The following information may assist you, family or friends in dealing with storm damage
to your home or property. We will post any additional information as we receive it so
check the CGHOA Website periodically to see if anything new has been added.
Thank you to Councilmen Gene Bellisario for providing us with this information.
Storm Debris Video – A short video to explain how to separate debris at the curb.
Tips from FEMA
 Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to
cover uninsured and underinsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and
business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
 Recovery officials warn Louisiana residents to be on the lookout for scam artists. And know
that FEMA does not charge for services nor does it endorse any commercial businesses, products
or services.
 Flood survivors do not need to wait for a visit from FEMA or their insurance company
to start cleaning up and make repairs. FEMA inspectors and insurance claim adjusters will be
able to substantiate flood damage even after cleaning has begun.
It’s important for survivors to take photographs of damage and keep recoveryrelated receipts. Insurance companies may need both documents while FEMA
may need receipts.
 Contacting your insurance company or your local emergency manager’s office does not
register you for FEMA assistance. Louisiana residents affected by the flooding need to contact
FEMA’s 800 number or register online (some are registering with DSA teams).
 All flood survivors are urged to check with their local permitting office before doing any
repairs. Also, remember: federal assistance is available only for primary homes – not vacation
homes.
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Hazard mitigation funds have been made available.
 FEMA has a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) call center to support NFIP
policyholders. Call 800-621-3362 and press 2 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
o Individuals who live in special flood hazard areas who received FEMA
assistance in the past were required to maintain their flood insurance. Those who
did not are by law ineligible to receive FEMA grants to repair and rebuild their
property.
o However, even if you have not kept up your flood insurance, you should still
contact FEMA as other assistance may be available. Examples of the type of
possible assistance include: temporary rental and clean-up costs, clothes,
household items and medical and dental expenses.
Registration Information
The important thing to do now is register.
o
o
o
o
Go online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
Call 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA)
Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing
loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly
For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-6213362.
Housing Assistance: Temporary rental assistance may be available to those residents with no
insurance coverage and who cannot live in their homes.
Safety Information
Residents are reminded:
o Do not drive through standing water on the road.
o Listen to your local officials for safety, shelter and other information.
o If you had to leave your home due to flooding, wait for local officials to say it’s
safe to return.
o Check your home for damage before you re-enter. There may be a gas leak or
downed electric lines in or near your home. Do not enter if it isn’t safe.
o Check for snakes and other animals that may have made their way into your home.
o Contact your insurance agent and local officials to let them know about your
damages.
o For immediate needs, contact your local voluntary agencies, such as the American
Red Cross, Salvation Army or churches.
Please look out for your neighbors.
Use FEMA Grants Wisely

Disaster Assistance grants should be used only for disaster-related expenses.
 Money received for repairs should be used right away. While the assistance is tax-free and
the grants do not have to be repaid, survivors should use their funds wisely and solely for
recovery.
Help with SBA Loans
 Contact U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center
by
Calling (800) 659-2955,
o Emailing [email protected], or
o Visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster.
o Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.
Other Disaster Assistance Information & Referral Services
 Louisiana residents seeking information about disaster-related services and unmet needs
should call 211, a statewide information and referral service. Anyone using a relay service
should call 877-541-7905.
Fraud
 Recovery officials encourage Louisiana residents to watch for and report any suspicious
activity from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals who may try to prey on survivors.
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FEMA does not endorse any commercial businesses, products or services.
FEMA does not charge for its services.
If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.
All federal employees have an official badge/ID. Ask to see it.
Ronnie Simpson Director, Department of
Public Information
St. Tammany Parish Government
21490 Koop Drive, Mandeville, LA 70471
p 985.898.5243 m 504.905.7841 e
[email protected]
w stpgov.org