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One Month Left to Register with FEMA, Apply for SBA Low-Interest Loans for Severe Winter Storms

Release Date:
Avril 8, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. – Survivors of the severe winter storms in Louisiana in February have one month left to register for a possible federal disaster assistance grant and to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The deadline for both is May 10.

FEMA urges everyone who sustained losses from the February winter storms to register. FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Residents who were temporarily forced from their homes because of utility failures should also register with FEMA. Reimbursement for hotel or other temporary rental expenses may be possible.

To apply:

  • Visit www.disasterassistance.gov;
  • Call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App by texting ANDROID or APPLE to 43362

The 23 designated parishes declared by the President for disaster assistance are Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Franklin, Grant, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Webster, West Carroll and Winn.

FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits, but you should still register as help may be available for under-insured or uninsured losses. Update FEMA once your insurance claim is settled.

After you register, you may be contacted by the SBA about a low-interest disaster loan. Complete the SBA application to keep the process moving.

U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans are available for Louisiana disaster survivors.  

  • For businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations: up to $2 million for property damage.  
  • For small businesses, smallbusinesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations: up to $2 million for working capital needs even if they had no property damage, with a $2 million maximum loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs. 
  • For homeowners:up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence.  
  • For homeowners and renters: up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles. 

Businesses and residents canapply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. 

For the latest information on Louisiana winter storms, visit Louisiana Severe Winter Storms (DR-4590-LA). Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

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