoches, St. Tammany, Tagnipahoa, Union, Vernon, Washington, West Carroll, and WinnPreviously approved parishes: Bossier, Claiborne, Grant, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and WebsterPUBLIC ASSISTANCE – (Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities):Newly requested parishes: Beauregard, Bienville, Caddo, Caldwell, DeSoto, LaSalle, Livingston, Madison, Natchitoches, St. Tammany, Tagnipahoa, Union, Vernon, Washington, West Carroll, and WinnPreviously approved parishes: Bossier, Claiborne, Grant, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and WebsterAll Public Assistance Program requests were made for Debris Removal (Category A) and Emergency Protective Measures (Category B), including Direct Federal Assistance.HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM – (Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards):All areas in the State of Louisiana are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.FEMA has deployed Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams to support the registration of individuals for the Individual Assistance Grant program. Individuals may also register on the web or by phone as follows:Lousisiana residents are also encouraged to pre-register for Disaster SNAP benefits. Register online at www.dcfs.la.gov/dsnap or by phone at 1-888-524-3578.The Louisiana Workforce Commission is accepting applications for disaster unemployment assistance from individuals whose employment or self employment was lost or interrupted as a result of flooding from March 8th – March 13th, 2016. To file for DUA call 1-866-783-5567 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Disaster Relief for State of Louisiana
