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  • Squatters invaded house, put it up for sale after owners died Play Video

    April 20, 2023 5:18 PM

    BATON ROUGE - Imagine having a house taken over by squatters. It happened to one Baton Rouge couple who now says the property they inherited is a disaster. Richard Craven and his wife Kristen have found themselves in a bizarre situation. "I don't know what they were thinking,"... more »
  • How to help: Louisiana charities rally to aid tornado victims

    December 16, 2022 6:08 PM

    BATON ROUGE - Numerous charitable groups joined with state and local agencies to help those who lost their homes and other property in this week's tornado outbreak across Louisiana. State leaders said the situation will not likely qualify for federal assistance, so relief is coming from other avenues. ... more »
  • Volunteers from Ascension and Livingston parishes serving hot meals to tornado victims in Kentucky Play Video

    December 21, 2021 5:39 PM

    MAYFIELD, Kentucky - The devastation in Mayfield, Kentucky, is overwhelming. "These people are still staying in shelters whether it's at schools or at VFW Halls or wherever but, the devastation in Mayfield, Kentucky, is just more than you could ever imagine," said St. Amant fire chief, James LeBlanc. ... more »
  • WATCH: Power lines surge as crews battle raging house fire in Baton Rouge Play Video

    December 17, 2021 2:30 PM

    BATON ROUGE - Firefighters were met with massive flames and sparking power lines while responding to a house fire in Baton Rouge Friday. The Baton Rouge Fire Department said the blaze happened around noon at a house on Packard Street near Stutz Street. The department said the fire... more »
  • FEMA disaster fraud catches one woman by surprise, others could be victims Play Video

    October 6, 2021 6:26 PM

    BATON ROUGE - Fraud follows disasters and Hurricane Ida is no different. Some people are finding out that someone is using their names to sign-up for FEMA disaster assistance. One woman, who does not want to be identified, found out it happened to her when FEMA knocked on her... more »
  • FEMA personnel available at Goodwood Library starting this week Play Video

    September 15, 2021 6:22 PM

    BATON ROUGE - The threat from Nicholas is moving out of town and the focus is returning to the recovery from Hurricane Ida. FEMA says it's asking people who need help to sign up. So far, FEMA says it has dispersed $342 million to survivors, that's about 300,000 households.... more »
  • Airlines now operating full schedule of flights out of Baton Rouge airport

    September 2, 2021 2:41 PM

    BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Metro Airport says it's back to hosting a full schedule of flights days after Hurricane Ida shut down the capital area. The airport says it expects to have a limited number of seats available Thursday and Friday, but it expects availability to improve... more »
  • More than 80 New York first responders heading to Baton Rouge

    August 29, 2021 4:35 PM

    BATON ROUGE - More than 80 first responders from New York are on their way to the capital area to assist local authorities once Hurricane Ida passes. New York Police Department said on social media that the group of police officers, firefighters, emergency management officers and K9 units will... more »
  • EBR shelter on Southern University campus now open Play Video

    August 27, 2021 2:44 PM

    BATON ROUGE - As of 6 a.m., Sunday a shelter at the FG Clark Activity Center ( 801 Harding Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA) on Southern University's campus is open in East Baton Rouge Parish. On Saturday, the city-parish said it was planning planning to open two shelters, if... more »
  • Local nun says sisters in need of aid after Haiti earthquake Play Video

    August 16, 2021 7:15 PM

    Nearly 1,300 people were killed and thousands were injured after a 7.2-Magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday. For Sister Martha Abshire with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, this hits close to home. Their convent in Aquin, was damaged in the earthquake. "My heart hit the floor. I... more »
  • Governor Edwards requests a Major Disaster Declaration for Louisiana from President Biden following severe winter weather

    February 26, 2021 10:03 PM

    BATON ROUGE - Due to last week's severe winter weather, Governor John Bel Edwards is asking for a major disaster declaration from President Joe Biden for the state of Louisiana. The impacts of the wintry precipitation and below-freezing temperatures posed a serious threat to the lives of the people... more »
  • Gov. Edwards to provide Hurricane Zeta update at 1 p.m. Play Video

    October 28, 2020 5:37 AM

    BATON ROUGE - As southeast Louisiana prepares for the swiftly-moving Hurricane Zeta to make landfall, Governor John Bel Edwards has moved his 3 p.m. news conference up to 1 p.m. His update will be aired live on WBRZ and WBRZ Plus at that time. It can also be... more »
  • Healing Place Church steps in to help people affected by Hurricane Laura Play Video

    August 29, 2020 11:23 PM

    Volunteers spent their Saturday taking donations for those affected by Hurricane Laura at the Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge. "We're called to serve our city and we're called to serve our neighbor, so that's what we're trying to do," said Men's Pastor, Chris Pumilia . Cases of... more »
  • In ongoing legal battle, judge says I-12 barriers contributed to 2016 flooding in Walker

    June 4, 2020 6:10 PM

    WALKER - A judge says concrete barriers built by state contractors along I-12 exacerbated flooding in part of Livingston Parish in 2016. Court documents filed this week show Judge Richard "Chip" Moore ruled on several motions related to the City of Walker's class-action lawsuit against the state . Among... more »
  • In Puerto Rico, La. soldiers cheer for LSU and help island rebuild Play Video

    October 30, 2017 12:46 PM

    SAN JUAN, Puertro Rico - A Louisiana delegation is checking on state National Guard soldiers and assisting with local government operations in a quick trip to this battered island territory this week. WBRZ is traveling with the group, which includes Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. A team of... more »
  • WBRZ to travel with governor, La. group to Puerto Rico Monday

    October 27, 2017 6:01 PM

    BATON ROUGE – The governor will lead a group from Louisiana to storm-ravaged Puerto Rico next week. WBRZ will be among those traveling with the delegation to capture the stories of Louisianans assisting in the recovery effort. The team will arrive on Puerto Rico Monday. Gov. John... more »
  • EBR schools to receive additional $6.4 million in disaster funds

    July 5, 2017 11:23 AM

    BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge School Board will receive an additional $6.4 million in disaster recovery funds following the August 2016 flood. The funds will reimburse for emergency protective measures at 16 different facilities in East Baton Rouge Parish. Federal funding will also pay... more »
  • FEMA-funded hotel program ending for flooded families

    May 31, 2017 11:53 AM

    BATON ROUGE – FEMA-funded hotel rooms for people who flooded in August ended Wednesday, with anyone left on the program requiring to check out of their rooms or begin paying the costs of housing themselves. FEMA has paid for rooms at area hotels, and in some cases, out-of-town, for... more »
  • Livingston Parish to receive additional $622K for flood recovery

    May 15, 2017 5:06 PM

    BATON ROUGE - FEMA’s Public Assistance program has awarded Livingston Parish an additional $622,000 to assist with emergency protective measures following the 2016 August floods. Disaster funding will reimburse Livingston parish for medical and evacuation costs of nearly 600 inmates as well as for animal rescue and housing services... more »
  • Second disaster hits family within a year, waiting on insurance Play Video

    April 21, 2017 6:33 PM

    DENHAM SPRINGS - First flood then fire. Two disasters a Denham Springs man has lost nearly everything to. During the night of Valentine's Day, John Cooper Fore says his paradise in the making burnt to a crisp. It was a design project years in the making his family had... more »
  • Broome rolls out plan for $11 million disaster recovery

    March 15, 2017 2:04 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced a plan for the $11 million in disaster recovery for Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish. The money was awarded last year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Block Grant funds following the... more »
  • FEMA denies aid to multiple parishes following February tornadoes

    March 1, 2017 4:06 PM

    BATON ROUGE - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has responded to Governor John Bel Edwards' request for federal aid for five parishes following February's tornadoes. In a letter released Wednesday, FEMA informed the governor it authorized individual assistance for both Livingston and Orleans parishes, as well as hazard mitigation... more »
  • FEMA mobile disaster recovery center to open for tornado survivors in Livingston Parish

    February 15, 2017 4:02 PM

    LIVINGSTON – A FEMA mobile disaster recovery center will open on Feb. 16 in Livingston Parish for homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of last week's tornadoes. The mobile recovery center is located at the Livingston Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness... more »
  • Disaster recovery fair to be held in Denham Springs Feb. 18

    February 15, 2017 11:36 AM

    DENHAM SPRINGS – A disaster recovery resource fair will be held in Denham Springs for homeowners and renters. The fair will be held on Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Park Auditorium located at 30372 Eden Road. The event is free to the public.... more »
  • Livingston, Orleans parishes eligible for disaster unemployment aid

    February 13, 2017 11:32 AM

    BATON ROUGE – Disaster unemployment assistance is now available to businesses and residents impacted by last week's tornadoes. President Donald Trump officially granted a disaster declaration request for two Louisiana parishes as a result of a request by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. The Louisiana Workforce Commission is... more »
  • Gov. Edwards requests disaster declaration for 5 parishes following tornadoes

    February 10, 2017 5:59 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Gov. John Bel Edwards sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting a federal disaster declaration for five parishes following tornadoes that struck the area on Feb. 7. Edwards requested the declaration to include assistance for Orleans, Ascension, Livingston, Jefferson and St. James Parishes. The requests... more »
  • Women fraudulently receive thousands in disaster aid following flood

    February 9, 2017 3:20 PM

    BATON ROUGE – Two women have been arrested for fraudulently receiving FEMA funding following the August flood, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry reports. Landry reports that 37-year-old Kimberly Cage and 32-year-old Leslie Munoz Licona were arrested for theft and filing or maintaining false public records. Cage allegedly applied... more »
  • Edwards administration defends flood response Play Video

    January 6, 2017 12:11 AM

    BATON ROUGE- Governor Edwards' Administration pushed back against criticism Thursday that it's too slow in responding to the August flood. Friday Edwards will present the state's first disaster relief program 147 days after the storm. "Only twenty of the days have been in the control of the state," said... more »
  • HUD awards Louisiana $1.2 billion in disaster recovery funds

    December 23, 2016 12:21 PM

    BATON ROUGE – The U.S. Housing and Urban Development awarded Louisiana $1.2 billion to help recovery efforts after historic flooding this year. The agency awarded a total of $1.8 billion to states including Louisiana, West Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida through HUD's Community Development Block Grant-Disaster... more »
  • Stuck in the mud, FEMA trailer sinking Play Video

    December 19, 2016 6:00 PM

    DENHAM SPRINGS - A woman trying to rebuild after the flood says FEMA has her stuck. Her manufactured housing unit is sinking into her front yard and now she's got a mess with few answers. Kerry Efferson says the whole process of getting a MHU on her Denham Springs... more »
  • FEMA disaster recovery centers close; some transition to loan outreach centers Play Video

    December 16, 2016 6:22 PM

    BATON ROUGE – All FEMA disaster recovery centers that have been open since the August flood will close today at 6 p.m. The centers have been a place for residents to receive assistance on how to rebuild. One flood survivor, Jimmy Halford, has been to the centers multiple... more »
  • Remaining disaster recovery centers to close by Friday

    December 13, 2016 2:48 PM

    BATON ROUGE – The remaining FEMA disaster recovery centers will close by Friday, Dec. 16. On Tuesday, Dec. 13, the disaster center at Old Neighbors Bank in Central will close at 6 p.m. Disaster recovery centers in at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Ascension Parish and the... more »
  • EBR disaster recovery center to become disaster loan center

    December 8, 2016 10:50 AM

    BATON ROUGE – The U.S. Small Business Administration is opening a disaster loan outreach center on Monday, Dec. 12 to assist flood survivors. The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Dec. 15. The center will be located at: St. Louis... more »
  • Homes from Bayou Corne donated to tornado victims Play Video

    November 21, 2016 11:52 PM

    Napoleonville- The small community of Paincourtville sits on Bayou Lafourche in northeast Assumption parish, an area still recovering from tornadoes last February. "It completely destroyed the True Value, Lablanc Brothers Cement, the water tower and then a great deal of homes right here," said Brad Collins, a local pastor... more »
  • Disaster recovery center in Baker to close Saturday

    November 19, 2016 3:44 PM

    BAKER – The disaster recovery center located in Baker will close on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. The center is located at the following address: The Council on Aging 3334 Jefferson St. Baker, LA 70714 Assistance from the Small Business Administration has been relocated to the Workforce... more »
  • Ascension Parish disaster recovery center to remain open until Dec. 16

    November 16, 2016 5:41 PM

    ASCENSION – The Ascension Parish disaster recovery center will remain open until Dec. 16, parish officials say. The center, located at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center 4H Building will remain open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Disaster survivors who have registered with FEMA may visit any... more »
  • Free disaster crisis counseling available to flood survivors

    November 14, 2016 11:41 AM

    BATON ROUGE – Officials say that survivors who are still coping with the effects of the August flood and severe weather can take advantage of free disaster crisis counseling available through FEMA and the state of Louisiana. The purpose of the Crisis Counseling Program is to provide survivors with... more »
  • Two Livingston Parish disaster recovery centers to close Nov. 15

    November 11, 2016 3:08 PM

    LIVINGSTON – Two Livingston Parish disaster recovery centers will close at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15. One of the centers closing is located at the St. Joseph Catholic Church at 15710 La Highway 16 in French Settlement. A second center is closing at the Sidney Hutchinson Park located at... more »
  • Iberia Parish disaster recovery center closing Nov. 14

    November 10, 2016 5:13 PM

    NEW IBERIA – The Iberia Pairsh disaster recovery center at the Fire Protection District Training Center will close at 6 p.m. on Nov. 14. The center is located at the Iberia Parish Fire Protection District Training Center at 2417 Darnall Road. Officials say that the need for the disaster... more »
  • Family living in garage, losing hope waiting for MHU Play Video

    November 9, 2016 6:32 PM

    ZACHARY - A family says they're losing hope since they have been waiting for their FEMA trailer since the first week of September. Sally Maness and her family are living in the garage of their Zachary home while they rebuild. "It's like living in a nightmare," she said.... more »
  • Disaster recovery center in EBR moving to new location

    November 9, 2016 11:23 AM

    BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge Parish disaster recovery center in Central is moving to a new location. The disaster recovery center is currently located at the following address: Central Parking Lot 13421 Hooper Road Central, LA 70818 The new location for the center will be... more »
  • Disaster recovery resource fair to be held in Ascension Nov. 12

    November 4, 2016 12:28 PM

    ASCENSION – A resource fair for disaster recovery will be held in Ascension Parish for homeowners and renters who were impacted by the August flood. The fair will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Trade Mart Building at the Lamar-Dixon Expo... more »
  • EBR disaster recovery center to close Oct. 20

    October 18, 2016 5:46 PM

    BATON ROUGE – The FEMA disaster recovery center in East Baton Rouge Parish is closing on Oct. 20. The center, located at the Zachary Men's Club on Rollins Road, will close at 6 p.m. Officials say that the need for the center has diminished and will result in... more »
  • Disaster resource fair to be held for flood victims

    October 13, 2016 12:58 PM

    BATON ROUGE – A disaster recovery resource fair for homeowners and renters who were impacted by the flooding that devastated the state in August. The fair will be a "one stop shop" for information and resources from federal, state and other agencies to assist residents in their recovery efforts.... more »
  • Sinkhole situation over four years after it developed; Evacuations lifted

    October 7, 2016 3:21 PM

    BAYOU CORNE – The infamous area surrounding a four-year-old sinkhole has been deemed no longer a risk, Assumption Parish authorities announced Friday afternoon. The so-called Bayou Corne Sinkhole opened up along Highway 70 in 2012 when a salt dome collapsed under the bayou. All areas once part of... more »
  • FEMA sends blank denial letter Play Video

    October 4, 2016 11:53 PM

    CENTRAL- Flood survivor Thomas Maloy has jumped through all sorts of hoops trying to get federal aid. But it was the FEMA denial letter he received Tuesday that hit him like a bad joke. "I've been going back and forth with FEMA and then I got this wonderful letter... more »
  • SBA to open disaster loan outreach center in Iberville Parish

    September 16, 2016 9:54 AM

    BATON ROUGE – The U.S. Small Business Administration is opening a disaster loan outreach center on Monday, Sept. 19, in Iberville Parish to assist flood victims. The center will be at the East Iberville Gym located at 3285 Highway 75 in St. Gabriel and will be open from 9... more »
  • FEMA disaster recovery center opens in St. James Parish

    September 15, 2016 10:07 AM

    BATON ROUGE – A FEMA disaster recovery center is opening Thursday in St. James Parish to assist flood victims. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. The center is located at the New Zion Gospel Baptist Church located at... more »
  • FEMA: federal aid to flooded Louisiana has passed $1 billion

    September 9, 2016 3:01 PM

    BATON ROUGE – FEMA reports that federal aid to help disaster survivors has surpassed $1 billion less than four weeks after historic flooding devastated south Louisiana. FEMA says more than 63,000 families are receiving assistance through one or more of the housing options available. The agency approved more... more »
  • Mobile disaster recovery center opens in Livingston Parish for flood victims

    September 5, 2016 2:48 PM

    BATON ROUGE – A mobile disaster recovery center has opened in Livingston Parish to assist flood victims. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. The center is located at the following address: Recreation Center at Sidney Hutchinson Park... more »
  • Deadline for disaster unemployment assistance extended

    September 1, 2016 11:20 AM

    BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Workforce Commission is extending the disaster unemployment assistance application period to Oct. 14 for those who have been affected by the recent historic flooding. Parishes included in the application period are: Acadia, Ascension, Avoyelles, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis,... more »
  • Sound stage used for Tom Cruise production now flood recovery center

    August 31, 2016 12:41 PM

    BATON ROUGE - It once played host to Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Tom Cruise and many others but Wednesday, Stage 6 at Celtic Media Centre was the set of a reality series too many are living: life in a rebuilding, post-flood world. FEMA opened a Disaster Recovery Center inside... more »
  • FEMA answers questions at community meeting

    August 29, 2016 10:55 PM

    BATON ROUGE - A Town Hall meeting took place Friday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church to discuss and answer questions regarding flood relief. State Representatives Paula Davis and Ted James hosted the meeting with the Sherwood Forest Citizens Association and Crime and Improvement District. Rep. James said... more »
  • Office hours extended to accept disaster unemployment claims

    August 25, 2016 11:51 AM

    BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Workforce Commission announced extended office hours for their call-center to accept disaster unemployment assistance claims. LWC staff members will answer calles made to 1-866-783-5567 and assist those who file for disaster unemployment assistance from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. until further notice. Individuals... more »
  • More FEMA disaster recovery centers open Friday Play Video

    August 24, 2016 7:57 PM

    BATON ROUGE - FEMA says more disaster recovery centers will open Thursday in East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston and St. Landry parishes. FEMA says more disaster recovery centers will open Friday in Iberville, Livingston and Vermilion parishes. The centers will be open from 8 a.m. to... more »
  • 10 tax questions asked during a disaster

    August 23, 2016 6:34 PM

    BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Revenue has compiled a list of the ten most frequently asked tax questions on disaster recovery. Here they are: · Money donated to a GoFundMe or other crowdfunding website to benefit flood victims is it tax deductible? Or do I owe... more »
  • Get free legal advice during the flood aftermath

    August 22, 2016 11:50 AM

    BATON ROUGE - Flood victims can access free legal advice to help guide them through the recovery process. Victims will have a lot of questions and this service is aimed at getting answers. Here are examples of the legal assistance available: · Help securing FEMA and other... more »
  • Emergency Rule 27: Insurance during a disaster

    August 22, 2016 11:48 AM

    BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has issued what is known as Emergency Rule 27 - an order to protect residents who live in parishes that will receive a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government because of the flood. Here is what it means for you:... more »
  • FEMA to open more disaster recovery centers Monday

    August 20, 2016 7:38 PM

    BATON ROUGE – FEMA will open three more disaster recovery centers in East Baton Rouge, Tangipahoa and West Feliciana parishes Monday. FEMA opened two disaster recovery centers in Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes Sunday. The centers will open at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice... more »
  • MREs, water available in EBR until further notice

    August 20, 2016 10:06 AM

    BATON ROUGE – City-parish officials are making supplies available to parish residents until further notice. Points of Distribution, or POD, centers will open at Miracle Place Church, Healing Place Church, First Pentecostal Church and the Greenwell Springs Library. The National Guard will distribute MREs, water and ice. Soldiers... more »
  • More ZIP codes approved for Phase one of DSNAP

    August 19, 2016 3:42 PM

    BATON ROUGE – State Officials announced Friday the locations where residents in eight parishes can apply for DSNAP benefits next week. According to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, the first of three phases begins Monday, Aug. 22, through Saturday Aug. 27. Phase One includes eight parishes.... more »

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