Feb. 16-18: Disaster Resistance Workshop 2011, New Orleans. Feb. 22-24: Louisiana Municipal Association Mid-winter Conference, Baton Rouge. Feb. 23: FEMA/GOHSEP Open House, 10 a.m.-Noon, 1500 Main St., Baton Rouge. March 3: DFIRMS for Vernon Parish go into effect. March 17: DFIRMS for Allen Parish go into effect. March 20-25: National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), Mid-year Meeting, Alexandria, Va. GetAGamePlan.org Severe weather can strike at anytime, and being prepared is always key. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has a website devoted to helping families and businesses stay prepared. The website includes emergency plans for Louisiana businesses, families, and children — complete with a checklist of the essentials needed to survive a disaster and a 5 Minute Game Plan video. The website also has information on weather and emergency alerts. For complete information, click on getagameplan.org. Housing Update: Katrina/Rita: 466 occupied units Gustav/Ike: 157 occupied units February 5-11, 2011 Announcements End of Gustav and Ike Housing Program The FEMA temporary housing unit (travel trailer, park model, and mobile home) program for hurricanes Gustav and Ike will end on March 1, 2011 The Gustav/Ike housing program began in September 2008 and initially was an 18-month program that was extended for one year beyond the original March 2010 deadline. Following the 2008 hurricanes, 639 Louisiana households were provided with the temporary housing units; today, 157 household remain. FEMA remains committed to aiding these families in transitioning from the temporary housing to more permanent housing, and FEMA caseworkers have been meeting with residents regularly to help them identify resources to transition to permanent housing. These efforts are being coordinated closely with the State of Louisiana and community volunteer agencies to make additional referrals when applicable. Residents of FEMA temporary housing units are encouraged to contact their caseworker as soon as possible for assistance in locating rental resources or establishing eligibility for other disaster recovery programs . Answers to Some Common Questions about Flood Insurance Q: Does FEMA run a “mandatory flood insurance program?” A: No. In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program to provide property owners with financial protection against the devastating effects of flooding, since many standard homeowners’ insurance policies did not cover flood damage. The program is authorized by Congress and administered by FEMA. Q: Why does FEMA conduct flood-mapping?   A: Under the guidance and direction of Congress, FEMA updates flood maps for communities around the country.  This is done to show the most accurate and up-to-date information available regarding flood risks in a community. Throughout this process, FEMA works closely with local communities to ensure that any verifiable data that will strengthen the maps are included and incorporated. If you think that there are inaccuracies on your local flood map, you can contact 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627).          Q: Why should someone purchase flood insurance? A: We know that for homeowners – especially in this economy – any additional expenses can be difficult, and may seem unnecessary if they have been fortunate enough not to experience a flood. But, like insurance we purchase for our cars, or our health care, flood insurance is meant to protect us from the much greater costs we could incur if a flood did happen. We hope homeowners that do purchase flood insurance never have to use it, but it is a critical means of protecting your property and loved ones against a hazard that occurs in far too many communities around the country each year. The consequences can be personally and financially devastating. For more information about flood risks in your community, contact your city or local floodplain manager. And for more information about the National Flood Insurance Program or the dangers of flooding, please visit www.floodsmart.gov. FEMA: Week in Review FEMA Louisiana Recovery Office New Orleans, LA Calendar