NEWS RELEASE
JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA
January 14, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JEFFERSON PARISH RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE ZETA
CAN APPLY FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
JEFFERSON, LA – Homeowners and renters who suffered damage from Hurricane Zeta in Jefferson Parish should register with FEMA and apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the hurricane.
Jefferson Parish was designated eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program under the Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Trump for damage and losses suffered from Hurricane Zeta between Oct. 26 and 29, 2020.
Individuals should contact their homeowners insurance company immediately to file for storm-damage claims and document the damage with photos. They do not have to wait until their insurance company makes a decision to take the next steps. The faster an individual files, the faster their recovery can begin. The deadline to register for assistance for Hurricane Zeta is March 15, 2021.
Register with FEMA by:
- Going online at disasterassistance.gov;
- Downloading the FEMA app; or
- Calling the helpline: 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
For those who have previously applied for FEMA assistance for hurricanes Laura and Delta, they will have to register again for Hurricane Zeta assistance. If an individual registered in anticipation of the declaration of Hurricane Zeta, their registration will be processed.
Individuals will need to have the following available when registering:
- A current phone number where they can be contacted;
- Address at the time of the disaster and the address where they are are now staying;
- Social Security number, if available; and
- If insured, the insurance policy number or insurance agent and company.
Disaster assistance may provide temporary help and a place to stay while residents build their own recovery plan. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance, or those who may be underinsured, may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled. Disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost disaster loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover from the effects of the disaster.
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans are available for:
- Businesses of any size and nonprofits for up to $2 million for property damage.
- For small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most nonprofits: up to $2 million for working capital needs even if they had no property damage, with a $2 million maximum loan for any combination of property damage and working-capital needs.
- For homeowners: up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence.
- For homeowners and renters: up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles.
Businesses and residents can apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.
The following parishes are approved by FEMA for Public Assistance:
- Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. Charles Parishes for Public Assistance for debris removal.
- Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana Parishes for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.
For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JeffParishGov).
###
|
Jefferson Parish Public Information Office 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 1002 Jefferson, LA 70123 |
JPALERT – SIGN UP TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERTS |
Gretchen Hirt Gendron, PIO Office: |
