In the wake of recent flash flooding, the Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) is calling on residents who sustained damage to their homes to report it through the state’s online portal, Damage.LA.Gov. This tool, activated by the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), is designed to help property owners report storm-related damages swiftly and accurately.

The Damage.LA.Gov platform enables homeowners to self-report damage from a range of weather events, including floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes, making it a crucial resource in emergency recovery efforts. By submitting information about the extent and location of home damage, residents help local, state, and federal agencies gauge the full impact on the community, which can play a significant role in expediting the recovery and potential assistance processes.

OHSEP emphasizes that while this reporting tool is a key step in the assessment process, it does not replace the need for homeowners to file claims with their insurance companies. Additionally, submitting a report to Damage.LA.Gov does not guarantee access to federal aid, but it does help authorities better understand the scale of recovery resources required.

Officials recommend that homeowners carefully document their damage by taking clear, detailed photos, as these images are essential for both the online report and any insurance claims.

For Lafayette Parish residents affected by the recent flash flooding, using Damage.LA.Gov provides a streamlined way to communicate property damage directly to emergency preparedness teams, supporting more accurate assessments and, ultimately, faster recovery.

To report damage or learn more, visit damage.la.gov

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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

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