BATON ROUGE, La. –Federal assistance to help Louisiana disaster survivors and communities surpassed $1 billion less than four weeks after the Aug. 14 disaster declaration.These funds are a result of federal agencies working closely with their local, parish and state partners to identify and find solutions to help survivors and the state recover from the severe storms and floods that occurred Aug. 11-31.To date, more than 63,000 Louisiana families are  receiving assistance through one or more of the housing options available to them, including rental assistance, home repairs, hotel and motel...

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you own a multi-family dwelling that needs repairs and are willing to lease to eligible FEMA applicants, then you may be interested in the Multi-Family Lease and Repair Program (MLRP). This FEMA program provides funds to make rental units habitable again, and at the same time helps survivors of the severe August storms and floods.Here’s how it works: After you and FEMA agree on the work that needs to be done and the associated costs, you may choose your own contractor and start the repairs. The...

DENTON, Texas –– New flood maps become effective in Harris County on Jan. 6, 2017. Residents are encouraged to look at them so they can determine the need to buy flood insurance. By knowing their risks, individuals and communities can make informed decisions about building and development.Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their homes, personal property and businesses. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy, or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is...

DENTON, Texas– New preliminary flood maps for residents and business owners in Liberty and Chambers counties are now ready for residents to review. Local, state and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials teamed up to produce them.Residents and business owners are encouraged to view the maps for a better understanding of their flood risks. This understanding will help make informed decisions about building plans. It will also help decide whether to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.The public is invited to appeal and comment on the maps. There...

BATON ROUGE, La. – Child care service is now available for Louisiana survivors while they are visiting the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge.The child care service is provided during the hours of the Disaster Recovery Center:    East Baton Rouge ParishLocation:  Celtic Studios10000 Celtic DriveBaton Rouge, LA 70809Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday through Sunday)Parents of children ages 3-12 may use the free child care service while they conduct business at the Disaster Recovery Center. The child care service is not a day care and children...