BATON ROUGE, La. — If you disagree with the determination letter you received from FEMA, a quick fix may be all that’s needed to change the decision.Everybody has a right to appeal. You should read the determination letter carefully to understand FEMA’s decision and know exactly what is needed to appeal.Many times applicants just need to submit some extra documents for FEMA to process their application. FEMA can reconsider your application in some cases if you:Submit insurance documents. Provide documents from your insurance company that show your coverage or settlement is...

FEMA Is Not the Only Option for SurvivorsBATON ROUGE, La. — Tornado survivors in Livingston and Orleans parishes have several options in addition to FEMA to aid in recovery efforts. Help is offered through charities, nonprofits, volunteer-based services and the U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans (SBA).Food, shelter and other immediate necessities are available through various nonprofit organizations, faith-based agencies and other charities. Dial 2-1-1 or visit www.louisiana211.org for a list of services and benefits available to survivors. Operators are available around the clock.Small Business Administration Disaster LoansU.S. Small Business Administration...

BATON ROUGE, La. — State and federal emergency management officials encourage survivors of the Feb. 7 tornadoes to begin repairs as soon as they can.Storm survivors do not need to wait for a visit from FEMA or their insurance company to clean up and make repairs. FEMA inspectors and insurance claims adjusters will be able to verify damage.It’s important for survivors to take photographs of damage and keep recovery-related receipts. Insurance companies may need both items, while FEMA may need receipts.Survivors should check for structural damage before entering their homes.Emergency management...

BATON ROUGE, La. — A mobile disaster recovery center will open Thursday, Feb. 16, in Livingston Parish for homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the Feb. 7 tornadoes.Specialists from the state of Louisiana, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), nongovernmental organizations and the local community will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about assistance available to survivors.The disaster recovery center’s location and hours of operation are:Livingston ParishLocation:  Livingston Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness20399 Government Blvd.Livingston,...

BATON ROUGE, La. — If you lost work as a result of the tornadoes that struck Livingston and Orleans parishes on Feb. 7, you have until March 15, to apply for disaster unemployment assistance (DUA).DUA may be available if the disaster affected your employment — even if you’re self-employed, a farmer or a farm worker — and you fall under one of the following categories:You worked or were self-employed or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment.Your workplace was damaged or destroyed.Can establish that the work or self-employment that can no...