Hurricane and Flood Recovery Resources

Hurricane Barry may not have been the storm we expected, but many people were still affected by the flooding and power outages before and during the storm.

Were you and your family affected by Hurricane Barry or recent flooding? You may be able to get food assistance, or file an insurance claim for storm-related damage. If you are having trouble coping with stress from the storm, there is 24/7 help available through the Disaster Distress Helpline.

Food Assistance

If you receive SNAP Benefits (food stamps), and you lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a power outage related to Hurricane Barry, you may be eligible for replacement SNAP benefits.

To apply for replacement benefits, you must report the food loss verbally or in writing within 10 calendar days of the event AND return a signed SNAP 38 form within 10 days of reporting the loss. Find more info online, or email LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov or call (888) 524-3578, toll-free.

Insurance Guidance

Do you have flood insurance? Flooding is not usually covered under standard residential and commercial insurance policies, but it’s a good idea to have if you own property and are in an area that is likely to flood.  You can get flood insurance is through a separate policy under FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and some private insurers.

If you have flood insurance, or you suffered other weather-related property damage, follow these recommendations for filing a claim.

• Contact your insurance agent or company regarding your claim as soon as possible. Have your policy readily available when you call to make your claim. If you need help, contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance at 1-800-259-5300, or check their website. If your insurance covers flood damage and losses, a proof of loss form must be filed within 60 days of the date of your loss.
• Minimize your losses and document your damage. All homeowners and flood insurance policies require property owners to minimize their loss. Take photos of any damage, then make whatever reasonable temporary repairs are needed. Keep receipts for what you spend making temporary repairs.
• Save your other receipts. If you can’t stay in your home due to damage from a storm, keep your receipts for lodging, food and other essentials. Your insurance policy may cover a portion of the costs.
• Ask for identification from adjusters and do your homework before hiring a contractor. Make sure to look into any contractors before signing repair agreements/contracts. Take time to make sure they have current insurance coverage and contact their references directly. You may need to contact the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, or search or contractors on their website, to make sure the contractor’s license is valid. You can get more information from your local Better Business Bureau.

Do you need someone to talk to?

Hurricanes, flooding events, and other natural and human-caused disasters are extremely stressful, and often cause serious emotional distress. If you or a loved one is having trouble coping, call the SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration) Disaster Distress Helpline. They’re available 24/7, every day of the year. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

For those who are deaf or hard of hearing:

• Text TalkWithUs to 66746
• Use your preferred relay service to call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990
• Use the TTY number:1-800-846-8517

¿Necesitas alguien con quien hablar?

¿Usted o un miembro de su familia ha sido afectado por una catástrofe natural o causado por un ser humano? Todos los desastres pueden causar angustia emocional. Los sobrevivientes que viven en las áreas afectadas (incluidos los niños y adolescentes), los seres queridos de las víctimas, los primeros en responder, los rescatistas y los trabajadores de recuperación están en riesgo.

Si necesita ayuda para sobrellevar durante o después de un desastre, llame al 1-800-985-5990 y presione “2” o el texto “HAVE” al 66746. La ayuda está disponible 24/7, todos los días del año.