If you are in need of emergency, transient housing, you can text SHELTER and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find where the shelter closest to you is located.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is launching “Connect,” a way for families to locate loved ones who evacuated from Hurricane Laura to state-provided hotel rooms. The number to call is 225-342-2727.

To apply for disaster assistance follow these steps:

1. If you have insurance,contact your insurance company to file storm-damage insurance claims.
2. Register with FEMA Call 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.
3. Go to www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

The following information will be needed to complete the process:

1. A current phone number where you can be contacted;
2. Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
3. Your Social Security number, if available;
4. A general list of damages and losses; and
5. If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name.

Disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

The following parishes are eligible for FEMA assistance:

• Acadia
• Allen
• Beauregard
• Calcasieu
• Cameron
• Jefferson Davis
• Ouachita
• Vermilion
• Vernon

For eligible, low to moderate-income households that do not typically receive SNAP benefits, Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) is available.

You can begin registering on Thursday, Sept. 10: http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/360#registration

Small Business Loans are available for the following parishes:

• Allen
• Beauregard
• Calcasieu
• Cameron
• Jefferson Davis

Apply Online Here: https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/s/

Check here to see if your area has a boil water advisory: https://www.knoe.com/2020/06/03/boil-orders-in-effect-for-northeast-louisiana/

Natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes can damage asbestos-containing materials and lead to asbestos exposure among first responders, cleanup crews and nearby residents. Learn how to prevent asbestos exposure when preparing for and cleaning up after a natural disaster.

Click here to learn more.

If you were exposed to asbestos and are now sick with mesothelioma cancer, contact a mesothelioma attorney to find out more about your legal options.

Click here to learn more.