News and Media: Disaster 4577

BATON ROUGE, La. – Sandra’s voice smiles as she says she is “so comfortable now” living in a FEMA temporary housing unit on her own property in a remote area of Calcasieu Parish. Her trailer sits on a concrete slab that used to hold her carport. Next to it are the remnants of her old home, destroyed by the two hurricanes. She says, “FEMA saved my life” by helping her return to her own yard. Being forced to live with friends and relatives had left her depressed. Now she feels settled and moving forward with her life.

Survivors of Hurricane Zeta could be eligible for rental assistance for temporary housing through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. FEMA pays rent, including a security deposit, at a place other than your damaged home.

Your rental can be a house, apartment or hotel that can keep you near your job, home, school and place of worship. The assistance includes essential utilities such as electricity and water, but not cable or Internet.

Saturday Feb. 20 is National Love Your Pet Day. Show your pets you love them by having them prepared for the next disaster.


Pets are an important part of our society, and for many an extension of their household and members of the family. Ensuring that your pet is also prepared for a disaster is one vital step in your disaster preparedness. Listed below is how you can prepare your pet for the next disaster or emergency.


Make a plan:

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA’s Community Education and Outreach offers free webinars to help those affected by the recent hurricanes with their recovery.

The webinars will be held Feb. 23 and 25 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The topics are:

Mitigation Overview for Veterans and Military Families. (Feb. 23)

How to Clean Up After a Flood. (Feb. 25)

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Hurricane Zeta survivors in FEMA-designated parishes who suffered losses as a direct result of the storm must register with FEMA for possible financial assistance. The deadline to register is March 15.

Federal assistance includes help for temporary housing, rental assistance and repair or replacement of damaged property.