Hurricane Briefs

FEMA offers help to some evacuees

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, at Louisiana’s request, has activated its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which allows eligible evacuees from Hurricane Isaac whose neighborhoods are not accessible or whose houses have been destroyed to stay in a hotel or motel for a limited time and have the cost of the room and taxes paid directly to the hotel by FEMA.

To be eligible for the program, evacuees must meet the following criteria:

• The primary residence must be in one of the parishes that has been designated a disaster area;
• The primary residence is inaccessible or unlivable due to damage or lack of power; and
• FEMA must be able to verify their identity.

The initial period of assistance is from Monday to Sept. 16. Meals, telephone calls and other incidental charges are not covered, and applicants are responsible for any lodging costs above the authorized allowance. The program does not reimburse previously incurred hotel expenses.

The first step for those affected by Hurricane Isaac is to register for FEMA assistance online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov or via smart phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants without Internet access or smart phone may also call [phone] or (TTY) [phone]. For 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call [phone].

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or http://www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit its blog at http://www.fema.gov/blog.

Chase Bank branches opened to offer aid

NEW ORLEANS — Chase Bank opened 21 branches across the state from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, giving away bottled water, food and supplies and setting up power strips for people needing to recharge phones and other mobile devices.

Chase has extended its waiver on ATM, overdraft and late fees through the Labor Day weekend for Louisiana and Mississippi customers. Customers can make a deposit or payment by the end of business on Tuesday to bring their accounts current and avoid fees.

Customers should call Chase at [phone] or call their personal banker if they are unable to access funds or need help with other services.

Plaquemines Parish gives out info, meals

PLAQUEMINES PARISH — Plaque-
mines Parish has had intentional breaches on the back levee of the west bank and the east bank and a boil water advisory remains in effect on the lower end of the eastbank past Whiteditch, and on the west bank Boothville-Venice, and Pointe-a-la-Hache.

Meals Ready to Eat and water are available for pick-up at Idlewild at 11422 La. 23 in Belle Chasse, the Port Sulphur Fire Station at 114 Civic Drive, and the Boothville-Venice Fire Station at 42661 La. 23 daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tarps and ice are available for pick-up at Idlewild.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Center is set up at the Belle Chasse Auditorium, 8398 La. 23. The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Residents can register for individual or assistance or transitional assistance or receive more information at [phone] or go to http://www.disasterassistance.gov.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and FEMA have debris contracts in place. Those interested in working should contact Holiday Construction at [phone], IPS at 361-8216, and Hardrock Construction at 835-1050.

SPCA resumes its normal hours

The Louisiana SPCA will resume regular business operations starting Tuesday. The shelter will open at 10 a.m. to the public.

If you lost a pet prior to Hurricane Isaac, please check http://la-spca.org/stray to see the stray animals currently at the facility. If you think your animal is at the LA/SPCA, please call [phone] ext. 100 and leave a detailed message or visit the shelter during normal operating hours.

Disaster recovery centers opened

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers opened Monday at 3220 Jean Lafitte Blvd., Chalmette, and 19808 Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans. The hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To find a center location, click the locator at www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by mobile phone at m.fema.gov. Individuals can register online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov.

Applicants may call [phone] or (TTY) 1 [phone]. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call [phone]. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Residents or business owners can apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration at the DRCs. For SBA information or to apply online, visit http://www.sba.gov or call [phone]. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call [phone].

The presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac makes available federal assistance to eligible survivors in nine parishes: Ascension, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. John and St. Tammany.

Private burnings banned in 2 parishes

Louisiana Fire Marshal H. Butch Browning has issued a cease and desist order for all private burning at the request of the following parishes as 7 p.m. Monday for St. John the Baptist Parish and Plaquemines Parish until rescinded.

Compiled from news releases and Advocate staff reports.