News and Media: Disaster 4559

BATON ROUGE, La. –A drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center will open in Eunice, St. Landry Parish, Oct. 15.

The center is staffed with FEMA personnel who are available to scan documents, assist with registration and answer questions about disaster-assistance programs.

The center operates under strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure visitors are safe. Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service. Survivors remain in their cars. A specialist wearing a face mask will receive documents through the window and return them.

BATON ROUGE, La. -  The Drive-through Disaster Recovery Center in Abbeville will close Oct. 2 at 5 p.m., but help will still be available for survivors affected by Hurricane Laura.

After the DRC ceases operations, survivors whose homes or businesses had losses from the storm can still get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process, or check the status of their application by logging into their account or submitting information by:

BATON ROUGE, La. —  Renters and homeowners in parishes designated for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Laura have until Oct. 27 to register for help.

Federal assistance includes help for temporary housing, rental assistance and repair or replacement of damaged property.

Additionally, grants may be available to help with other expenses such as medical and dental care, childcare, funeral and burial costs, replacing essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle repairs and cleanup.

Disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and some human-caused events can create public emergencies here in Louisiana. Preparing for such events is the responsibility of everyone.

Preparation is the most important key to survival. It's crucial for individuals, families and entire communities to be ready to respond, no matter the situation. That is why it is so vital to put time into planning and preparation long before disaster strikes. Learning disaster emergency terms is one good way to prepare and to potentially save your life and the lives of your loved ones.