BATON ROUGE, La. — Two Central schools have received federal disaster assistance to return students to classrooms after the August flood damaged their campuses.About $4.2 million in FEMA assistance has reimbursed schools in Central:Central Private School has been awarded more than $3.7 million to place temporary facilities on its campus that students may attend during repairs to the permanent facility. The funds also lessen stresses on two campuses that have hosted Central Private School’s students since the flood.Tanglewood Elementary School has been awarded more than $500,000 for temporary facilities and supplies...

BATON ROUGE, La. —Louisiana flood recovery continues thanks to the work of committed citizens, businesses, government agencies and faith-based, community and volunteer organizations.Unfortunately, some contractors seeking to exploit survivors often appear in a disaster’s wake. Survivors who hire contractors to repair and rebuild homes should be cautious.Consumers working with contractors should keep the following tips in mind:Contractors must be licensed or registered to do work in Louisiana.Down payments for repair work should not exceed 10 percent of the total cost.Contractors should not be paid for work that is not complete. Survivors...

BATON ROUGE, La. — Flood-related disasters occur about every six years in Louisiana, so make sure your home and personal belongings are protected from flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides content as well as structure coverage.Many who purchase flood insurance forget coverage for contents. Annual premiums for contents insurance in moderate- and low- risk areas range from $48 to $226 to assist with flood loss up to $100,000 for contents depending on the type and amount of coverage.Eligible items for contents coverage include personal items, like clothes and...

Official website of the Department of Homeland SecurityOriginal linkOriginal author: sylvia.obear

BATON ROUGE, La. –Volunteer organizations have joined Louisiana communities to smooth the road to recovery following the August flood. They play an important role in many federally declared disasters.FEMA has organized volunteer groups in some affected communities to determine potential recovery resources for flood survivors that exceed what federal disaster assistance provides. They form long-term recovery committees to create solutions that fill in the gaps and unmet needs. Committees often collaborate with local leaders to identify what survivor needs remain.Volunteer groups are crucial parts of recovery because federal disaster assistance cannot...