Tangipahoa Parish
Homeland Security and Emergency Prepardness

Weather Watches & warnings:http://youtu.be/NjjQOLtL9tM

Tornadoes:http://youtu.be/rd2ylQpVf9w

Thunderstorms approaching:http://youtu.be/yk7NPQHi5hU

Special needs in emergencies:http://youtu.be/MyGWGSigKPE

Special health care needs in emergencies:http://youtu.be/az8WpCJXMBQ

Planning for hurricanes:http://youtu.be/pM3CDDo5A38

On the road:http://youtu.be/SRbUi7o0tfc

Make evacuation plans:http://youtu.be/vglYJEerVfA

Flash floods:http://youtu.be/aG7cqJAZipo

Evacuation info:http://youtu.be/YO1czwlbBqY

Before the hurricane:http://youtu.be/Z2Qo7nfi-hQ

Alert notification:http://youtu.be/RuvyD03zMKE

After the hurricane:http://youtu.be/NbO3CBwyNtI

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is encouraging residents to prepare by pre-applying online for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (DSNAP), formerly called Disaster Food Stamps.

"Hurricane Issac and the launch of DSNAP sites across Southeastern Louisiana reminded everyone of the importance of preparation. It is never too early to prepare for a disaster," said DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier. "With hurricane season here, I urge all residents, especially those living in coastal areas, to take the necessary steps to prepare their household by pre-applying for DSNAP."

DSNAP provides food assistance for eligible households who do not receive regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and who need help buying groceries due to lost income or damages following a disaster. In the event of a disaster the state must request that the federal government initiate DSNAP, but can only make the request if the parish has been declared eligible for Individual Assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

To date, 373,252 Louisiana families have pre-applied for DSNAP since DCFS launched the program in June 2009. Any family that previously pre-applied for DSNAP or received DSNAP benefits during 2012's Hurricane Isaac does not need to pre-apply again. Individuals who pre-applied are encouraged to update their financial and household information if it has changed by logging into their account at http://www.dcfs.la.gov/preapply.

Last year, residents who had pre-applied for DSNAP reported shorter lines at DSNAP applications sites following Hurricane Isaac. DCFS operated DSNAP sites in 21 parishes following the storm, serving 263,459 households.

"The pre-application process does not guarantee benefits, but is designed to save time, prevent long waits and make it easier for applicants to provide the required income information," said Sonnier. "We encourage all residents to be proactive this hurricane season by completing the pre-application in advance."

Residents can pre-apply for DSNAP by visiting http://www.dcfs.la.gov/preapply and http://www.getagameplan.org/ or by calling 1-888-LA-HELPU (1-888-524-3578).

Applicants must provide the following information:

* Names, Social Security Numbers and Dates of Birth for each household member
* Current address and parish of household
* Monthly income for each household member
* All liquid resources for each household member (cash on hand, checking, savings and money market account balances and certificates of deposit)

The information will be kept securely on file and will be confidential.

In the event that a disaster is declared and a DSNAP program is launched, residents, or their authorized representatives, who have pre-applied only need to visit a DSNAP issuance site to verify their information and identity, determine final eligibility and receive their benefit cards if eligible. Exact eligibility requirements and DSNAP issuance sites will be announced only after a disaster is declared.

Louisiana's federally approved system is the first year-round DSNAP pre-application process in the nation. For more information on DSNAP and how to pre-apply visit http://www.dcfs.la.gov/dsnap.

 

The Tangipahoa River near Robert.
   * from this Evening to Thursday Afternoon.
   * At 8:30am Sunday the Stage was 8.5 Feet.
   * Minor Flooding is Forecast.
   * Flood Stage is 15.0 Feet.
   * Forecast, the River is Expected to Rise Above Flood Stage by tonight
     and Continue to Rise to near 17.0 Feet by Tuesday Morning.
   * Impact, at 17.0 Feet, Low Places Along Highway 22 South of Robert
     will be Under Water. Water will Approach the Entrance Road Of
     Hidden Oaks Campground. Trailers at the Campground will be Unable
     to be Moved Out When the River Reaches 18 Feet.
   * Impact, at 16.0 Feet, Minor Flooding near the River with Beach
     Areas Under Water.
   * Impact, at 15.0 Feet, Minor Flooding near the River.

 

– Governor Bobby Jindal has declared the week of March 3 to March 9 to be “Severe Weather Awareness Week” in Louisiana, during which time the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the National Weather Service and other partners encourage the public to learn how to protect themselves, their families and their homes in the event of severe weather.

GOHSEP Director Kevin Davis said, “Because severe weather oftentimes strikes with little or no notice, Louisiana residents should become informed about the risks associated with natural hazards and what they can to make sure their families are safe if bad weather strikes. Hazards such as tornadoes, flash flooding and strong winds can threaten your safety and you should have a plan for what you will do if you find yourself in danger.”

Ken Graham, Meteorologist in Charge of the National Weather Service’s New Orleans/Baton Rouge Weather Forecast Office said, "Late winter and spring are typically the peak season for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in Louisiana. This is a great time to review severe weather safety rules and safety plans."

MAKE A PLAN, PACK A KIT

Families and individuals should have an emergency plan that outlines what they will do if they have to shelter in place because of severe weather and what they will do if they have to evacuate during severe weather.

Sheltering in place means going indoors, closing all windows and doors and staying put until the severe weather has passed and the all clear has been given by your local government. You can get safety information from your local government through the local media, on a battery operated radio or through your parish’s alert system.

Evacuating requires that individuals and families have a plan for where they will go if their homes are unsafe. Identify several friends, family members or others that you can stay with during an evacuation. Remember: when severe weather hits, your original evacuation place may not be available, so you should have a backup plan.

An important part of every family or person’s severe weather plan is packing an emergency kit that includes the items they will need in case they have to shelter in place or evacuate because of severe weather.

This kit should include, among other supplies: flashlight, extra batteries, battery-powered radio and lantern, a first aid kit, canned food and a non-electric can opener, special medical items for any members of the family with special needs, high energy foods like peanut butter and jelly, crackers and granola bars, a utility knife, plastic sheeting, protective clothing and rainwear, a change of clothes for each family member and enough at least three gallons of water per person and pet.

Gathering supplies in one place will help families locate them in the event of a power outage. If a family must leave its home, the kit can go with them.

For a full list of supplies for your emergency kit, visit GetAGamePlan.org

ONLINE RESOURCES

GetAGameplan.org: Louisiana residents can take simple steps to protect themselves, their families, their pets and their homes. GOHSEP provides detailed tips and information online at GetAGameplan.org for how to respond in the event of a tornado, flooding, thunderstorm, hurricane or other severe weather. Residents can also download the GetAGameplan app for Apple iPhones by visiting this site.

Weather.gov: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides detailed, zip code level weather information for the public on its Website. Users can get information about severe weather warnings and alerts and also view forecasts from National Weather Service staff.

Ready.gov: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) outlines what to do in many disaster scenarios on its preparedness site, which also features information for business owners and for parents who want to talk to their children about hazards or disasters.

Listo.gov: Resources in Spanish

Louisiana property owners with flood insurance policies whose homes or other structures were damaged during Hurricane Isaac have an additional 60 days to file claims for their flood-related losses. This means most policyholders have until April 22 to complete their proof of loss claims.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) usually requires claims to be reported within 60 days from the date of loss. Four extensions have been granted.

Looking for a place to serve your community? 

We invite you to become a part of an exciting team of volunteers right here in your own community. 

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is made up of volunteers just like you and me.   The training is FREE and you receive a CERT Backpack (filled with tools you can use before/after a disaster) after completing the 20 hours of training. 

Training includes Introduction to CERT, Disaster Physiology, Terrorism, Fire Suppression, Search and Rescue, and First Aid - CPR. 

Think about it, what better way to give back to your community, just by giving up a few hours to serve in such a great organization as a CERT member.  

Please share this exciting information with your friends, co-workers, and congregations...   

Classes start February 19, 2013 and will be held at North Oaks Medical Training Facility at 15837 Paul Vega MD Drive, Hammond.

Class Dates for this session: February 19, 26, March 5, 12, and 19.

Time: 5:30 pm till 9:30 pm

To register CLICK HERE or call Vicki Travis (Tangipahoa OEP Office) @ 985-748-3211 / email: vtravis@tangipahoa.org

As Hurricane Season Ends, GOHSEP Encourages Families to Keep Focused on Preparedness for All Hazards

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Atlantic Hurricane season ends today, November 30, but the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness cautions Louisiana residents to stay mindful of potential hazards that could affect their homes and families, especially during the winter.

GOHSEP Director Kevin Davis said, “Folks in Louisiana do a great job preparing their homes and families for hurricanes, but they need to keep in mind that there are other hazards that can threaten their safety. Just because hurricane season is ending, that does not mean families can forget about preparedness until next year. Being prepared is a year-round responsibility."

Davis said, "As we do in hurricane season, we have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. There are simple steps homeowners can take to protect their homes and families from freezes or other kinds of winter weather. People can get information about all kinds of potential hazards online at getagameplan.org."

RECAP OF 2012 HURRICANE SEASON

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane season was "above normal." The season produced 19 named storms, of which 10 became hurricanes and one became a major hurricane. This was above the average number of named storms, which is 12. The number of hurricanes was also above the average of six, but the number of major hurricanes was below the average of three.

Hurricane Isaac was the only storm to make landfall in Louisiana this season, which required GOHSEP to activate its Emergency Operations Center around the clock for more than a week.

Isaac left most of the state without power for days, causing hundreds of millions worth of property and infrastructure loss and damaging more than 59,000 homes in the state when it made landfall.

PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER NOW

Severe winter weather hasn't hit Louisiana - yet. But, as has happened in previous years, winter weather can have serious effects on our state. To prepare for a winter freeze, families can take some simple steps now, so they will be prepared for severe cold:

• Store drinking water, first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, radio, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily, even in the dark;
• Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit in each;
• Get a NOAA Weather Radio to monitor severe weather and sign up for weather alerts from your local Emergency Operations Center or from local media;
• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees;
• Winterize your house, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Install storm shutters, doors and windows; clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks; and check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow--or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is charged with leading and supporting Louisiana and its Citizens in the preparation for, response to and recovery from all emergencies and disasters. For more information, visit http://gohsep.la.gov or follow the agency on Twitter as @GOHSEP and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gohsep.

FEMA Advisers to Offer Home Repair Tips in Four Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La. – Property owners who are rebuilding after Hurricane Isaac can receive a free consultation with Hazard Mitigation advisers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at home improvement centers in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes starting Monday.

The advisers can offer tips and techniques on how to protect homes from future disaster-related damage and other measures to make homes stronger and safer; they also offer advice on topics such as:

• emergency preparedness
• roof repair
• rebuilding flooded homes
• home elevation
• flood insurance
• mold and mildew cleanup

Most of the information and free publications provided are geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors. The mitigation stations will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 29 to Nov. 12.

Ascension Parish

Lowe’s
12484 Airline Highway
Gonzales, LA 70737

East Baton Rouge Parish

Home Depot
18139 Highland Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810

St. Tammany Parish

Home Depot
143 Northshore Blvd.
Slidell, LA 70460

Tangipahoa Parish

Lowe’s
3007 Highway 190 West
Hammond, LA  70401

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

Hurricane Isaac Relief Fund Now Accepting Grant Applications

$300,000 in emergency grants now available for nonprofit organizations in affected areas

New Orleans, LA | September 3, 2012 - The Greater New Orleans Foundation announced today the availability of $300,000 to nonprofit organizations working to meet the most pressing needs of individuals and families in the following parishes: Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Terrbonne.

The grants from this fund are to provide direct relief in the form of food, water, and clothing in the wake of the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Isaac throughout the region. “These resources are to help those who need immediate assistance,” said Albert Ruesga, president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation.  “We are funding nonprofit organizations that are helping people who have faced incredible hardships and need life’s basics like food, water, and shelter.”

Organizations that wish to apply can access the application on the Foundation’s website here. Grants from this fund will average between $5,000 and $10,000 and the Foundation will continue to make grants until all the funds have been expended.

Applications are also available at the offices of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, 1055 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA.

ABOUT GNOF
The Greater New Orleans Foundation is the community foundation serving the 13-parish Greater New Orleans region. We design and lead initiatives that improve the region, connect donors to community needs, identify and support great nonprofits, and strengthen civil society.  www.gnof.org

Tangipahoa Parish President Gordon Burgess has received confirmation that Tangipahoa Parish has been declared for Individual Assistance. Individuals can call for assistance at 1-800-621-3362.

BATON ROUGE, La. – More Louisianians can now apply for federal and state disaster assistance, as Tangipahoa Parish was added Wednesday to the major disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac.

Homeowners, renters and business owners in Tangipahoa Parish may register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance and report their uninsured or underinsured property damage or destruction from the storm.

“We know there was significant damage in Tangipahoa Parish due to Hurricane Isaac and we want to help,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall. “Survivors in the parish should register with FEMA so we can start getting assistance to the parish as soon as possible.”

In the week since the major disaster declaration for Louisiana, Individual Assistance (IA) has been made available in 11 parishes: Ascension, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John and St. Tammany, and now Tangipahoa.

Disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured individuals may include:

Grants to help pay for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make a home habitable;

Grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance;

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Survivors can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Tangipahoa residents affected by the hurricane should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if the person has registered with another disaster-relief organization or local community or church organization. FEMA registrants must use the name that appears on their Social Security card. They will be asked to provide:

Social Security number

Address of the damaged home or apartment

Description of the damage

Information about insurance coverage

A current contact telephone number

An address where they can get mail

Bank account and routing numbers if they want direct deposit of any financial assistance.

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

RUMORS VS FACTS ON FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR HURRICANE ISAAC SURVIVORS 

• RUMOR: There’s no easy way to get true, reliable info about FEMA’s disaster aid programs.

FACT: Straight answers and plain facts are available from the disaster aid program experts on FEMA’s Help Line. Call 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585 to learn about disaster assistance programs and to register for aid. You can talk with multilingual experts every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• RUMOR: It’s hard to register for FEMA disaster assistance.

FACT: There are three ways to register for disaster assistance. Call 1-800-621-3362; TTY 1-800-462-7585; online, visit www.disasterassistance.gov or go to m.fema.gov via web-enabled phone. Users of 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 1-800-621-3362.

Louisiana residents who live in parishes designated for federal assistance — Ascension, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. John and St. Tammany — are urged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. 

• RUMOR: It takes a long time for disaster aid to reach survivors.

FACT: FEMA already has Individual Assistance specialists on the ground in Louisiana, and they have already approved more than $1.8 million in assistance to survivors. They will continue to process assistance for eligible survivors as applications are received.

• RUMOR: Survivors can’t register for FEMA assistance if they have insurance.

FACT: Survivors may be eligible for FEMA disaster aid for their uninsured and underinsured losses and damage.

• RUMOR: Renters can’t get FEMA aid.

FACT: Renters whose homes were made unlivable by a disaster may be eligible for FEMA disaster grants, including rental assistance and other disaster-related needs. 

• RUMOR: When survivors register, they immediately qualify and receive payments from FEMA.

FACT:  After survivors register, their completed applications are reviewed, and an inspector may call to schedule an inspection at their home. If survivors are eligible for assistance, they should receive a U.S. Treasury/State check or notification of a direct deposit to their bank accounts. Other types of assistance may be provided later, based on specific eligibility and need.

• RUMOR: FEMA is issuing survivors $200 checks for food and $400 checks for electricity.

FACT:  FEMA does not issue checks for food or electricity.

• RUMOR: FEMA is issuing food stamps to Hurricane Isaac survivors.

FACT:  The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services’ (DCFS) will begin on Sept. 5 taking applications for disaster food stamps, now known as the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP). Survivors can apply by calling 1-888-524-3578.

• RUMOR: It takes weeks before a FEMA housing inspector visits.

FACT: On this recovery operation, it is taking only two to three days for an inspector to call and schedule a property inspection.

• RUMOR: Only businesses can get low-interest disaster loans from SBA.

FACT: SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes (including landlords) and private nonprofit organizations for disaster damages not fully covered by insurance or other compensation.

• RUMOR: Immigrants do not qualify for federal assistance.

FACT: It’s true that applicants must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or a qualified alien to be eligible for FEMA grants. However, aid may be available if someone registers on behalf of a child in the home who is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien.

• RUMOR: FEMA is paying to remove debris from private property.

FACT: FEMA is reviewing whether this program will be available for Hurricane Isaac damage.

• RUMOR: Survivors with roof damage can get free tarps through Operation Blue Roof.

FACT: The official “Blue Roof” program is not launched but some voluntary organizations are providing tarps for damaged homes. Contact Louisiana 2-1-1 for more information.

More information about this disaster is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.getagameplan.org.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.