Updates and Articles, Blogs, and News Releases

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Orleans Parish will close in two weeks, Friday, April 14. The DRC address and operating hours are:East New Orleans Public Library  Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.5641 Read Blvd.    Saturday, April 8: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.New Orleans, LA 70127   Closed on Sundays.

BATON ROUGE, La. — If you have property affected by the February tornadoes in Louisiana, your first step to repair or rebuild should be to check with your local building official. That’s the person who can work with you or your contractor to ensure building permits are properly filed and necessary inspections are carried out.Local ordinances may require permits for repairs to roofs, walls, siding, wallboard, plaster, insulation, paneling, cabinets, flooring, electrical systems, plumbing, septic systems and heating and air  conditioning systems.

BATON ROUGE, La. — More than $1.78 million in federal assistance has been approved by FEMA to help survivors of the February tornadoes recover from the devastation. While assistance is tax-free and grants don’t have to be repaid, FEMA urges you to use the funds quickly, wisely and only for disaster-related expenses.When a grant is awarded, FEMA will send you a letter listing approved uses including:

BATON ROUGE, La. — The primary source of money for rebuilding after a disaster is low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA loans can help survivors in Livingston and Orleans parishes recover from the Feb. 7 tornadoes that devastated their communities.The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans of up to $200,000 for the repair of a primary residence; up to $40,000 for homeowners and renters to replace personal property; and up to $2 million for businesses and most private nonprofits for physical damage and economic injury.