Flood 2016: Information For Recovering

Below is information to help you in recovering and preparing to file a claim. You can call us for a free consultation if you have any questions: 225-888-8888.

River Flood Levels

Up-to-minute information.  Click here

Information About FEMA Assistance

FEMA: MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION DECLARED ON 8/14/16 Designated parishes as of 8/16/16:

• Acadia
• Ascension
• East Baton Rouge
• East Feliciana
• Evangeline
• Iberia
• Iberville
• Jefferson Davis
• Lafayette
• Livingston
• Pointe Coupee
• St. Helena
• St. Landry
• St. Martin
• St. Tammany
• Tangipahoa
• Vermillion

Visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) to apply for assistance. Here is a FEMA Assistance Program fact sheet with additional information. Some very important items FEMA will need, to assist you in getting your money, you have to do these steps: *Have your camera time and date option turned on in every picture Download an app that has date/time on it if your phone doesn't have that (search i.e. Timestamp Camera Free) on your smartphone app store.

ADDITIONAL WEBSITE(S)/NUMBERS:

Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness website has numerous links for assistance through many organizations and governmental agencies, including LA Department of Children & Family Services. In additional to FEMA, those affected should also pre-register for a food stamp card called DSNAP (Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) online or via telephone 888-LAHELP-U (888-524-3578). Websites are listed below.

Important Phone Numbers

Government and Emergency Agency Numbers

American Red Cross:	(866) 438-4636
Animal Control:	(225) 774-7700
Baton Rouge Police:	(225) 389-3831
Baton Rouge Fire:	(225) 354-1400
Baton Rouge Shelters:	(866) 438-4636
City of Baker:	(225) 778-0300
City of Central:	(225) 262-5000
City of Zachary:	(225) 654-0026
DEMCO:	(225) 261-1160
DSNAP (Disaster food stamps)	1-888-LA-HELP-U (dcfs.la.gov)
Dept of Public Works:	(225) 389-3158
EBR Sheriff's Office:	(225) 389-5000
EMS:	(225) 389-3300
Entergy:	(800) 968-8243
Gouging Complaints:	(800) 488-2770
Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness:	(225) 925-7500
LA State Police (Road Closures):	(800) 469-4828
LA State Police (Troop A):	(225) 754-8500
Mayor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness:	(225) 389-2100
Special Needs Shelter:	(800) 349-1372
U.S. Geological Survey:	(225) 389-0281

 

Most Common Car Insurance Carriers

Allstate:	(800) 255-7828
Farm Bureau:	(866) 275-7322
Geico:	(800) 861-8380
GoAuto:	(225) 926-7000
Imperial Fire and Casualty:	(800) 860-7777
Liberty Mutual:	(800) 313-8844
Nation General:	(800) 325-1088
Progressive:	(800) 776-4767
Shelter:	(800) 743-5837
State Farm:	(800-782-8332)
The General:	(800) 280-1466
USAA:	(800) 531-8722
US Agencies:	(800) 420-3712

 

Flood Insurance Carriers

Bankers Insurance Group:	(800) 627-0000
	(727) 823-4000
Louisiana Citizens:	(225) 568-6455

 

24 Hour Flight Information

American Airlines:	(800) 223-5436
Delta Airlines:	(800) 325-1999
United Airlines:	(800) 864-8331

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:    James E. Stalls, Jr. Private:    225-346-5117 Public:      225-346-5222 WARNING:  “Storm Chasers” Will Target South Louisiana Baton Rouge, LA, August 15, 2016….In light of the widespread flooding throughout the Baton Rouge area, BBB of South Central Louisiana is warning homeowners affected by the disaster to beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town soliciting businesses & contractors. While not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for Louisiana businesses, offer quick fixes or make outlandish promises they cannot possibly deliver. BBB offers the following tips for victims of the flooding:

• Do your research. Find businesses you can trust at bbb.org/batonrouge.  BBB has business reviews on more than a million home contractors.  You should also check with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, 225-765-2301, which licenses contractors.  It is also recommended that you insist that contractors provide proof of insurance before they begin work.
• Get at least three (3) estimates. Get quotes in writing, don’t accept estimates over the phone, and be wary of very low estimates.  They could set up a “bait and switch” tactic.
• Get a written contract. Make sure it specifies the price, the work to be done and who will do it, the amount of liability insurance coverage maintained by the contractor, and a time frame.
• Resist high-pressure sales. Some storm chasers use tactics such as the “good deal” you’ll get only if you hire the contractor on the spot.  Be pro-active in selecting a contractor and re-active to sales calls on the phone or door-to-door pitches.  Disaster victims should never feel forced to make a hasty decision or to choose an unknown contractor.
• Be especially careful of door-to-door contractors. Many municipalities require a solicitation permit if sales people go door-to-door.  Ask for identification.  Check their vehicle for a business name, phone number and Louisiana license plate.
• Know your rights and responsibilities. Check with your city officials to see what permits contractors need to work on your property.  Check with your insurance carrier to make sure your liability insurance covers falls or injuries to contractors.
• Don’t pay for the job in advance. Be wary of any contractor who demands full or half payment upfront.  Insist that payments be made to the company, not to an individual.
• Pay by credit card, if possible. This may provide you with additional protection if there’s a problem.
• While most contractors abide by the law, be careful allowing someone you do not know to inspect your home damage. An unethical contractor may actually create damage to get work.

BBB also warns local contractors to beware of storm chasers who offer to pay them substantial amounts of money to use the business’s established name, reputation and phone.  They masquerade as local businesses, collect the insurance money and then move on, leaving the real business to deal with unsatisfied customers due to bad workmanship, unfinished work or unfulfilled warranties. Please contact Better Business Bureau at geauxbbb.org or call us in Baton Rouge at 225-346-5222.  We also recommend that you visit our Facebook page for additional flood-related information.  Go to Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana.  This BBB serves the parishes of Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. James, Tangipahoa, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.