BATON ROUGE, La. — The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has now paid Louisiana policyholders more than $2 billion following the August flood.Flood insurance payments have helped policyholders repair or rebuild disaster-damaged homes and businesses and replace contents. Some policyholders have also received additional payments to enhance their structure’s ability to withstand future storms and floods.NFIP policies—which average about $700 a year—provide flood coverage that is unavailable in federal disaster assistance and most insurance policies. Depending on the policy, homeowners may receive up to $250,000 for structural damage and $100,000 for...

BATON ROUGE, La. – The remaining Disaster Recovery Centers operated by the state of Louisiana and FEMA will close soon.While the DRCs were open, more than 92,000 people were able to get information and guidance in face-to-face meetings at 29 DRCs in 18 parishes with representatives from the state, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies and organizations.FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial help or direct services to those who have necessary expenses and serious needs if they are unable to meet the needs through other means.Many...

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

The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank has been able to continue its feeding mission with the help of a nearly $1.4 million FEMA grant.The grant reimburses expenses to dispose of debris, clean and disinfect property and equipment and restore refrigeration and freezing at the Choctaw Drive distribution facility damaged in the August flooding event. It also provides the food bank with a temporary facility to support its essential community service.The nonprofit stores food at the distribution facility that faith-based and community groups then distribute to pantries, meal sites, homes, shelters and...

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