Homeowners and renters in Grant, Jackson, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, and Winn parishes may now apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from Hurricane Laura.
To be eligible for federal disaster aid, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Laura from Aug. 22 to Aug. 27, 2020.
Nine parishes were previously included in the federal declaration to help homeowners and renters. They are Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Ouachita, Vermilion and Vernon.
Survivors should file a claim at the same time as they apply to FEMA. Save yourself time, if you have insurance, you must file a claim.
If you have phone or Internet access, you may register by:
- Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Downloading the FEMA app
- Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Do not wait to begin your cleanup and repairs. Take photos of all damage and save all receipts.
Remember, FEMA assistance alone cannot make survivors whole. FEMA’s disaster assistance programs are designed to help with grants for basic repairs to make survivors’ homes safe, sanitary and secure and to provide a temporary place to live while survivors develop their recovery plans.
Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, disaster survivors without insurance or who are underinsured may still receive help after insurance claims have been settled.
For more information on recovery efforts for Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559.
Related Disaster: 4559