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LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish issued the following Hurricane Ida recovery updates for Thursday, October 28.

Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance Extended

· Survivors of Hurricane Ida now have until Nov. 29 to apply for individual assistance with FEMA.

· FEMA assistance for individuals and families affected by Hurricane Ida can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

· The fastest way to apply for FEMA assistance is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Individuals can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply and meet with FEMA specialists in person.

· The Disaster Recovery Centers are located at Frazee-Harris Memorial Library (parking lot) 111 Historic Front Street, Garyville, LA 70051 and Roland Borne, Sr. Memorial Library (parking lot)2979 LA-18, Edgard, LA 70049. Open 9am-6pm Monday-Saturday. The Disaster Recovery Centers are closed today due to high winds.

 

SBA Deadline Extended

· The U.S. Small Business Administration’s deadline to apply for an SBA disaster loan has also been extended to Nov. 29. SBA representatives are available at disaster recovery centers, and businesses and residents can also visit www.SBA.gov/disaster, call SBA’s customer service center at 800-877-8339 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information or to apply.

 

Debris Collection

· To date, more than 751,000 cubic yards of debris has been collected in St. John Parish and over 13,600 loads hauled.

· The Parish is also working closely with State DOTD on debris removal on state highways. DOTD recently activated a call center for questions related to Hurricane debris on state roadways at 800-950-2732. This call center is operating daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. State debris removal progress can also be seen at www.511la.org.

 

No changes from previous update:

Temporary Housing

· To register for the state’s sheltering program or find out what sheltering options are available, visit IdaShelteringla.com or call (844) 268-0301 or for TTY services call (844) 458-1806.

· Please also register for FEMA at disasterassistance.gov.

 

Operation Blue Roof

· If you have questions or concerns regarding your Blue Roof installation, please call 1-888-766-3258.

 

Insurance Information

· Do you have a Hurricane Ida claim dispute with your insurance company? The Louisiana Department of Insurance announced a new program to help: http://ldi.la.gov/news/press-releases/10.19.21-commissioner-donelon-unveils-hurricane-ida-mediation-program-to-resolve-claim-disputes

 

Garbage

· Metro is working to return to regularly scheduled routes. More information at https://metroservicegroup.com/.

 

Disaster Unemployment

· Are you out of work due to Hurricane Ida? Follow these 4 steps to connect with disaster relief job opportunities. Click the link to start the application process http://ow.ly/Wk8g50GncsX

 

Elderly Assistance

· Residents who need elderly assistance should call the Department of Health & Human Services at 985-536-4955 during business hours, 8am-4:30pm daily.

 

Permits

· Permit fees for repairs and renovations due to hurricane damage have been waived until February 28, 2022.

Building permits are not needed for the following types of work:

Shingles, Sheetrock, Cabinetry, Flooring, Fencing, Doors, Siding, Trim and Painting.

Permits are only needed when structural repairs are made to the framing, roof, or electrical components of the house.

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 985-651-5565.

 

Safe Reconnect

· If you sustained damage to your home or business electrical and/or gas systems and the utility was not able to reconnect service, please contact Planning & Zoning at Email safereconnect@stjohn-la.gov or call 985-651-5565.

Stay Connected

· For text alerts, text SJPWEATHER to 888-777

· Parish website: sjbparish.gov

· Parish social media: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

· Government Access Channel (15/99)