June 18: Red Stick Ready Day, Mall of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, La. June 18: National Kit Party Day June 19-25: Safety, Health and Survival Week 2011 June 25: Foundation for Louisiana Disaster Preparedness Roundtable, Dillard University, New Orleans, La. June 27: Dedication of the Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North Headquarters, Federal City, New Orleans, La. Aug. 10-12: 5th Annual HAZUS Conference June 18th is National Kit Party Day Many families at risk for hurricanes are unable to adequately prepare for them. The National Kit Party is an initiative that encourages volunteer organizations, families, companies and others to prepare extra hurricane kits to donate to neighbors in need in their local community. National Kit Party Day will be celebrated June 18 when we will encourage people across the hurricane region to host a kit building party in their community. Visit www.greathurricaneblowout.org for more information. Katrina/Rita: 152 occupied units Gustav/Ike: 18 occupied units Announcements The Challenge.gov Winner The Map Your Neighborhood program, submitted by Penny W., is this year’s Challenge.gov winner. The Map Your Neighborhood program involves meeting with a small group of your neighbors to set up a plan for evacuation, rescue, etc. in the event of a disaster. You physically draw a diagram of your neighbor's homes to include gas shut-offs, water shut-offs, etc. You also inquire and make a list of who has a ladder, chainsaw, rope, muscular strength, or who can provide childcare so others can go to the aid of surrounding neighbors and so on. It is a very easy program to understand and does not rely on a large group to participate, just you and your immediate neighbors. It teaches basic preparedness and gives some insight as to what may be needed and who, in your own neighborhood, is able to provide it. Note: Map Your Neighborhood is a program from the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Getting prepared in your neighborhood is one of the most important things you can do, because the more prepared you and your community are, the quicker you will bounce back after a disaster. You can learn more about the Map Your Neighborhood program at the Washington State Emergency Management Division. FEMA Institutes Improved Recoupment Process for Cases Stemming from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita As part of this process, on June 17, 2011, FEMA will begin sending Notice of Debt letters on a rolling basis to disaster assistance applicants who received improper Federal disaster assistance payments in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. These letters will inform applicants of the amount and reason for their debt and provide information on how to repay the debt or appeal FEMA’s determination. Every Wednesday, FEMA’s Legislative Affairs Division will provide local government leaders with state and parish breakdowns of recoupment cases. Recoupment letters are slated to be mailed on Friday of the same week. If an individual has immediate questions about their case, they may contact FEMA’s Recoupment Helpline at 1-800-816-1122 or TTY at 1-800-462-7585 for persons who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or those with speech disabilities, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. St. James Parish Health Unit Dedication A grand opening was held June 15, 2011 for the St. James Parish Health Unit. Severe winds from Hurricane Gustav damaged the roof. The building now has a new roof and a renovated interior. FEMA: Week in Review Louisiana Recovery Office New Orleans, LA June 17, 2011 Calendar Preparedness Resources Housing Update Events