Politics Aside - Hurricane Assistance Information

originally posted by The Bastard at Bring It On!

Paul from Wizbang has asked, as bloggers, to put our Monday morning quarter-backing to the side and compile as much information as possible so that people affected by the hurricane (like himself) don't have to spend hours looking for information. So, here is a list of information that might be helpful if you have been directly affected by Hurricane Katrina. I will keep updating this list as I compile more information. If you find information that you think might be useful leave the information in the comment section and I will add it to the list. Paul has some good tips on what people will be looking for so head over to Wizbang to get some ideas for what to help with.

For starters the Network For Good website is jam packed with donating information and information for the victims.

IMPORTANT: If you are trying to locate a loved one the American Red Cross maintains a database to help you find family. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information. Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.

Evacuees can call the American Red Cross’ information line at 1-866-GET-INFO for information regarding emergency assistance and public safety information and road closures. In addition, Louisiana residents can call the Louisiana State Police at 800-469-4828 to check on roadways that are open and safe for travel in less impacted areas.

FEMA: The Disaster Assistance Process for Individuals
For use ONLY by people in designated federal disaster areas.
Be prepared to give your Social Security number, describe your losses, provide financial information, and give directions to the damaged property.

What You Can Do If You're Having Trouble Getting Through
If you get a busy signal, try to call in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on the weekends when call volumes tend to be lighter.

Tips for Applying for Federal Disaster Assistance
People who lose their jobs due to the disaster may apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) which provides weekly benefits to individuals who are unemployed and not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance compensation. You can call 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) or the local unemployment office for information.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance From the Department of Labor
Louisiana – To file a claim, individuals may report in person to the nearest Job Center. For general information and locations of Job Centers, you can visit Louisiana Works Department of Labor website at http://theunitedamerican.blogs.com/t/app/redirect.asp?link=www.laworks.net or call (225) 342-2937.

Mississippi – Unemployed individuals must file their claim in person at the nearest local WIN Job & Claims Center. Individuals will need their Social Security card, or a Driver's License, and the names and addresses for the places he/she worked during the past 18 months. A listing of WIN Job and Claims Centers can be obtained on Mississippi Employment Security website at mdes.ms.gov. For convenience, individuals may complete an online registration form, print it and take it to a WIN Job & Claims Center.

FEMA can provide disaster housing assistance to those whose homes are damaged or destroyed. To apply for assistance, all you have to do is call the special toll free telephone number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and register. Specially trained operators at one of FEMA's National Processing Service Centers will process your application.

This is some of the information off of FEMA's web site. They have a great FAQ's section if you need to find out more information such as I Don't Have Any (or enough) Insurance?, What About My Pets?, Apply for Disaster Assistance?

Disaster Recovery A Guide to Financial Issues
Mississippi Insurance Commissioner - What To Do After A Hurricane Hits
USDA, Natural Disaster Assistance - Hurricane Assistance
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
Louisiana Emergency Management Agency

Louisiana State Information
Louisiana State Police
LSP Hotline 1-800-469-4828 for 911 emergencies only. Do not call for road closures.
Report Roadway Emergencies: Dial *LSP (*577) on your cell phone to report roadway emergencies.

Louisiana Citizen Awareness and Disaster Evacuation Guide
Evacuees can register children for school in Lafayette Parish
Shelter Information:Red Cross- 1(866)-GET-INFO (438-4636)
Special Needs Shelter Information
Triage Phone Numbers:
Alexandria: 800-841-5778
Shreveport: 800-841-5776
Baton Rouge: 800-349-1372
Monroe: 866-280-7287
Houma/Thibodaux: 800-228-9409
Slidell/Hammond: 866-280-7724
Lafayette: 800-901-3210
Lake Charles: 866-280-2711

Equine Shelter/Evacuation Site Information
Locations for Animal Evacuation:
Alexandria - Large & Small 318-442-4222 (all vet clinics will accept)
Lamar Dixon - Gonzales - Large Animals
Shreveport - LSU-S (pets only, no livestock)
West Monroe - Ike Hamilton Coliseum

Louisiana Hotel Information 1-800-99-GUMBOEmergency Shelter Information Points:

Tourist Welcome Center, US 65 & 84, 1401 Carter St. (US 84), Vidalia, LA

Tourist Welcome Center, TA Truck Stop, Tallulah Exit (Hwy 65 & I 20)
Paragon Casino, 711 Paragon Place, Marksville LA
Sammy's Truck Stop, I-49, Exit 53, 3601 LA 115W, Bunkie, LA
Med Express Office, 7525 US 71, Alexandria, LA
P.E. Gym, LSU- Shreveport, One University Place, Shreveport, LA
Pickering High School, 180 Lebleu Rd., Leesville, LA
Mowad Civic Center, 5th & 10th St., 1 Block off US 165, Oakdale, LA

Offices of Emergency Preparedness
Orleans Parish
504-565-7200

Jefferson Parish
504-349-5360

St.Bernard Parish
504-278-4268

St.Tammany Parish
985-898-2323

Lafourche Parish
504-446-8427

Assumption Parish
985-369-7386

St.Charles Parish
985-783-5050

St.John Parish
985-652-2222

St James Parish
225-562-2364

Plaquemine Parish
504-297-5500

Tangipohoa Parish
985-748-9602

Terrebonne Parish
985-873-6357

Washington Parish
985-732-5200

St.Mary Parish
504-385-2600

Orleans City Departments Phone Numbers:

Office Of Emergency Preparedness
504-565-7200

Mayor's Public Advocacy Office
504-565-7115

Mayor's Communications Office
504-565-6580

New Orleans Police Department
504-821-2222

New Orleans Fire Department
504-565-7800

Public Works Department
504-565-6844

Park & Parkway Department
504-286-2100

Sewerage & Water Board
504-585-2000

Hurricane Evacuation Shelter Coordinator
504-565-7208

Human Relations Commission
504-565-7916

Emergency Numbers:

Southeast La. Red Cross
504-587-1500

New Orleans Public Advocacy
504-565-7115

New Orleans Human Relations Commission
504-565-7918

New Orleans Council on Aging
504-821-4121

American Red Cross
1-888-737-1997

For police, fire, and medical emergencies call 911.

cross-posted at Bring It On! by The Bastard