DENTON, Texas– New preliminary flood maps for communities in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, are now ready for review. Local, state and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials teamed up to produce the new maps. The public is invited to appeal or comment on the Beauregard Parish flood maps by Feb. 13, 2017.Residents and business owners are encouraged to view the maps for a better understanding of their flood risks. This understanding will help people make informed decisions about building plans. It will also help property owners decide whether to purchase flood insurance...

BATON ROUGE, La. – Natural beauty, history and culture don’t immediately come to mind when people think of FEMA, but the agency’s disaster recovery efforts may affect natural and cultural resources.Following August’s unprecedented flooding in Louisiana, FEMA’s Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation has been working to ensure the state’s rich natural and cultural resources are taken into consideration as it recovers. EHP routinely evaluates impacts to historic structures, archaeological resources, wetlands, floodplains, threatened or endangered species, and air/water quality.FEMA EHP provides the technical expertise to ensure legal compliance and...

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