Hurricane Updates

FEMA and the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) caution disaster survivors to be aware of post-disaster fraud and scams. Attempts to scam residents can be made over the phone, by mail or email, through the internet or in person. It is important to remain alert. Con artists are creative and resourceful. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it should be questioned.

Demand for contractors to repair or replace damaged homes in Louisiana is high. Fake or unlicensed contractors may try to take advantage of the situation to scam disaster survivors. As insurance settlements, grants and loans put homeowners in a position to pay for work on their homes, survivors need to be sure the people they hire are authorized to do the work, will complete it and will do a good job.

Out-of-town scam artists may be the first to arrive at your front door after a disaster. Do your research. To find out if a potential contractor is licensed to work in Louisiana, contact the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors at Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors or call them at (225) 765-2301 or use Text-To-Verify at (855) 999-7896. See more at Online Contractor Search – LSLBC (louisiana.gov). FEMA does not license or certify contractors.

Be Aware of These Contractor Scams and Warning Signs

• Door-To -Door Solicitations
• High Pressure Sales or Scare Tactics
• Demand for Cash, Unusually Large Down Payments or Advanced Full Payment
• Special Deals or Extremely Low Bids
• Verbal Agreements, No Written Contract
• Out of State, No Permanent Place of Business, No Insurance
• Inadequate References

Being aware of these important clues can save you from substantial financial and emotional loss. Report suspicious activity of this kind to your local police department, the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-223-0814, or the Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Dispute line at 800-351-4889. You can also report the suspected fraud to the Better Business Bureau at (337) 478-6253 or visit BBB of Southwest Louisiana: Start With Trust.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit Louisiana Hurricane Laura (DR-4559-LA). For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit Louisiana Hurricane Delta (DR-4570-LA). For more information on Hurricane Zeta, visit Louisiana Hurricane Zeta (DR-4577-LA). For more information on the Winter Storms, visit Louisiana Severe Winter Storms (DR-4590-LA). Or, follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at FEMA Region 6 (@FEMARegion6).

See full document

The Southwest Long-Term Recovery Committee will host a Resource Recovery Fair for Calcasieu and Cameron parishes this weekend. This event will be a one-stop source for recovery information provided by subject matter experts on hand from multiple agencies and organizations. Event details are included in the attached flyer and also outlined below. Please feel free to share this information with your constituents impacted by the recent Louisiana disasters who may benefit from learning about available recovery resources.

WHAT: Resource Recovery Fair for Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes

WHEN: Friday, April 9 and Saturday, April 10 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

WHERE: Lake Charles Civic Center, Jean Lafitte Conference Room, 3rd Floor, 900 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601

Resource Recovery Flyer – April 9-10.docx

Saturday, March 6, 2021 8:00 AM –  11:00 AM CT

The beach cleanup event will provide local support to an area in southwest Louisiana recently devastated by two major hurricanes, Laura and Delta during the 2020 hurricane season. Participants should plan to arrive between 7:00-7:30am to gather clean-up materials and locate their site assignments. Trash removal will occur 1-mile east and approximately 5 miles west of Rutherford Beach Road, totaling 6 miles of coastline and restoring approximately 300 acres of open beach and upper coastal dune habitat. Participants will be provided with latex gloves, trash bags, water, individually wrapped snack items, and hand sanitizer. This event will be strictly outdoors and all participants will be required to adhere to the state and local Covid-19 guidelines, including maintaining social distancing, sanitizing hands frequently, and wearing a face covering (when appropriate) to ensure the safety of our volunteers and local communities.

Sign up on the Audubon website

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) -The efforts by United Way of Southwest Louisiana continues as they help locals who lost water, furniture and even their homes to the weather events that have plagued Southwest Louisiana in the last year.   Hundreds of cars lined up and waited for hours to receive free groceries donated and to the local nonprofit. “It’s beautiful they’ve done a great fantastic job for those that don’t have …since the snowstorm and all the hurricanes,” said resident Michael Narcisse.

Like most, who patiently waited for their share of donations, Narcisse is grateful the community has come together to help those in need.

A woman from the Iowa area, Sherri Moreau, said the “comradery of the people and the togetherness” are what make Southwest Louisiana different.

Moreau’s sister, Darlene Harris, said she’s uplifted by the support of the community, “it’s a blessing what everybody’s doing.”

Many who showed up to the drive Tuesday afternoon have gone through a lot in the past through months. One resident’s home suffered damage as early as last week. Glenda Broussard said a pipe had burst in her bedroom due to the freeze. “It means a lot. It shows that us people in Louisiana, we stick together,” said Broussard.  Broussard said she knows the hardships her community is faced with is only temporary, “this too shall pass.”

Many said the outpouring of positivity is overwhelming considering all the devastation Southwest Louisiana has experienced.

“I think it’s just our culture, you know, we – we’re a community that we know we take care of our own and we do whatever we need to do to help everybody through whatever challenge that they’re dealing with,” said Denise Durel with United Way of Southwest Louisiana.  Durel said she’s excited that their outreach will soon go beyond food, “we’re very fortunate that we received a very large contribution of furniture and home goods from a national retailer and so far we’ve received two 18-wheeler loads and we got, I think 9 more coming in.”

All the donated furniture will be given away free to community members most in need. Durel said the United Way is still “looking for volunteers to put the furniture together, get it unwrapped and get it set up.”

Picking up furniture will be by appointment only. If you are interested in applying for the furniture giveaway, you must fill a form and meet the income requirements. Durel said in order to be considered, you must attach all the necessary tax information, but if you run into any problems, she said to call the United Way of Southwest Louisiana for assistance.

To fill out an application for Furniture for Families giveaway, CLICK HERE.

This is the link to the news story Furniture giveaway: United Way of Southwest Louisiana extends relief efforts (kplctv.com).

This link https://unitedwayswla.org/furnitureapp will take you directly to the application.

BATON ROUGE, La. – Many Louisianans are struggling to recover from the successive blows of Hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta on top of the nearly yearlong stress and worries of a pandemic. The same is true throughout the nation where hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters came one after another while Covid-19 fears spread. 

It is normal for any disaster response to increase stress and fatigue. One of the symptoms is finding it hard to make decisions when so many decisions must be made about your recovery. One good decision is to register with FEMA. The process doesn’t have to be intimidating, and there are certain steps to take, information you need to provide, and follow-up material to provide if requested. 

For survivors of Hurricane Zeta, there are two immediate actions you need to take. First, file a claim with your insurance company if you have not already done so; then, register with FEMA before March 15 by: 

• Going online at disasterassistance.gov; 
• Downloading the FEMA app; or 
• Calling the FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. 

When it comes to registering and completing a FEMA application, specialists will help you through the process to be sure you receive the assistance you may be eligible for. 

Survivors of Hurricanes Laura and Delta who are already registered with FEMA may find that the process of recovery sometimes feels like an impossible task. 

Stress related to the disaster, which could be compassion fatigue, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and other stress-related health issues, may be why it can be difficult to make decisions. Feeling frustrated, arguing more and being physically and mentally drained are other symptoms of emotional exhaustion that can reshape how people make choices. You may not be eating or sleeping or doing too much of both. You are not alone. These are human reactions to the strain of adapting over and over to situations that threaten your survival and/or ability to cope. 

The good news is that with each positive action you add towards your recovery, you feel better and more in control. One cost-free action you can take now is creating and practicing a family plan for future emergencies. 

You can also meet with your insurance agent to be sure your coverage will address your future needs. Be sure to check with the agent about flood insurance, which pays for flood damage even when a disaster is not declared by FEMA. 

Most responses to stress related to disasters are temporary and will go away over time. Stress response during disasters is normal. 

If you would like to speak with someone for mental/emotional support, the Crisis Counseling hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 800-985-5990 (TTY 800-846-8517) or text TalkWithUs (Spanish-speakers text: Hablanos) to 66746 to be immediately connected with a professional counselor who will help callers through disaster-related emotional distress. This toll-free, multilingual and confidential free service is available to everyone in the state. 

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. For updates on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. Hurricane Zeta material is found at fema.gov/disaster/4577. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6. 

YOU CAN GET A SECOND OPINION: You may have questions about a letter you received about the “determination” of the storm damage to your property. It’s important to know that this Substantial Damage Determination “SDD”, which was made by FEMA, is not a final number. It’s a starting point.
If you feel it is wrong, you have options. We will accept ANY of the following as justification to revise your SDD:

• You can hire an architect/engineering company to do an independent evaluation
• You can get a licensed contractor’s quote for repair costs
• You can turn in the receipts/invoices of actual costs of repair

Funding may become available to mitigate structures in Cameron Parish through the FEMA-funded Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The Parish is in the early stages of applying for long-term recovery funds which, if awarded, may not be available to property owners until the last quarter of 2021. All substantially damaged properties will be required to bring their home into compliance with flood zone regulations through the permit process — either through elevating existing structures or rebuiling at higher elevation levels. It is our hope that HMGP funds will ease to burden of elevating or rebuilding homes throughout our community. 

Here’s a summary about program eligibility and funding that may become available:

• Cameron Parish is looking to identify property owners who may be interested in participating in a mitigation program to elevate or rebuild their home.
• Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis following federal guidelines.
• Substantially damaged structures must be brought into compliance with all current building code and flood zone requirements.
• Duplication of benefits will be determined on a case-by-case basis — and could come from flood insurance and/or homeowners insurance claims. (FEMA does not pay for damage that is covered by insurance claims.)
• Federal guidelines require that an applicant must have owned both the structure and the land at the time of loss in order to be eligible for funding.
• Elevations are eligible to receive 75% of the total project cost paid for by the federal funds. The remaining 25% of the total project cost is paid by the property owner.
• Reconstructions are eligible to receive 75% of the total project cost — up to $150,000 — paid for by the federal funds. The propety owner pays the remaining 25% of the total project cost — plus any costs exceeding the $150,000 federal program cap. (Example: On a $150,000 reconstruction,  the resident contributes $37,500 of their own funds.)

If you are interested in participating in a mitigation program to either elevate or rebuild your home, please fill out the enclosed Voluntary Participation Agreement (VPA) form and return it no later than the close of business Monday, March 1, 2021. 

This program is strictly voluntary. Participation can be withdrawn at any time. Please keep in mind that this is an application process — there is no guarantee that Cameron Parish will receive funding and no timetable set for funds to be distributed.

Please return the enclosed VPA to … 

Cameron Parish Police Jury, 148 Smith Circle, Cameron LA  70631 

… no later than Monday, March 1, 2021.

If you have any questions, please call Katie Armentor at (337) 775-5718. 

You can download and fill out the form here.

Our offices will be closed on the following days for the upcoming holidays:

Christmas
December 23rd, 2020 at 12:00 P.M.
December 24th and 25th, 2020

New Year’s
December 31st and January 1st

Waste Management will be closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Due to the holidays, regularly scheduled collection on Friday will be provided on Saturday. 

Waste Management appreciates the cooperation of its valued customers. From Waste Management to all, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  

Waste Management will be closed Christmas and New Year’s Day

 BATON ROUGE, La. — FEMA is working as quickly as possible to place eligible families into temporary housing units. In this series of short YouTube videos, FEMA answers questions about the Direct Housing Program assistance following hurricane Laura in Louisiana. 

Under the Direct Housing program, FEMA may provide temporary housing units after a disaster when many homes were damaged or destroyed and there is a shortage of available places for survivors to move into. 

Each video segment answers questions about a specific aspect of the Direct Housing Program efforts. 

The videos can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&list=PL720Kw_OojlKw3tTD-G5UcenyG2Yq2bmk. 

Segment titles are: 

FEMA Answers: What happens after I am advised I will get a unit? 

FEMA Answers: How does FEMA determine where to place my unit? 

FEMA Answers: What happens during the site visit? 

FEMA Answers: Will I have to pay for my FEMA unit? 

FEMA Answers: Will I need to do anything after the site inspection? 

FEMA Answers: How long will it take to install the unit? 

To ask questions about recovery or submit information to FEMA: 

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585); visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA Mobile App at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app. 

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. Or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6. 

The last chance to place hurricane debris along the right-of-way is Jan. 11. That’s when the final pass of debris removal will begin. Any debris placed at the right-of-way ROW after Jan.  11 will not be collected — and will become the responsibility of the resident to dispose of at their own expense and effort.

Debris pickup operations have been suspended through the holidays to allow residents to get their debris to the road in time for the final pass.

Remember the deadline: Jan. 11.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the final pass for debris removal in Allen and Jefferson Davis Parishes along with the lower portions of Cameron Parish is expected to be complete on December 23, 2020. Lower Cameron Parish includes the communities of Johnsons Bayou, Holly Beach, Cameron, Creole, Oak Grove, and Grand Chenier.

Final pass for Beauregard Parish, Calcasieu Parish and upper portions of Cameron Parish is anticipated to be complete on January 31, 2021. Communities located in upper Cameron Parish include Hackberry, Big Lake, Grand Lake, and Sweetlake.

DOTD contractor crews have removed nearly 1.5 million cubic yards of debris from state maintained routes in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis Parishes. Statewide, crews have removed more than 2.4 million cubic yards of debris from state right-of-way.

DOTD would like to remind citizens of the following important tips for assisting the debris removal process.

• State contractors are only able to remove debris from state right-of-way.
• Dark colored bagged debris will not be removed.
• Please do not put debris on power lines, fire hydrants, utility stub outs or anything that would hinder the claw that grabs the debris.

Citizens may check www.511la.org for the latest statistical information, debris routes where there has been a pass, and where planned debris pickup is scheduled.

 Stay in Touch. It’s up to You 

FEMA often needs to contact an applicant to complete an application or make an appointment for a virtual inspection. A phone call is made to the number you gave when you filled out your application. 

But if that number is wrong or you didn’t answer, the application cannot be completed. This is an especially difficult problem when the person FEMA is calling is deaf, hard of hearing, or has a hearing loss that requires adaptive technology to complete the call. 

If you think you should have heard from FEMA, have additional information to add to your file, or just want to see how your application is progressing, it would be good for you to contact FEMA to be sure. 

FEMA Helpline: Disaster survivors may call FEMA at 800-621-3362 to register for assistance or check their application status. Disaster survivors who are deaf, have a hearing loss, or have a speech disability and use a Text Telephone (TTY) may call 800-462-7585. Disaster survivors who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service), may call 800- 621-3362. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. 

You can also visit DisasterAssistance.gov to update your online account if you created one. 

Before the next storm, the deaf community is encouraged to review “Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs,” a FEMA video presented in English and ASL.

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA has posted a Public Notice of availability of the Draft Environmental Land Assessment for a proposed group housing site for survivors in need of housing as a result of Hurricane Laura.

Interested members of the public may review a copy of the Draft Environmental Assessment at FEMA/EHPNotice.gov .

The Public Notice indicates where and how interested individuals can provide comments on the document. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. CST Dec. 10, 2020.

Curbside pickup of commercial debris is limited to one pass only. Commercial propertydebris pickup at the right-of-way is not normally the responsibility of the parish and commercial owners who miss the deadline should make arrangements for debris — meaning storm-related debris coming from within the commercial entity — to be disposed of at a permitted landfill. Pickup of commercial debris must be collected by Dec. 30.

FEMA Drive-Thru Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are accessible mobile offices set up in parishes affected by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. They are in convenient spots to allow safe COVID-19 compliant interactions with FEMA staff. Masks or face coverings are required for service. Survivors remain in their cars. A specialist wearing a mask will receive documents through the car window and return them.

Sulphur Drive-Thru DRC (Robert Kaufman/FEMA)

You can visit a DRC to learn more about FEMA disaster and recovery assistance. You may also get help to do the following:

• Apply for assistance.

• • Learn the status of your FEMA application.
  • Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
  • Find housing and rental assistance information.
  • Get answers to questions or resolve problems.
  • Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
  • Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs.

• Lake Charles Civic Center Drive-Thru DRC (Robert Kaufman/FEMA)

Lake Charles Civic Center Drive-Thru DRC (Robert Kaufman/FEMA)

No appointments are necessary. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sunday.

Here’s a site that can help you find the locations, hours, and services of DRCs near you:

https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator

For the latest information on hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. Or, for hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

BATON ROUGE, La. — Hurricane Laura survivors who live in parishes designated for Direct Temporary Housing assistance and who have been denied temporary housing assistance can appeal that decision. Survivors have 60 days from the date of their determination letter to appeal that decision. However, the deadline to be referred for direct temporary housing assistance is Dec. 31, 2020.

Applicants who have not received a call from FEMA to discuss their eligibility for direct temporary housing options and feel this is in error are encouraged to submit an appeal to FEMA with supporting documentation to prove their home is uninhabitable due to major damage or complete destruction caused by Hurricane Laura.

Insured applicants are required to submit denial or settlement documentation to FEMA as soon as possible if their insurance claim was denied or insufficient and their home is not habitable.

Determination Letters

It’s important to read the determination letter carefully to identify the reason for being declared ineligible. Some common reasons include:

• The home is insured and the applicant needs to provide a settlement or denial to be considered for assistance.
• Additional information is needed from the survivor to prove identify, ownership, and/or occupancy of the damaged home.
• There were multiple registrations using the same address.
• Damage to a secondary residence (where the survivor lives less than six months of the year).
• The home is safe to occupy because FEMA records indicate minimal or no damage to the home.
• Missed inspections and no follow-up communication with FEMA.
• FEMA is unable to contact the applicant.

Habitability

A habitable home is one that is safe, sanitary, functional and presents no disaster-caused hazards to the occupants. FEMA regulations define safe as secure from disaster-related hazards or threats to occupants; sanitary as free of disaster-related health hazards; and functional as an item or home capable of being used for its intended purpose.

A FEMA inspection determines if home repairs are necessary to ensure the safety or health of occupants or to make the residence functional. FEMA considers the following factors when determining habitability and awarding repair assistance:

• The exterior is structurally sound including windows, doors, and roof;
• The utilities are functional including electricity, gas, heat, plumbing, etc.;
• The interior is structurally sound including floors, walls, and ceilings;
• There is safe access to and from the home;
• The septic and sewer systems are functioning properly; and
• The water supply or well (if applicable) is functional.

Disaster-caused damage may exist without making the home uninhabitable. Although minimal damage may cause some inconvenience, it is expected that individuals or households will address those losses without federal assistance.

Determining Habitability

For Hurricane Laura, FEMA utilized multiple methods for verifying habitability. Phone interviews were conducted by experienced FEMA inspectors and for those identified as uninhabitable an exterior validation was also completed at the home. FEMA also utilized technology, such as satellite imagery and information from the State Fire Marshall to make these determinations.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

If you feel the amount or type of assistance is incorrect, you may submit a signed, written explanation outlining why you believe FEMA’s decision is incorrect, as well as copies of any documents supporting your appeal and proving your disaster losses. Your appeal letter to FEMA must be submitted within 60 days of your decision letter and must state that you are asking for reconsideration of the specific decision and explain in detail why the appeal is being filed.

There are four ways you can submit your letter and documents. Be sure to include the cover letter you received from FEMA—with any letters you submit.

Mail to the address below.

• FEMA National Processing Service Center
• P.O. Box 10055
• Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
• Fax to 800-827-8112.
• Upload at disasterassistance.govif you have a FEMA online account. To set up a FEMA online account, visit the site and click on “Check Your Application and Log In” and follow the directions.
• Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, which is under strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of all participants. Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service. Find your closest center by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585), going online to disasterassistance.govor downloading the FEMA app.

Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4559.

Determination Letters

Survivors who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance as a result of Hurricane Delta will receive a determination letter explaining the eligibility decision and the reason for that decision.

For those who are eligible, the letter states the dollar amount of the grant and how the funds should be used. When ineligible, the letter explains why and how the applicant can appeal that decision.

It’s important to read the determination letter carefully to identify the reason for being declared ineligible. Some common reasons include:

• The person is insured and needs to provide a settlement or denial to be considered for assistance.
• Additional information is needed from the survivor, i.e. proof of identity, proof of occupancy, annual income, or a childcare assistance letter.
• There were multiple registrations using the same address.
• Damage to a secondary residence (where the survivor lives less than six months of the year).
• The home is safe to occupy, and/or personal property had minimal or no damage.
• Missed inspections and no follow-up communication with FEMA.
• FEMA is unable to contact the applicant.

Appealing FEMA Decision

If you feel the amount or type of assistance is incorrect, submit a signed, written explanation outlining why you believe FEMA’s decision is incorrect and enclose copies of any documents supporting your appeal, including proof of your disaster losses. To do so, an applicant must send a letter to FEMA asking for a reconsideration and explaining in detail why the appeal is being filed.

There are four ways you can submit your letter and documents. Be sure to include the cover letter you received from FEMA when you submit them.

• Mail documents and your letter within 60 days of receiving your determination letter to the address below.
  FEMA National Processing Service Center
  P.O. Box 10055
  Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
• Fax them to 800-827-8112.
• Upload them online at disasterassistance.gov if you have a FEMA online account. To set up a FEMA online account, visit the site and click on “Check Your Application and Log In” and follow the directions.
• Visit a FEMA drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center. The center operates under strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of all participants. Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service. You will remain in your car. A specialist wearing a face mask will receive your documents through the window and return them to you. Find your closest center by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585), going online to disasterassistance.gov or downloading the FEMA app.

Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/hurricane-delta.

FEMA considers specific factors when determining if a survivor can return to a safe, sanitary and functional home after a storm such as Hurricane Laura.

Hurricane Laura survivors who received determination letters from FEMA may have questions about how FEMA determines whether their home can be lived in. Some may question the “habitability” or “inhabitability” determination of their home as a result of the disaster damage.

Defining Habitability

FEMA defines a habitable home as one that is safe, sanitary, functional and presents no disaster-caused hazards to the occupants. Under this definition, a house may have hurricane damage but still be occupied while repairs are underway.

FEMA verifies if a home is habitable in several ways, including on-site inspections and use of technology, such as satellite imagery, combined with applicant self-assessments.

A FEMA inspection determines if home repairs are needed to ensure the safety or health of the occupants or to make the home functional.

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program guidance determines eligibility for the following types of assistance based on a home’s habitability:

• Lodging Expense Reimbursement;
• Rental Assistance;
• Home Repair Assistance and Replacement Assistance;
• Direct Housing Assistance; and,
• Other Needs Assistance like moving and storage costs

FEMA may help when the primary residence has been destroyed, is inhabitable or is inaccessible.

Eligibility for federal assistance

FEMA considers these factors when determining if an applicant is eligible for federal assistance:

• The exterior is structurally sound, including windows, doors and roof;
• The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing, etc., are functioning;
• The interior is structurally sound, including floors, walls and ceiling;
• There is safe access to and from the home;
• The septic and sewer systems are functioning properly; and,
• The water supply or well (if applicable) is functioning.

For more information or to register for assistance:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
• Visit disasterassistance.gov/.
• To find a drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), text 43362 and type DRC and a ZIP code (for example DRC 12345).
• To receive a link to download the FEMA app:

o   Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362

o   Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362

o   Visit fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

Louisianans are strongly urged to take advantage of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) since even though the hurricane season is coming to an end, the potential for flooding in the state remains. There normally arise many questions about the program. Here is some clarification:

MYTH: You can’t buy flood insurance if you live in a high-flood-risk area.

FACT: You can buy federal flood insurance no matter where you live if your community participates in the NFIP, unless your property is in an area covered by the Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982. Under the National Flood Insurance Act, lenders must require borrowers whose property is located within a regulatory floodplain to purchase flood insurance as a condition to receive a federally regulated mortgage loan.  Flood insurance on homes whose lowest floor is at or above the base flood elevation or located outside the mapped floodplain is less expensive; insurance for homes in the mapped floodplain may cost substantially more.

MYTH: You can’t buy flood insurance immediately before or during a flood.

FACT: You can purchase flood coverage at any time. There is a 30-day waiting period after you’ve applied and paid the premium before the policy is effective, with the following exceptions:

• If the initial purchase of flood insurance relates to making, increasing, extending or renewing a mortgage, there is no waiting period. The coverage becomes effective at the time of the loan, provided application and the premium payment is made at or prior to loan closing.
• If the initial purchase of flood insurance is made during the one-year period following the adoption of a revised Flood Insurance Rate Map for a community, the waiting period is only one day.

The policy does not cover a “loss in progress,” defined by the NFIP as a loss occurring as of 12:01 a.m. on the first day of the policy term. In addition, the amount of insurance coverage cannot be increased during a loss in progress.

MYTH: Homeowners’ insurance policies cover flooding.

FACT: Not as a rule. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not realize until it is too late that their homeowners’ policies do not cover flooding.

MYTH: Flood insurance is available only for homeowners.

FACT: Flood insurance is available to protect homes, condominiums, apartments and nonresidential buildings, including commercial structures. A maximum of $250,000 of building coverage is available for single-family residential buildings; $250,000 per unit for multi-family residences. The limit for contents coverage on all residential buildings is $100,000, which is also available to renters. Commercial structures can be insured up to $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for the contents.

MYTH: You can’t buy flood insurance if your property has been flooded.

FACT: It doesn’t matter how many times your home, apartment or business has been flooded. You are still eligible to purchase flood insurance provided that your community participates in the NFIP.

MYTH: Only residents of high-risk flood zones need to insure their property.

FACT: Even if you live in an area that is not flood-prone, it’s advisable to have flood insurance. About 40% of the NFIP’s claims come from moderate-to-low risk flood areas. The NFIP’s preferred-risk policies are designed for residential properties located in moderate-to-low-risk flood zones and are very affordable.

MYTH: The NFIP does not offer any type of basement coverage.

FACT: Yes, it does, but coverage is limited. The NFIP defines a basement as any area of a building with a floor that is subgrade, or below the ground level, on all sides. Basement coverage under an NFIP policy includes cleanup expenses and items used to service the building such as elevators, furnaces, hot water heaters, washers and dryers, air conditioners, freezers, utility connections, circuit breaker boxes, pumps, and tanks used in solar energy systems. The policy does not cover the contents of a finished basement or improvements such as finished walls, floors and ceilings.

MYTH: Federal disaster assistance will pay for flood damage.

FACT: A federal disaster declaration must be declared before a community is eligible for federal disaster assistance. This happens in less than 50% of flooding incidents. The main form of federal assistance after a federally declared disaster is a loan. The average annual premium for an NFIP policy is less than the annual interest on most low-interest disaster loans. If you are uninsured and live in a high-risk flood zone and receive federal disaster assistance after a flood, you must purchase and keep flood insurance to receive certain types of disaster relief for future flood events.

MYTH: The NFIP encourages coastal development.

FACT: Wrong. One of the NFIP’s primary objectives is to steer development away from high-flood-risk areas.  Laws do not prohibit property owners from building along coastal areas, but they do transfer the financial risk of such building from federal taxpayers to those who choose to live or invest in these areas.

MYTH: Federal flood insurance can be purchased only directly through the NFIP.

FACT: Most federal flood insurance is sold and serviced directly by Write Your Own (WYO) companies, or private insurance agents. These companies write and service policies on a non-risk-bearing basis through a special arrangement with the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration.

MYTH: The NFIP does not cover flooding that results from hurricanes or the overflow of rivers or tidal waters.

FACT: The NFIP defines covered flooding as a general and temporary condition during which the surface of normally dry land is partially or completely inundated. Two adjacent properties or two or more acres must be affected. Flooding can be caused by any one of the following:

• Overflow of inland or tidal waters.
• Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, such as heavy rainfall.
• Mudslides or mudflows caused by flooding that are comparable to a river of liquid and flowing mud.
• Collapse or destabilization of land along the lakeshore or other body of water resulting from erosion or the effect of waves.
• Water currents exceeding normal, cyclical levels.

MYTH: Wind-driven rain is considered flooding.

FACT: Rain entering through wind-damaged windows, doors, holes in walls or the roof resulting in standing water or puddles is considered windstorm rather than flood damage. Federal flood insurance covers only damage caused by the general condition of flooding as defined above. Buildings that sustain flood damage usually have a watermark showing how high the water rose before it subsided. While flood insurance policies specifically exclude wind and hail coverage, most homeowners’ policies include this coverage.

Call your insurance agent and get quotes for different levels of flood insurance coverage, so you can get a level of flood insurance you can afford. To find a provider, call 877-336-2627 or visit floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance/providers.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visitfema.gov/disaster/4570. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

Determination Letters

Survivors who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance as a result of Hurricane Delta will receive a determination letter explaining the eligibility decision and the reason for that decision.

For those who are eligible, the letter states the dollar amount of the grant and how the funds should be used. When ineligible, the letter explains why and how the applicant can appeal that decision.

It’s important to read the determination letter carefully to identify the reason for being declared ineligible. Some common reasons include:

• The person is insured and needs to provide a settlement or denial to be considered for assistance.
• Additional information is needed from the survivor, i.e. proof of identity, proof of occupancy, annual income, or a childcare assistance letter.
• There were multiple registrations using the same address.
• Damage to a secondary residence (where the survivor lives less than six months of the year).
• The home is safe to occupy, and/or personal property had minimal or no damage.
• Missed inspections and no follow-up communication with FEMA.
• FEMA is unable to contact the applicant.

Appealing FEMA Decision

If you feel the amount or type of assistance is incorrect, submit a signed, written explanation outlining why you believe FEMA’s decision is incorrect and enclose copies of any documents supporting your appeal, including proof of your disaster losses. To do so, an applicant must send a letter to FEMA asking for a reconsideration and explaining in detail why the appeal is being filed.

There are four ways you can submit your letter and documents. Be sure to include the cover letter you received from FEMA when you submit them.

• Mail documents and your letter within 60 days of receiving your determination letter to the address below.

FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

• Fax them to 800-827-8112.
• Upload them online at disasterassistance.gov if you have a FEMA online account. To set up a FEMA online account, visit the site and click on “Check Your Application and Log In” and follow the directions.
• Visit a FEMA drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center. The center operates under strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of all participants. Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service. You will remain in your car. A specialist wearing a face mask will receive your documents through the window and return them to you. Find your closest center by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585), going online to disasterassistance.gov or downloading the FEMA app.

Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/hurricane-delta.

Q: What is Direct Housing?

A: FEMA Housing Assistance may be provided in the form of financial assistance (funds provided to an applicant) or direct assistance (housing provided to the applicant.) For Hurricane Laura, direct housing assistance is authorized in the form of transportable temporary housing units (TTHUs), such as recreational vehicles (RVs) (or “travel trailers”) and manufactured housing units (MHUs), Multifamily Lease and Repair (MLR) and Direct Lease. Direct housing will be considered for temporary housing when no other options are feasible.

Q: How do I apply and qualify for Direct Housing?

A: You must register with FEMA and reside in a parish that has been approved for direct housing assistance. The approved parishes are Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jefferson Davis, Rapides and Vernon. Your damage must be to your primary residence; caused by Hurricane Laura; and, FEMA must determine your home is uninhabitable as a result of the damage or because it was destroyed. Those who have not yet done so can register at 1-800-621-3362 or online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with the FEMA mobile app. You will be asked to provide general information, including information on insurance coverage.

Q: As a renter, what options do I have?

A: If your rental home experienced major damage or was destroyed, you may be eligible for financial or direct temporary housing assistance depending on your household’s situation and the location of the damaged home.

Q: If I have insurance, am I disqualified from receiving housing assistance?

A: No. FEMA may be able to provide temporary housing assistance if you are uninsured or underinsured. Talk to your insurance agent to see if you qualify for housing assistance under your insurance coverage. If you have insurance, you must provide documentation to FEMA showing whether your losses will be covered by your insurance coverage.

Q: I completed the initial interview with FEMA and was advised that I am eligible for direct housing. What happens next?

A: You will receive a call to collect information to determine the appropriate housing option for you and your household. FEMA will ask you detailed questions about your specific housing needs, such as, if you own property that can accommodate a temporary housing unit; your household composition; and, medical necessities and/or disabilities.

Q: What determines whether I can receive a temporary housing unit?

A: If you are eligible for housing assistance, FEMA takes into consideration the severity of your losses and how long it will take you to repair your home or find a new, safe place to live.

Q: How does FEMA determine where my housing unit will be placed on my property?

A: FEMA will issue an inspection request to a contractor that will inspect your property and determine whether a housing unit can be placed on your property and where it should be placed. The contractor will call you to schedule an appointment to meet you at your property. When feasible, it is preferable to install the unit at the same location as the owner’s damaged home.

Q: What happens during the site visit?

A: The contractor measures your site to determine what type of unit could fit there and identifies any debris or other obstacles that needs to be removed prior to installation. The contractor will also verify utility connections and coordinates for flood-zone determinations. These details are submitted to FEMA for review. If it is determined that the site is feasible, FEMA will issue a work order for the contractor to place a unit on your property and begin the installation process.

Q: Will I need to do anything after the site visit?

A: If any actions are specifically required by you, FEMA will contact you to explain. You may be asked to make arrangements with your electric service provider to install a temporary meter specifically for the unit. If you have pets, they may need to be relocated from the site during the installation for the safety of the contractors and the animals themselves.

Q; How long will it take to install the unit?

A: The work is done as quickly as possible to provide your family with a safe, sanitary and functional place to live while repairs are being made to your home. However, weather can delay matters, as can local inspections, utility hookups and other factors.

Q: What if my property is not feasible for placement of a housing unit or if I don’t own the property where I live?

A:  FEMA will contact you to discuss other options. FEMA-leased pads in commercial parks with housing units may be available.

Q: Will I have to pay for the unit?

A: No. Direct temporary housing assistance is authorized for Hurricane Laura for 18 months from the date of the declaration, which means it is set to end February 28, 2022. If you remain eligible for direct housing assistance during this period, you will not be charged rent, but you may be responsible for utility bills.

Q: If I receive a housing unit, can I get any other type of assistance?

A: Yes. If you are a homeowner, you may be eligible to receive FEMA assistance for home repairs while you stay in a temporary unit. Homeowners and renters may also be eligible for FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for limited personal property losses, vehicle damage, funeral expenses and other disaster-related expenses.

Q: I’m a local or parish official. What can I do to help my residents get their units faster?

A: Work with FEMA to ensure local inspections and permit approvals are completed promptly. FEMA Division Supervisors or Governmental Affairs Specialists are in the area and can answer questions or concerns.

Q: What are the permitting issues involved?

A: The State of Louisiana and FEMA are coordinating with municipalities and parishes regarding local ordinances, permitting, zoning, transportation requirements, setbacks, utility connections and inspections. FEMA must also ensure the site is compliant with applicable building codes, environmental laws and floodplain regulations.

BATON ROUGE, La. — Disaster Legal Services (DLS) provides free legal assistance to low-
income hurricane survivors who cannot afford to hire a lawyer after a disaster.
Members of the American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division advise and provide legal
representation at no charge. There are certain limitations. Assistance is not available for
cases that will produce a fee (i.e., cases where fees are paid as part of a court settlement).
DSL has assisted thousands of survivors with disaster-recovery problems including:

▪ Insurance claims for doctor and hospital bills;
▪ Claims for property loss or loss of life;
▪ Drawing up new wills or other legal papers;
▪ Help with home repair contracts and contractors; and
▪ Advice on problems with landlords.
▪ Transferring Title to Property

To request legal help through DLS, call 1-800-310-7029 or visit www.fema.gov or
www.disasterlegalaid.org

To see if you live in a disaster-declared parish, visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4570.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. Or, for
Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter
account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana homeowners who receive a notice of payment owed for the installation of federally installed blue roof after Hurricanes Laura and Delta should not pay.

FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the Blue Roof Program, have been alerted by some homeowners that they are receiving letters demanding payment for the installation of a blue tarp, used to waterproof hurricane-damaged roofs. The contractor further threatens to place a lien against the owner’s home.

Survivors who receive this notice should not pay. The Blue Roof program is free. A subcontractor cannot demand payment or file a lien against a property of a survivor who received a blue tarp.

Homeowners who receive a letter requesting payment can forward it to the USACE call center: roe-callcenter@usace.army.mil.

For more information:

§  Visit https://blue-roof-online-signup-usace.hub.arcgis.com/

§  Call 888-766-3258

For information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. For information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. Or, follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.                           

# # #

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration and the SWLA Economic Development Alliance today announced the opening of an SBA Business Recovery Center in Lake Charles on Thursday, Oct. 15 to provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by Hurricane Laura that occurred Aug. 22-27, 2020.

“Due to the severe property damage and economic losses inflicted on Louisiana businesses, we want to provide every available service to help get them back on their feet,” said SBA’s Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. “The center will provide a one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help. SBA customer service representatives will be available to meet individually with each business owner,” she added.

According to SWLA Economic Development Alliance President George Swift, SBA’s disaster assistance team will be joining Chamber of Commerce staff at the Southwest Entrepreneurial and Economic Development (SEED) center to provide one-on-one assistance to the business community that has been devastated by Hurricane Laura. “We are very pleased to have SBA’s experts available to meet with business owners to discuss their individual situations,” Swift added.

Due to the COVID pandemic, services are provided by appointment only and all services are provided free of charge. To schedule an appointment to meet with an SBA customer service representative please call the SWLA Economic Development Alliance at (337) 433-3632. The center will open as indicated below.

“SBA customer service representatives will meet with each business owner to explain how an SBA disaster loan can help finance their recovery. They will answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each business owner complete their electronic loan application,” said Garfield.

So far, SBA has approved more than $300 million in federal disaster loans for Louisiana businesses and residents impacted by this terrible disaster. According to Garfield, SBA has approved $9,996,900 for businesses and $293,199,400 for residents to help rebuild and recover from this disaster.

Businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. These loans cover losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other recoveries.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

For business owners who are unable to visit the business recovery center, they may apply online using SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/.

SBA representatives will meet with business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers located throughout the impacted area as they are established. For a list of locations, or to receive additional disaster assistance information, visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

The deadline to apply for property damage is Oct. 27, 20. The deadline to apply for economic injury is May 28, 2021.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

BATON ROUGE, La. – Hurricane Laura survivors with National Flood Insurance Policies (NFIP) who filed a Proof of Loss and whose claims were denied either partially or in full, can appeal. Survivors have 60 days from the date of the insurer’s denial letter to appeal the decision.

Some common reasons for denials include:

• Damage was not actual flood damage;
• Claim was less than the deductible;
• No demonstrable damage; or
• Damage not insured, such as wind damage.

What you need to know about Hurricane Laura and your NFIP policy:

• Laura was a wind and water event that caused damage from rising waters and wind damage to buildings.
• The Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) pays only for direct physical loss by or from flood damage to insured property, so your insurance adjuster will be looking for signs of a general condition of flooding and a flood water line. o Damage below this line is typically flood damage.
• Damage above the flood water line is typically wind damage, such as water-stained ceilings or wind damage like broken windows or exterior doors, missing shingles, turbine or fascia damage, water stains to the ceiling or walls.
• Your adjuster may ask for a copy of your wind or homeowner’s damage estimate to confirm no overlap in scope or payment of damage. When it is too difficult to tell if the damage was from wind or flood, NFIP insurers may recommend the use of an expert to help determine the cause and extent of damage by wind and/or flood.

To file an appeal, you must do the following within 60 calendar days of the date written on the denial letter:

• • Include the information shown on your NFIP policy’s Declarations Page: o the policy number;
  • the policy holder name(s); and,
  • the property address, which may not be your mailing address.
  • Provide the best contact information for you.
  • Explain the issue(s) in writing;
  • Include a copy of the denial letter from your insurer;
  • Provide any supporting documentation (e.g., photos of your flood damage, itemized estimates signed by a contractor, properly completed drying logs).

Letters may be sent by mail to:

Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration Federal Insurance Administrator
400 C St. SW, 3rd Floor
Washington, D.C. 20472-3010

Or emailed to: FEMA-NFIP-Appeals@fema.dhs.gov.

There is no fee to file an appeal and you do not need a third party to represent you.

FEMA’s goal is to ensure all policyholders receive the amount they are owed for their claim(s) under the terms of their policy. Know your rights as a policyholder and get more information about the appeals process.

• Visit floodsmart.gov/index.php/flood/appeal-your-claim-payment
• Call NFIP at 877-336-2627
• Contact your insurance agent. If you not sure who your insurer is, you can call NFIP
• Click here for a description of NFIP policyholder rights

To view mitigation resources visit https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lauramit/ or call 866-579-0820 to speak to a Mitigation Specialist.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

FEMA rental assistance provides temporary financial help so disaster survivors have somewhere to live while they make plans for permanent housing.

Hurricane Laura survivors can use the money to rent a house, apartment, travel trailer, manufactured home, tiny home, recreational vehicle (RV) or other option that meets their temporary housing needs while their homes are repaired or until they permanently move to new dwellings. Rental assistance can be also be used to place a housing unit at an RV park pad for an RV they own, rent or borrow.

Every household is unique, so each family will need to carefully consider housing arrangements that work best for it. Families may want to look for options near their jobs, schools, homes and places of worship.

Rental Assistance is intended to cover the monthly rent amount (including lot rent, if applicable) and cost of essential utilities such as gas, electric, water, oil, trash and sewer. It does not include the cost of telephone, cable, TV or internet service.

FEMA awards eligible applicants initial rental assistance based on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents data, established by HUD for the parish where the pre-disaster residence is located and the number of bedrooms the household requires.

• Two months of initial rental assistance is awarded to eligible owners and renters whose pre-disaster homes require repairs to return them to a safe, sanitary and functional condition.
• Applicants whose homes are inaccessible (damage unknown) or without basic utility services (no other damage) will receive just one month of rental assistance unless further arrangements are made.
• The maximum amount of rental assistance available is 18 months, plus one additional month for a security deposit.
• Applicants will need to provide supporting documentation that includes a contract or lease that clearly lists the monthly rental amount and security deposit, if applicable, and rent receipts.
• The applicant will also be asked to submit information about family income.

Grant recipients must contact FEMA if continued rental assistance is needed after the initial amount is provided. There is no guarantee of continued rental assistance beyond the initial amount.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

Community Primary Care Clinic

Staffed by the LSU/Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency Physicians

8AM—4PM
Monday—Friday
Calcasieu Parish Health Unit parking lot
3236 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles

There is no out-of-pocket expense, and insurance information will not be collected. No appointment is needed: services are first come, first served.

What to Expect:

• Medication refills for chronic conditions like depression, diabetes, hypertension or thyroid disease
• Ordering of routine labs*
• Ordering of X-rays or other imaging*
• Blood pressure and vital signs checks
• Basic physical examination (looking at rashes, minor injuries, listening to heart and lungs)
• Basic medical advice
• Assistance connecting to specialists that have resumed services

*Routine labs, X-rays and other imaging are performed offsite at a facility of the patient’s choice. The facility’s standard fees apply.

View the Flyer

The Louisiana Department of Insurance has a temporary site at 801 E School St. in the Henry Heights recreation center. The office will open Wednesday thru Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm this week. The week of the 19th will open Monday thru Saturday from 10am to 4 pm. Please visit their website at www.ldi.la.gov for assistance.

Cameron Parish Registrar of Voters
Mailing address PO Box 1- Cameron, La. 70631
Temporarily located at Grand Lake Library
10200 Gulf Hwy – Grand Lake, La 70607
337-775-5493 (O)
cameronrov@sos.la.gov

Register to vote or make changes to your registration
www.geauxvote.com
voterportal.sos.la.gov
www.sos.la.gov

The next election is Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Presidential Congressional/Open Primary Election

Registration Deadlines
Online: October 13, 2020
By mail or In person: October 5, 2020

The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is Oct. 30 You can request an absentee by mail ballot online or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office (other than military and overseas voters).
• The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted mail ballot is Nov 2 by 4:30 pm. (other than military and overseas voters).

Early Voting Dates are as follows
Times for all locations 8:00AM to 7:00PM

October 16th to October 27th (10days) Closed Sunday
Grand Lake Library
10200 Gulf Hwy – Grand Lake, La. 70607

We will be in Hackberry for( 2 days)

Monday, October 26, 2020 and Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Hackberry Community Center
980 Main St – Hackberry, La. 70645

Please Call Michelle or Kristin with any questions 337-775-5493

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is reminding policyholders affected by Hurricane Laura and who may be affected by Hurricane Delta that the single season named-storm/hurricane deductible law prohibits a homeowner from paying more than one named-storm/hurricane deductible in the same hurricane season.

If a policyholder has already filed a claim for hurricane damage during the 2020 season and met their named-storm/hurricane deductible, they will not have to pay that named-storm/hurricane deductible again if their home sustains damage from Hurricane Delta or any other storm this season. If any previous claims for named-storm/hurricane damage fell below the named-storm/hurricane deductible, the remainder of that deductible will apply to the second storm if the remainder is greater than the standard policy deductible.

“After Hurricane Gustav struck Louisiana in 2008 and Hurricane Ike threatened the same area, I worked to protect consumers from the burden of having to pay two named-storm/hurricane deductibles in one season,” said Commissioner Donelon. “We partnered with the Legislature in 2009 to enact the single-season named-storm/hurricane deductible law to limit policyholder exposure to active hurricane seasons like the one we are seeing now.”

Homeowners policies carry a basic policy deductible typically ranging from $500 to $2,000 depending on the insurance company. However, after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, separate hurricane, named-storm and wind and hail deductibles became common in coastal states. These deductibles typically run between two and five percent of your insured value, not two to five percent of your damage from a named-storm or hurricane.

For example, if your home has an insured value of $150,000 with a two percent named-storm/hurricane deductible, you would pay $3,000 out of pocket before the company would pay toward hurricane or named-storm damage. That means if the damage to your home is $3,000 or less, the insurance company will not be responsible for paying on your claim. If the damage to your home is $5,000, in this example you would pay the first $3,000 out of pocket and your insurance company would pay the remaining $2,000. You can find out how much your deductibles are by checking the first page of your homeowners policy or by calling your agent or company for more information.

See the official document

About the Louisiana Department of Insurance: The Louisiana Department of Insurance works to improve competition in the state’s insurance market while assisting individuals and businesses with the information and resources they need to be informed consumers of insurance. As a regulator, the LDI enforces the laws that provide a fair and stable marketplace and makes certain that insurers comply with the laws in place to protect policyholders. You can contact the LDI by calling 1-800-259-5300 or visiting www.ldi.la.gov.

When there are two or more disasters declared for the same designated area, FEMA works to ensure applicants receive all eligible help while preventing duplication of federal benefits.  This will be the case for families affected by both Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

Here’s how Hurricane Laura survivors already registered with FEMA can prepare in case they  may be affected by Hurricane Delta.

Keep all receipts for repairs or replacement already completed along with related items including:

• Home repair and replacement;
• Repairs to a septic system, water well or private road;
• Purchase of a generator or chainsaw;
• Replacement of personal property items such as appliances;
• Transportation;
• Insurance settlement or denial information for Laura; and
• Use of funds for rental assistance, if applicable.

Survivors should take photos before any potential new damage from Delta and again after any new damage.

What survivors need to know if they register with FEMA for more than one disaster:

• Those who experience damage from Hurricane Delta must register again with FEMA
• FEMA will not pay for duplicate losses but may provide help for new damage caused by a second disaster.
• FEMA verifies disaster-caused damage by comparing inspection reports, appeal estimates and receipts.
• FEMA is aware of which households applied for help in Hurricane Laura. If the household applies for help after Hurricane Delta, FEMA will work with the applicant.
• FEMA will coordinate with homeowners who report additional damage to their primary home and then experience loss at the temporary residence where they relocated due to Hurricane Laura.
• Renters who report additional personal property damage due to the new disaster should apply using their location at the time of the second event.

What to know about flood-insurance requirements:

• Applicants who receive housing assistance from FEMA due to flooding are required to maintain flood insurance.
• When the time between two disasters does not allow for an applicant to purchase or activate a flood insurance policy, FEMA will not consider applicants to be ineligible in the new disaster.  This will be the case for those who flooded during Laura and then flood again during Delta.
• Applicants who have not complied with flood insurance requirements from any other previous disaster will continue to be ineligible for assistance for flood-insurable items damaged by any new flooding.

What to know about rental assistance:

• Applicants who are eligible for rental assistance in the first disaster will continue to receive up to 18 months of rental assistance under the first disaster declaration.
• Applicants cannot receive rental assistance for more than one disaster at the same time.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

Baton Rouge, La. – Disaster survivors affected by the severe winds and floods from Hurricane Laura, can talk to a FEMA Mitigation Specialist. These specialists are available to provide rebuilding tips, questions about home repair, the importance of flood insurance, making disaster plans, and building supply.

Survivors can contact a Specialist at 866-579-0820

Monday through Saturday, 8 am through 6 pm, Central Daylight Time (CDT)

Or via email at FEMA-MitOutreach-4559@fema.dhs.gov

To access the free resource guide “Repairing and Rebuilding After a Hurricane Mitigation Publications for Your Review and Use” click on this link:  https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lauramit for helpful advice as you repair and rebuild to make your home more resilient.

Follow FEMA online at https://twitter.com/FEMARegion6,  www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema,www.twitter.com/FEMAespanol, www.facebook.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMAespanol and www.youtube.com/fema

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Mitigation is acting now to reduce future risk. You can repair/rebuild safer and stronger after Hurricane Laura and Community Education and Outreach can help you on your recovery journey.

To Speak to a Mitigation Specialist:

Call 866-579-0820 or

Email us FEMA-MitOutreach-4559@fema.dhs.gov

More Resources Are Available Online, Visit:

https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lauramit/

See the official document:

Consumer Tips for Natural Disaster Victims

We are only ten days away from our next half day HCV Champion training. Spaces for this training opportunity is limited. Sign up today at: https://bit.ly/HCVCHAMP

Come be a part of the country’s first of its kind Hepatitis C Elimination project! The Louisiana Department of Health is proud to present a virtual Hep C Champions Training on Saturday, October 10th at 8am – 12pm CST!
The 4 part course will cover:

HCV Epidemiology and Screening
Liver Assessment and Staging
Special Populations and the Authorized Generic of Epclusa
Louisiana’s Streamlined Test and Treat Algorithm
This course is 100% free and eligible for 3.75 hrs of CME/CEU’s.

REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/HCVCHAMP

The half day champion training is for all medical providers, regardless of specialty or prescribing type (MD, NP, AP, etc). We encourage all levels of experience and knowledge to join us. Champion Training is designed for anyone who would like to learn more about screening for or treating people living with HCV.

In order to improve access to patients state wide, we have removed restrictions surrounding who can prescribe HCV medications, removed prior authorizations, and there are no restrictions on what patients can be treated. Even if your patient has been told no before, most patients can now be treated in Louisiana, regardless of liver staging or substance use status.

Feel free to share this email with anyone you think could benefit from education on the screening and treatment of Hepatitis C, and help us be the first state in the nation to eliminate this disease!

If you have any questions, or need additional information please reach out to me via phone, text or email.

We hope to see you all there!

Frederic McCall MD/MBBS, MPH&TM(c)
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Provider Network Coordinator
1450 Poydras St, STE 2136
New Orleans, LA 70112
Ph: (919) 920-6707

• Flooding from Hurricane Laura in Louisiana was so severe that some coffins were forced from graves. Loved ones may face the trauma and expense of reinterring.
• FEMA may aid with reburial expenses if the grave was in a privately-owned, licensed cemetery or burial facility (such as an association or community cemetery or burial facility) and the cemetery or burial facility is not responsible for reinterring displaced remains.
• In privately-owned, licensed cemetery or burial facility, assistance may be available if the costs are the legal responsibility of an individual and not the cemetery.
• Additionally, individuals or families who apply for this assistance may be reimbursed for:
  • Transferring remains;
  • Caskets, containers, vaults or urns that were damaged;
  • Markers or headstones that were damaged;
  • Necessary costs related to identifying remains; and
  • Necessary work at the gravesite to reinter remains.

The damage must have occurred in a parish designated in the major disaster declaration,

To see if the damage is in a designated parish, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559/designated-areas.

To register for assistance:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585)
  • Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App; to receive a link to download the app:
  • Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362
  • Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362

Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

For publicly owned cemeteries, assistance may be available through FEMA’s Public Assistance program which reimburses local governments for infrastructure repairs. The owner and/or operator of the public cemetery must apply via https://louisianapa.com/.

BATON ROUGE, La.— The State of Louisiana and FEMA are working together to provide direct temporary housing assistance to eligible survivors impacted by Hurricane Laura.

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance is approved for certain eligible applicants in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vernon parishes. The following forms of direct temporary housing may be provided:

• Temporary Housing Units are readily fabricated dwellings such as travel trailers or mobile homes. These dwellings are purchased by FEMA and provided to eligible applicants for use as temporary housing for a limited period.
• Direct Lease utilizes existing ready-for-occupancy residential property leased for use as temporary housing for eligible applicants, and, if necessary, these units can be modified or improved to provide reasonable accommodations for eligible applicants and any household members with a disability and others with access and functional needs.
• Multi-Family Lease and Repair allows FEMA to enter into lease agreements with owners of multi-family rental properties and to make repairs or improvements to those properties in order to provide temporary housing to applicants.

Survivors who are displaced from their homes and currently staying in hotels should continue to take advantage of the state’s non-congregate sheltering program until another solution becomes available. While the state and FEMA are progressing quickly to assist in the recovery process, immediate needs may be slowed due to the shortage of rental units, the time required to prepare sites for mobile housing and travel trailers, and the time required to make repairs to properties for the lease and repair program.

Once you have registered with FEMA for assistance, no further application is required for Direct Housing.

Uninsured or underinsured applicants whose homes are verified through the FEMA housing inspection as being uninhabitable due to being destroyed or having major damage will be called by FEMA to discuss their housing situation, household size and needs, and possible FEMA temporary housing options.

Survivors with phone or internet access may register with FEMA by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Downloading the FEMA app
• Calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585

Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Hurricane Laura Disaster Loans

SBA low-interest disaster loans are available for businesses of any size and certain nonprofits up to $2 million for property damage. For small businesses, those engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million for working capital needs even if there is no property damage.

Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace a primary residence. For homeowners and renters, up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles, is available.

Businesses and residents can apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. For assistance completing an SBA application, call 800-659-2955 (TTY at 800-877-8339) or emailFOCWAssistance@sba.gov

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. For TTY call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Cameron Parish Registrar of Voters
148 Smith Circle – Cameron La. 70631
PO Box 1- Cameron, La. 70631
337-775-5493 (O) 337-775-8014 (F)
cameronrov@sos.la.gov

Register to vote online or make changes to your registration
www.geauxvote.com
voterportal.sos.la.gov
www.sos.la.gov
The next election is Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Presidential Congressional/Open Primary Election

Registration deadlines
Online: October 13,2020
By mail or in person: Oct 5, 2020

Early voting dates are as follows
Times for all locations 8:00AM to 7:00PM

October 16th to October 27th (10 days)
Cameron Registrar of Voters office
148 Smith Circle – Cameron, La. 70631

Tuesday, October 20th Wednesday, October 21st and Thursday, October 22nd (3 days)
Grand Lake Library
10200 Gulf Hwy – Grand Lake, La 70607

Monday, October 26, 2020 (1 Day)
Hackberry Community Center – 980 Main St -Hackberry, La.

Please Call Michelle or Kristin with any questions 337-775-5493
We will be temporarily located at the Grand Lake Library starting Monday September 28th 8:00 to 4:30

FEMA has been working with our state and local partners to determine the best housing solutions for those whose homes have been damaged by Hurricane Laura. Realizing the significant need, the State of Louisiana has identified several options to support survivors in their recovery process:

Rental Assistance:

• • Rental Assistance is financial assistance for eligible survivors who need a place to temporarily live while their home is repaired or until they secure permanent housing.

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance:

• • The State of Louisiana has also authorized two types of direct temporary housing assistance.
    • The first option provides eligible survivors temporary use of a FEMA-issued travel trailer or mobile housing unit.
    • In the second option, FEMA pays for an eligible survivor’s lease at a FEMA-approved property.

Our team has already started to call eligible residents to determine which of the available housing options will work best for them. We are encouraging residents to continue to take advantage of the state’s hotel sheltering program due to the rental unit shortage, the time required to prepare sites for mobile housing units and travel trailers and the time required to make repairs to properties for the lease and repair program.

Laura was a catastrophic event and recovery will take time. But significant progress is being made with the help of the voluntary agencies and our state and local partners working together. We will continue to share out updates on the housing mission progress as more information becomes available.

Community Education and Outreach (CEO) Specialists are available to talk to individual homeowners and renters on ways to take action now to reduce future risk.  Topics include but are not limited to, flood insurance (why it is important, how to file a claim), clean up (removing mold, debris), repairing (replacing roofs with wind resistant materials), rebuilding (flood/wind resistant materials, elevation).

To speak to a Mitigation Specialist

Call 866-579-0820 or email us at FEMA-MitOutreach-4559@fema.dhs.gov

More information can be found at https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lauramit/

haga clic aquí para español

Move your Hurricane Laura recovery forward by making sure you have the right information before you repair and rebuild your storm-damaged home.

Contact your community’s floodplain, building and permitting departments to determine if you need a local permit to begin repairs and if you need to start the local inspection process to determine if your home or business is substantially damaged. Rebuilding the right way now could save you money and time later.

Contact Local Officials About Permitting Before You Start Work

It’s important to talk to your local officials to ensure the time and money you invest in repairing and rebuilding meets all local codes and ordinances.

Permits may be required for work on parts of your home like the roof, walls, siding, foundation, plumbing and the heating and air conditioning system.

If you live in a high-risk flood zone, you also need a permit for floodplain development from your local officials.

Understand What Substantial Damage Means

Some Laura survivors may have a substantially damaged home.

Substantial damage generally applies to structures in the high-risk flood zones where the cost of restoring the structure equals or exceeds 50% of the structure’s pre-damage market value. Some communities enforce a more restrictive definition.

If your community determines that a structure is substantially damaged from any source, including water and wind, it may need to be elevated, relocated or demolished or meet other local requirements. You may appeal a determination if you disagree with their decision.

Get more information from your local floodplain administrator by looking up your city or parish atfloods.dotd.la.gov/lafloods/Community_Contacts.aspx.

Elevating Your Flood Damaged Home to Avoid Future Damage

Louisiana homeowners rebuilding after Laura may have to elevate their homes to meet community floodplain management regulations. Communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program require all new and improved homes be built or elevated to or above Base Flood Elevation (BFE).

BFE is the height you can expect water to rise or exceed from a 1 % annual chance flood.

Find out the BFE requirement from your local officials. Rebuilding higher than the minimum requirement is always a wise decision and saves on flood insurance premiums.

NFIP Policyholders: Ask Your Claims Adjuster or Agent About Increased Cost of Compliance

If you are an NFIP policyholder whose home was damaged extensively by flooding, you can ask your flood insurance claims adjuster or insurance agent about Increased Cost of Compliance coverage.

Policyholders may receive up to $30,000 through ICC to help meet the cost of complying with building codes and ordinances. For more information, visit www.fema.gov/floodplain-management/financial-help/increased-cost-compliance

For specific questions about your Hurricane Laura insurance claim under a homeowner, renter or flood insurance policy, contact your insurance agent or company; search for insurance company information at www.ldi.la.gov/onlineservices/ActiveCompanySearch/. For more information on the NFIP call 877-336-2627.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

BATON ROUGE, La. – Renters whose home or property was damaged by Hurricane Laura can apply for federal disaster assistance.

Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing if a renter or homeowner is unable to return to a disaster-damaged home. The initial rental grant is for a 60-day period and can be reviewed for further assistance.

The deadline to register for FEMA help is Oct. 27, 2020.

Renters as well as homeowners may qualify for grants for essential personal property and other disaster-related expenses as well. These may include repairing or replacing:
Furniture, appliances, clothing, schoolbooks and supplies.
Occupational tools and other job-related equipment required by an employer as a condition of employment.
Primary vehicles.
Medical and dental bills.

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov and enter your address to find out if your parish is declared for Individual Assistance.

To register for help:
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
Visit disasterassistance.gov/.
Download the FEMA Mobile App.

Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

Survivors who have questions about the status of their federal disaster assistance applications or how to appeal determination letters may call the FEMA Helpline. They can also check the status of their disaster assistance applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Part of the FEMA disaster assistance registration process includes providing a call-back phone number for FEMA to contact you to set up a remote home inspection for damage caused by the disaster and other Helpline information. It is strongly recommended if you use a relay service, such as your videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel to provide your specific number assigned to that service to FEMA. It is important that FEMA can contact you, and you should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

###

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. For TTY call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Cameron Parish will begin using spray trucks beginning tonight.  In areas with high levels of debris the trucks will not spray driveways, but they will spray the roads.

Aerial missions have been postponed due to high winds. They will resume as needed once the winds subside.

Houses of Worship and Non-Profits are eligible to apply for FEMA Public Assistance. (Public Assistance will only allow expenses not covered by your insurance companies) The instructions on how to apply are below but if they need assistance please encourage people to come to my scheduled office hours and I will help them apply.

How to submit Request for Public Assistance (RPA)

1. Go to website: www.LouisianaPA.com
2. If you are a first-time applicant for FEMA Public Assistance:
   • Click on the APPLY NOW button on the home screen (red banner)
   • Follow the “New User” instructions
   • You will receive and email from www.LouisianaPA.com with your login credentials. Once received and logged in follow the instructions below.
3. If/when you have an existing LAPA account:
   • Login to your Account.
   • After login, go to the Applicant You Represent Box on the right of the screen and click the New Request for Assistance link.
   • A Create New Request for Assistance Box will open.
   • In the Grant field select the disaster (for Barry, the DR# is DR-4458).
   • Next select a user from the drop down field or create a new one in the Primary, Alternate and Authorized Contact fields.
   • If you are a PNP, you must fill out the PNP questionnaire that appears in your form. PNPs are required to submit the following information with their RPA: proof of Tax exempt status and the organization’s articles of incorporation, charter or by laws. These items should be scanned and attached to your RPA.
   • Click Create once you have completed the form.

REMINDERS for RPA SUBMISSION:

1. Your DUNS needs to be registered with sam.gov. The following link provides instructions on how to register with sam.gov. Quick Guide for Grants Registrations.
2. The following additional documents are required if your entity is a Private Non-Profit (PNP)
   a) Charter/Bylaws/Articles of Incorporation—The legal documents that describe who you are and what you do and how you do it
   b) PNP Questionnaire—this is a questionnaire that needs to be completed during the RPA process.
   c) Proof of Tax-Exempt status—This is in the form of your determination letter from the IRS or evidence from the La. Secretary of State’s office that shows you are an active in good standing (at the time of the disaster) operating under State law.

Additional information, State forms, and frequently asked questions can be found by visiting LAPA Resources: www.louisianapa.com/site/resources.cfm.

If you have questions, please contact your State Applicant Liaison (SAL) or feel free to utilize the following help email boxes:

Grants Management: LAPA.GrantsManagement@la.gov

Regarding contract procurement: GOHSEPLegal@la.gov

Requests for Public Assistance: RPA.Help@la.gov

Regarding help with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): MOU.help@la.gov

The Red Cross will provide $450 to households whose homes were confirmed to have been destroyed or sustained major damage from Hurricane Laura. Most people whose homes were destroyed or sustained major damage from Hurricane Laura will be contacted directly through an email, text message or phone call directly from the Red Cross over the next several weeks. We strongly encourage parish residents affected by Hurricane Laura to apply for federal Disaster Assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

If residents do not receive a call by September 25, 2020 and have substantial damage, please call 800-621-3362. The Red Cross will not be calling any numbers that are outside of a Louisiana Area Code. Be sure to provide a Louisiana phone number that is easily accessible.

Full details about this program, along with recovery resources from other organizations are available at www.redcross.org/laura.

• It’s dangerous. Trees and debris continue to settle and shift. Waterlines are littered with object that can cut, scrape, break bones and cause infections.
• Dislodged caskets bearing Cameron Parish’s late loved ones must be retrieved and respectfully re-interred. Cemeteries are disrupted —and remote ones, especially ones near wooded areas, require careful and safe access for workers.
• Utility repairs must be made, and workers require uninterrupted access to complete this much-needed work.
• There are limited emergency services, and the hard-working people who are busy restoring the parish deserve access to these services if needed.
• Hazardous waste recovery operations are under way.
• There is still a nightly curfew.
• The parish remains under mandatory evacuation.

THERE’S HELP FOR CATTLEMEN:

AGENCIES SAY LIFTING CHECKPOINTS
INCREASES AVAILABILITY OF PATROLS

Checkpoints have been lifted in Cameron Parish.
The Cameron Parish Police Jury, Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office and Cameron Parish OHSEP want to jointly explain the reasons for this change.
The Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office reasons that it can provide more security to the residents by reassigning the deputies from checkpoints to supplement the roving patrols.
By reassigning those deputies, the Sheriff’s Office is able to double — and in some cases, triple — the number of patrol officers.
The three agencies are in agreement that roving patrols are in the best interest of the parish and its residents and are the best use of available resources.

New Process: FEMA Remote Home Inspections after Hurricane Laura

Due to COVID-19 and the need to protect the safety and health of all Americans, FEMA will conduct remote home inspections for Hurricane Laura applicants in Louisiana. Remote inspections provide a new way of evaluating damage – comparable to traditional, in-person inspections – and expedite the delivery of recovery assistance to applicants based on their eligibility.

What to Expect After Applying for FEMA Assistance

A remote inspection will be the primary form of inspection for applicants who are still pending an inspection.

Applicants who self-reported during registration that they received minimal damage and can live in their homes will not automatically be scheduled for a home inspection. Instead, they will receive a letter from FEMA explaining that they may call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 to request an inspection if they find significant disaster-caused damage to their home after they applied. Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362.

Keep Contact Information Updated so FEMA Can Schedule Inspection

Part of the FEMA disaster assistance registration process includes providing a call back phone number for FEMA to contact the applicant to set up a remote home inspection for damage caused by the disaster and other helpline information.

It is important to call the helpline number and update the contact information if it changes. Applicants may also update contact information online at disasterassistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA app.

Applicants who use a relay service, such as InnoCaption or CapTel, should provide their specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA can contact them. Applicants should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

Remote Inspection Process

Disaster applicants who applied to FEMA and reported that they may not or cannot live at home due to damage will be contacted by FEMA to schedule a remote inspection.

FEMA advises evacuated applicants to return to their property only when local officials say it’s safe to do so. FEMA remains committed to completing home inspections for every applicant whose situation necessitates one.

FEMA inspectors will call applicants by phone. Applicants will answer questions about the type and extent of damage sustained.

The inspector will ask applicants to verify the last four digits of their FEMA registration ID, a 9-digit number given to them after applying. The inspector will complete the verification process by confirming the first 4-digits of the registration ID.

Applicants should let FEMA know if they need reasonable accommodations, including translation and ASL interpreters, to ensure effective communication.

Based on an applicant’s responses and existing eligibility criteria, FEMA may then provide grants for rental assistance, home repairs and replacing certain personal property items.

Home repair grants are provided based on the type of residence and the applicant’s responses during the remote inspection. FEMA assistance is limited to making essential repairs to make certain areas of a home livable. Those areas include the living room, kitchen, bathroom and currently occupied bedrooms.

Remote inspections have no impact on eligibility for the types of Other Needs Assistance available that do not require an inspection. This assistance includes childcare, transportation, medical and dental, funeral expenses, moving and storage and Group Flood Insurance Policy Assistance.

Download the official document

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

From: OHSEP Director Danny Lavergne Date: August 25, 2020 The Cameron Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness, using weather information from all available sources regarding Laura, is now issuing a MANDATORY Order of Evacuation as of 8:00AM on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 for ALL OF CAMERON PARISH due to Laura. Driving conditions are expected to remain favorable until mid-day on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Campers/travel trailers should also be removed from the areas of evacuation.

Residents will be allowed to re-enter the evacuated areas until tropical storm force winds arrive. Once this takes place, traveling is no longer safe in these areas, no one will be allowed to enter.

Laura is expected to make landfall as a Major Hurricane. High winds, heavy rain, high water, downed trees, and power outages are to be expected with this system.

Residents are advised to monitor their local radio and television stations, NOAA weather radio and social media for broadcast concerning a tropical storm threat or future development for Cameron Parish.

For information concerning Cameron Parish please call us at 337-605-0531, or 337-775-5718, 337-775-7048

Stay alert, stay safe.

DISTRICT 1 MAGNUS MCGEE
DISTRICT 2 CURTIS FOUNTAIN
DISTRICT 3 KIRK QUINN
DISTRICT 4 THOMAS MCDANIEL
OHSEP DIRECTOR DANNY LAVERGNE
ISTRICT 5 SCOTT TRAHAN
DISTRICT 6 JOE DUPONT
DISTRICT 7 MCKINLEY GUIDRY
DISTRICT 8 LAWRENCE FAULK
OHSEP ASST. DIRECTOR ASHLEY BULLER

WHAT: In the wake of Hurricane Laura, on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 9 a.m., Chevron will host a fuel giveaway and distribute 8,000 gallons of free gasoline and $15,000 in gas gift cards to local citizens and first responders. This giveaway is in collaboration with charitable organization Louisiana Coastal Relief and Recovery and Retif Oil and Fuel, a Chevron distributor.

Locals and emergency personnel are invited to stop by the “Giving Back to Cameron Parish” Distribution Site to receive up to 20 gallons of free gasoline per household and the gas gift cards. The site is located at the intersection of LA-384 and LA-27 across from 2746 LA-384 in Bell City, Louisiana. The fuel and gas cards will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to as many people as possible to help with their immediate fuel needs.

Additionally, Chevron recently donated $500,000 to various organizations to provide hurricane relief assistance to Cameron and Calcasieu parishes. The charitable groups include the American Red Cross, the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana and Louisiana Coastal Relief and Recovery. Chevron is also coordinating employee supply drives and matching employees’ charitable contributions.

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, 9 a.m.

WHERE: The “Giving Back to Cameron Parish” Distribution Site
Located at the intersection of LA-384 and LA-27
Across from 2746 LA-384 in Bell City, Louisiana

VISUALS: Interviews with Chevron Gulf of Mexico Corporate Affairs Manager, Leah Brown
Interviews with Chevron Eastern Region State Government Affairs Representative, Matt Carmichael
Chevron, Retif and Louisiana Coastal Relief and Recovery representatives interacting with local first responders and citizens

Houses of Worship- Public Assistance (PA)

FEMA announced on January 2, 2018, that PNP HOWs are eligible for disaster assistance without regard to their secular or religious nature. These changes are effective for disasters declared on or after August 23, 2017.

As with other non-critical PNPs under the Stafford Act, FEMA financial assistance for the repair or replacement of a PNP HOW facility is limited to costs that a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will not cover. PNP HOWs must apply to the SBA for a loan for permanent work, as required by the Stafford Act. FEMA may provide financial assistance if the PNP HOW is denied a loan or if the loan authorized is insufficient to cover repair or replacement costs.

Louisiana receives Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Laura

The State of Louisiana received a federal major Disaster Declaration authorizing FEMA Public Assistance Funding related to Hurricane Laura. The FEMA declaration issued on August 28, 2020 is DR-4559. The incident period began on August 22 to August 27, 2020. FEMA has authorized to provide Public Assistance funding at a 75% cost share for emergency protective measures (Category B) in all 64 Louisiana parishes. FEMA has also authorized to provide Public Assistance funding at a 75% cost share for debris removal in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vernon. On September 4, 2020 the disaster declaration was amended to provide Public Assistance funding at a 75% cost share for Permanent Work (Categories C-G) for the following parishes: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vernon

Requests for Public Assistance (RPA) can be submitted by going to www.LouisianaPA.com and clicking the large red banner. Then simply follow the online instructions as it pertains to your entity. Current deadline to submit your RPA is 30 days from the declaration date which is September 27, 2020. How to submit Request for Public Assistance (RPA)

1. Go to our website: www.LouisianaPA.com
2. If you are a first-time applicant for FEMA Public Assistance:

Click on the APPLY NOW button on the home screen (red banner), Follow the “New User” instructions

•You will receive an email from www.LouisianaPA.com with your login credentials. Once received and logged in follow the instructions below.

3. If/when you have an existing LAPA account:

• Login to your Account.

• After login, go to the Applicant You Represent Box on the right of the screen and click the New Request for Assistance link.

• A Create New Request for Assistance Box will open.

•In the Grant field select the disaster (for Barry, the DR# is DR-4458).

•Next select a user from the drop down field or create a new one in the Primary, Alternate and Authorized Contact fields.

•If you are a PNP, you must fill out the PNP questionnaire that appears in your form. PNPs are required to submit the following information with their RPA: proof of Tax exempt status and the organization’s articles of incorporation, charter or by laws. These items should be scanned and attached to your RPA.

• Click Create once you have completed the form.

REMINDERS for RPA SUBMISSION:

1. Your DUNS needs to be registered with sam.gov. The following link provides instructions on how to register withsam.gov. Quick Guide for Grants Registrations.

2. The following additional documents are required if your entity is a Private Non-Profit (PNP)

a) Charter/Bylaws/Articles of Incorporation—The legal documents that describe who you are and what you do and how you do it

b)PNP Questionnaire—this is a questionnaire that needs to be completed during the RPA process.

c)Proof of Tax-Exempt status—This is in the form of your determination letter from theIRS or evidence from the La. Secretary of State’s office that shows you are an active in good standing (at the time of the disaster) operating under State law.

Additional information, State forms, and frequently asked questions can be found by visiting LAPA Resources: www.louisianapa.com/site/resources.cfm.

If you have questions, please contact your State Applicant Liaison (SAL) or feel free to utilize the following help email boxes:

Grants Management:LAPA.GrantsManagement@la.gov
Regarding contract procurement: GOHSEPLegal@la.gov
Requests for Public Assistance:RPA.Help@la.gov
Regarding help with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): MOU.help@la.gov

The mosquito control airplane will be spraying this afternoon in the following areas. They will be spraying cattle in gum cove and lower Hackberry that appear to be suffering from mosquitoes as well as cattle and residents in Big Lake, Grand Lake and Sweet Lake. All spraying will be done in daylight hours. Spray sensitive residents should take shelter during the spray mission. Tomorrow we will have two planes spraying areas of the parish with the highest mosquito populations using our contract with Dynamic Aviation. Due to the weather the last two evenings some spray missions have had to be postponed.

BATON ROUGE La.

State and federal officials are encouraging Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Laura to register for disaster assistance with FEMA as soon as possible. Disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Louisiana to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vernon parishes affected by the hurricane from Aug. 22 to Aug. 27. In order to your process application for disaster assistance and avoid denial notifications, survivors can apply by following these steps: The first step is to contact your insurance company to file your storm-damage insurance claims. The second step is to register. To do so:

• Call 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearingimpaired. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.
• Go to www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. If you have already applied for FEMA assistance and been denied, additional information might have been needed to fully process your application. You will need to have the following readily available:
  • A current phone number where you can be contacted;
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
  • Your Social Security number, if available;
  • A general list of damages and losses; and
  • If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name.

Disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to homeowners, renters and businesses. Call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Federal funding is also available to the state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal in those same parishes. Funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance for Public Assistance, and for hazard mitigation measures in all parishes of the state.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) 711/VRS – Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard of hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339. Follow us at:

www.facebook.com/fema

www.twitter.com/femaregion6

First transmission line into the Lake Charles area to be rebuilt in two weeks

LAKE CHARLES, La. – An Entergy storm team of 8,300 and growing is on the ground in southwest Louisiana to rebuild a power grid severely damaged by Hurricane Laura’s 150 mph sustained winds.

The transmission system, which is a critical component of delivering power to customers’ homes, suffered catastrophic damages. All nine transmission lines that deliver power into the Lake Charles area are currently out of service as a result of storm damage to multiple structures and spans of wire. A significant number of transmission structures were damaged beyond repair and require complete replacement. Entergy Louisiana expects to energize the first of its transmission lines into Lake Charles in two weeks.

With this first source energized, the priority is to reenergize other transmission facilities required to restart power generation sources within the Lake Charles area, including Calcasieu Plant and Lake Charles Power Station. These generating sources will allow Entergy Louisiana to power some critical community infrastructure and essential services such as hospitals, other utilities and public safety, as well as restoration of some customers.

Entergy Louisiana, LLC

446 North Blvd.

Baton Rouge, La.

And while the transmission lines are being rebuilt, other crews will continue working in parallel to restore substations and the distribution system that feed homes and businesses. The company is also aggressively exploring other opportunities to jump-start the power flow in Lake Charles by enabling generators located in the city to begin producing electricity without the need for a transmission source to provide start-up power.

The company expects it will be about two to three weeks before power is available to customers in the Lake Charles area who can safely receive it. Restoring power will take longer to customers in inaccessible areas of the region. While not impacting the expected restoration of service to residential customers, initial estimates are it will take weeks to rebuild all transmission lines in Calcasieu and Cameron parishes. Until that work is complete, resumption of normal service could be limited.

“Energizing the first transmission source into the area is an important milestone in our ability to power the recovery of the local community,” said Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana president and CEO. “This is not a restoration. It’s almost a complete rebuild of our transmission and distribution system that serves Calcasieu and Cameron parishes.”

If the grid and the flow of power were compared to our highway system, transmission lines would be the interstates, substations would be the off-ramps, and distribution lines would be the streets and roads that lead to homes and businesses.

“We understand going without power for this extended period will be challenging, and this is not the news customers want to hear. But we have thousands of workers dedicated to rebuilding our grid as quickly as they safely can to return some normalcy to our customers’ lives,” May said.

Although the power grid in southwest Louisiana will lack the redundancies that are in place when the transmission system is in full operation, Entergy Louisiana’s engineering and operations teams are developing a plan to maintain the stability of the system.

A breakdown of the damaged infrastructure in southwest Louisiana includes approximately 1,000 transmission structures, 6,637 broken poles, 2,926 transformers and 338 miles of downed distribution wire.

The statewide breakdown of distribution system damages includes 8,436 poles, 3,434 transformers and 463 miles of downed wire.

Stay Informed

Customers can stay informed about restoration progress by downloading the Entergy App at entergyapp.com, visiting Entergy’s View Outages map, signing up for text alerts by texting REG to 36778 and have your account number and ZIP code handy. The registration pattern is as follows including spaces: REG (account number) (ZIP code). Once registered, text OUT to 36778 to report an outage. You can also report an outage online as a guest.

Customers also can follow Entergy Louisiana on Facebook and Twitter.

Entergy Louisiana, LLC provides electric service to more than 1 million customers and natural gas service to more than 93,000 customers in the greater Baton Rouge area. It has operations in southern, central and northern Louisiana. The company is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation.

Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR) is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including 8,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.9 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of $11 billion and approximately 13,600 employees.

entergy-louisiana.com

twitter.com/EntergyLA

facebook.com/EntergyLA

JAMBALAYA AT TARP CENTER OPENING

Venture Global and Kiewit announce the opening of the Tarpon Distribution Center for Cameron, Creole and Grand Chenier at 10 AM today in the Canik’s Grocery parking lot in Creole. Enjoy Ascension Parish-style jambalaya, provided by Trash Rangers of Louisiana of St. Amant and organized by Dustin Clouatre. Venture and Kiewit, the jambalaya cooks and other donors will have supplies and water available. Stop by, stock up, visit and eat! We are grateful! #CameronParishStrong

PASTA MEAL TODAY

Grand Lake, Big Lake and Sweetlake will be treated to a hot pasta meal at 3 p.m. Wednesday by John Moore and Palazzo’s Restaurant. Pastor Chris Howerton is hosting at the Grand Lake Faith Temple parking lot. We are grateful! #CameronStrong

FREE CHICKEN BBQ LUNCH

Hackberry, Holly Beach and Johnson Bayou residents will be treated to rotisserie chicken and all the trimmings lunch today, barbecued on the pit at the old Hackberry Community Center.
It comes compliments of Storm Chaser Baseball, Ben E. Keith Food and Bridgepointe Church — organized by Sissy Lemons, Superintendent Lemons’ sister. We are grateful! #CameronStrong

FUEL RESTORED:

The gas pump is up and running again at Hackett’s Corner. #GivingBackToCameronParish

CAMERON SCHOOL SYSTEM

The Cameon Parish School System has issued this statement, printed here in full:
“Dear Cameron Parish residents, parents, and students:
I am sorry for all of the loss that you are experiencing at this time. I know that many of you are taking stock and making personal decisions about the future. While many of you may be searching for a return to normalcy, please be assured that we are currently assessing the damage to each of our 4 campuses.
While other districts may physically re-open sooner than we can, please be rest assured that Cameron Parish School Board’s first priority is to resume educating our students. We will release an emergency reopening plan as soon as it’s practical for the re-education of students, which may include a mixture of virtual and/or face to face options at first, with the ultimate goal being a return to all 4 our school campuses.
There is no need to enroll your students in other schools/districts at this time.
We will be sending out a survey in the very near future, in order to gather information that will better help us formulate those plans.
We are Cameron Parish schools: we are strong, we are resilient, and we will all be back together soon.
Stay safe and stay well!”

HOW TO HELP OTHERS

The Cameron Parish Police Jury has a call-in number for people who want to volunteer their time, share their equipment or make donations. Call (720) 212-1038.

GETTING YOUR MAIL

Mail service for Cameron Parish is temporarily being handled by post offices in Calcasieu Parish.
Here’s who’s handling your mail:

• Cameron, Creole, Grand Chenier and Johnson Bayou mail: Handled by the Lake Charles Main Post Office, 921 Moss St. in Lake Charles.
• Hackberry mail: Handled by the Westlake Post Office, 1504 Guillory St. in Westlake.
• Grand Lake mail: No change.

MOSQUITO SPRAYING

Nightly aerial mosquito spraying starts Thursday. Spraying may begin as early as 6 p.m. each night. Spray trucks are out of service.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Apply for disaster assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY. The FEMA disaster code is 4559. You’ll need to provide the Social Security numbers of everyone in your household.

All Hackberry mail is being sent to Westlake.

CAMERON PARISH RECOVERY UPDATE (2:30 p.m. Saturday;):
• HOW TO HELP
The Cameron Parish Police Jury has established a call-in number for those wanting to volunteer their time, share their equipment or make donations. Call (720) 212-1038.
• DEBRIS REMOVAL
The Police Jury has debris-removal companies coming in to remove debris, so please move all debris to the road.
• DAMAGE FOOTAGE/PHOTOS
Cameron Parish has gathered drone footage to give residents an aerial view of Hurricane Laura’s impact on their property. The images can be seen at https://fenstermaker.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/5a51d30fd4974948a138b5560fff0a92 .
People can also post their own photos and videos to the site. Click here and give it a moment to fill in for you: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/035918cf53e04626b0f9bd67f7e31970

WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSESSING HURRICANE LAURA IMPACT IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA TO DETERMINE COLLECTION SCHEDULE CHANGES

Residential Services are Suspended in Parishes Across Southwest Louisiana Today, Aug. 27

Click here for Information about Separating Household Trash from Storm Debris

Lake Charles, La.– (Aug. 27, 2020) – Due to the severe weather impacts associated with Hurricane Laura, Waste Management has cancelled all residential commercial collection services today, Thursday, Aug. 27 through the remainder of this week, in parishes across Southwest Louisiana. Waste Management is currently assessing damage and accessibility in order to determine resumption of service schedules. 

These notices of suspended service include all residential and commercial customers serviced by Waste Management in the following parishes:

• Calcasieu Parish
• Cameron Parish
• Jefferson Davis Paris
• Beauregard Parish
• Allen Parish

“As we begin to evaluate the significant impact of Hurricane Laura, we are working in concert with the guidance of local and state authorities. We will continue to update our valued customers regularly regarding the status of collection services across Southwest Louisiana,” said Domenick DiPaolo, District Manager Waste Management of Lake Charles. “As our friends and neighbors return home and begin the massive cleanup, it is important that residents collect and separate storm debris from regular household garbage and trash. Storm debris will be collected by a separate service, while Waste Management will handle the collection and disposal of household garbage. We appreciate the cooperation of our valued customers as we work through this major hurricane event. We encourage residents across Southwest Louisiana to use caution, patience, and apply all safety rules, as together we begin this massive reclamation project.” 

AFTER THE STORM:

• Place normal household garbage and trash, such as food refuse, diapers and regular household waste at curbside and separate from storm debris (caused by severe weather such as high winds, hail and rain). 

• Storm debris, including tree limbs, carpet and carpet padding, aluminum and wood fencing, and household appliances should be placed curbside in separate piles, apart from the household garbage and trash. 

All Waste Management customers  in the impacted area are encouraged to visit https://www.wm.com/weather-alert/index.jsp for additional information about service routes.