FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2017
Contact: govpress@la.gov

Gov. Edwards and State Officials Preparing for Potential Impact of Tropical Storm Cindy

BATON ROUGE — Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards received the latest updates on Tropical Storm Cindy in the Gulf of Mexico from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and the National Weather Service (NWS). South Louisiana and Southern Mississippi could receive the greatest threat of heavy rain and flash flooding as a result of this storm. GHOSEP is currently being staffed around the clock and is coordinating with state agencies, parish officials and first responders who are putting resources in place for citizens who may need assistance.

“The main threat continues to be the potential for heavy rainfall tonight through Thursday,” said Gov. Edwards. “Is is critically important for everyone to stay informed by your local media, as well as updates being made on social media. Fortunately, we have advance notice and that gives everyone time to put an emergency plans in place. I have every confidence in the emergency officials at the state and local levels who are working non-stop to ensure that the people of our state are protected. My office along with GOHEP will continue to provide updates, and you can also visit Emergency.la.gov for the latest information.

State and parish governments have mobilized various agencies to provide resources when and if needed. The Louisiana National Guard has moved high water vehicles and helicopters into areas that could potentially flood. FEMA is moving 125,000 meals and 200,000 liters of water into the state and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is prepared to support any requests from the affected parishes.

State officials strongly encourage individuals to avoid attempting to cross high water in vehicles.

“Flash flooding continues to be the biggest concern in our discussion with local emergency managers and the National Weather Service,” said GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom. “Some of the projections and possible rainfall totals are the highest we’ve seen since the 2016 August flooding. During that time, the majority of our fatalities dealt with people driving on flooded roadways so we are strongly urging everyone to monitor their travel routes and avoid any hazardous areas.”

GOHSEP is operating 24 hours a day and has also developed an emergency tool kit to help all citizens get prepared. Visit GetAGamePlan.org for more information and download the new Get A Game Plan App on your smartphone.

Here’s how you can “Get A Game Plan”:

• Visit GOHSEP’s www.GetAGamePlan.org.
• Follow @GOHSEP on Twitter.
• Visit www.511la.org for road updates.
• Keep your cellphones charged.
• Monitor your local news.

 

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State Response to Historic Flood Event, AG/FEMA Issue Scam Warnings

BATON ROUGE (March 18, 2016) – The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) continues to coordinate the state’s response to the current flood event impacting much of the state. New reports supplied by parishes indicate more than 11,000 homes have received some type of flood damage. Governor John Bel Edwards’ request that President Barack Obama expand the existing federal declaration for the State of Louisiana to include another three parishes has been granted. Allen, Ascension, and Calcasieu make up the three new parishes included in the president’s declaration. 26 Louisiana parishes are now eligible for Federal assistance. More parishes may be added as part of the recovery process.

Any disaster, unfortunately, results in an increased risk for scams as cleanup and repairs begin. The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office offers this advice to residents impacted by the flooding:

Do not donate to any charity that asks for cash or wired donations and does not provide proof your contribution would be tax-deductible. You may search the IRS website to determine which organizations are eligible to receive tax deductible contributions at https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/.

Be wary of charities that arise immediately after a natural disaster. Learn more about a charity’s trustworthiness on the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance website at http://give.org/.

Insist on a face-to-face transaction with a rental agreement. Visit the physical location of the advertised rental property and know many con artists advertise
rental property on social media sites, requiring the potential renter to wire money.

Get at least three itemized, detailed bids from licensed contractors. Make sure the contractor is licensed through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors at www.lslbc.louisiana.gov.

Always require the contractor show you proof of insurance such as workman’s compensation and general liability insurance. Call that insurer to confirm coverage.

Do not agree to a large down payment. If possible – accompany the contractor to the building supply store, pay for the materials yourself, and have materials delivered directly to jobsite.

Get a guarantee and a contract in writing. Any changes in the contract should be in writing and initialed by both parties.

Always pay contractors by check or money order and keep a receipt. Write all checks to the company, not the individual worker.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises all residents that no individual with a government disaster assistance agency will call or text asking for financial account information. Survivors also should keep in mind that federal and state workers never ask for or accept money and always carry identification badges. There is no fee required to apply for or to get disaster assistance.
Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person. There seems to be no limit to the inventiveness of those wanting to commit fraud. Louisiana residents are asked to remain alert, ask questions and require photo identification when someone claims to represent a government agency. Those who question the validity of a contact or suspect fraud are encouraged to call the toll free FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

GOHSEP urges everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s www.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers.

FEMA will deploy Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams to support the registration of individuals for the Individual Assistance Grant program. Individuals may also register on the web or by phone as follows:
www.disasterassistance.gov
1-800-621-3362
TTY: 1-800-462-7585

You can find the latest information on the state’s response at www.emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information on Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.