Since March 8th, severe flooding has ravaged communities across Louisiana. The flooding has shut down roads, damaged homes and businesses, and disrupted lives.

It was only a few short weeks ago that we endured a string of devastating tornados that left many families across the state in desperate need of help. From the moment these crises began I have been engaged with federal partners, including FEMA Administrator Fugate and President Obama to secure assistance for communities throughout the 2^nd Congressional District that have suffered as a result of these tragedies.

Yesterday, the President expanded the major disaster declaration for the flooding that started last week to include Ascension Parish. This means that if you live in Ascension Parish and suffered damage from the flooding, you are now eligible for assistance from the federal government.

I am committed to securing the resources that victims of this severe weather need to rebuild and recover in all of the affected areas. Every level of government has a responsibility to make sure that no one is left out in this time of extreme need.

Applying for Federal Assistance

You may be eligible to receive direct federal assistance for temporary housing, home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses.

Additionally, long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to help with losses not fully covered by insurance.

In order to receive federal aid you must first register with FEMA, even if you have registered with another disaster-relief organization. You must use the name that appears on your Social Security card on your registration. You can register whether you have insurance or not. While FEMA won’t duplicate insurance benefits, it may provide assistance if you were underinsured.

When completing your registration you will be asked to provide the following:

• Social Security number
• Address of the damaged home or apartment
• Description of the damage
• Insurance coverage information
• A current contact telephone number
• An address where you can get mail
• Bank account and routing numbers if you prefer direct deposit of any financial assistance.

You can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call the registration phone number at 1-800-621-3362.

For those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

Feel free to share this email with friends and family who may be in need of this information so they can sign up to receive updates with the most recent information from my office as they become available.

My office is available to help you through this difficult time. We will continue to work with the federal government to ensure victims of this disaster receive the help they need. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office at 504-288-3777.