GOHSEP: 12,000 Homes Have Received Flood Damage

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is working to organize recovery efforts with the historic flooding that has impacted the many parts of the state. Communications Director Mike Steele says so far over 12,000 homes have received flood damage and 26 parishes are available for federal assistance. But he says more severe weather is possible Easter Sunday.

“We’re asking people to pay extra attention to these events. Spring time is a time when you see lots of cold fronts and different weather systems move across the state and cause problems.”

Steele advises people to document and take pictures of damage to their homes sooner than later.

“If they are able to begin clean up or begin repairs to flood damage, please start that process. Go ahead and begin that process, they don’t have to wait on the FEMA assessment teams.”

Steele says begin your cleanup if possible but you still must register your damage with FEMA, even if you’re in a parish that hasn’t yet been declared as part of the emergency process. He says registering lets GOHSEPH get a better picture of the state’s total damage.

“People can go to www.disasterassistance.gov or they can call 1-800-621-3362.”