WBRZ https://www.wbrz.com/ WBRZ Storm resources Storm resources en-us Copyright 2025, WBRZ. All Rights Reserved. Feed content is not avaialble for commercial use. () () Fri, 19 Dec 2025 HH:12:ss GMT Synapse CMS 10 WBRZ https://www.wbrz.com/ 144 25 City-Parish debris removal crews to make final pass by November 21 https://www.wbrz.com/news/city-parish-debris-removal-crews-to-make-final-pass-by-november-21/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/city-parish-debris-removal-crews-to-make-final-pass-by-november-21/ Storm resources Wed, 17 Nov 2021 12:25:07 PM Paula Jones City-Parish debris removal crews to make final pass by November 21

BATON ROUGE - Remnants of Hurricane Ida's presence in East Baton Rouge (EBR) linger, but local government representatives say it won't be long before all such unsightly piles of Hurricane-related debris are removed. 

City-Parish debris removal crews are making their third and final pass to collect storm debris from Hurricane Ida throughout the week of November 15, according to a Wednesday morning news release from the Office of EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome.

More than 918,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected to date and crews are expected to complete their final pass by Sunday, November 21.

The mayor's office says residents do not need to contact the City-Parish to collect their storm debris, as City-Parish environmental specialists and debris monitors are directing crews to locations where debris removal piles have been placed curbside. 

Additionally, during this final pass, officials ask that only storm-related debris be placed in curbside piles. City-Parish officials say contractors, such as those providing tree services to residents, should not place their accumulated debris curbside. 

After November 21, Republic Services will continue to pick up regular bulky and woody waste collection services for all residents in the City of Baton Rouge and unincorporated areas of East Baton Rouge Parish, including any storm debris residents are unable to place curbside by November 21.


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FEMA to close Disaster Recovery Center in St. James Parish https://www.wbrz.com/news/fema-to-close-disaster-recovery-center-in-st-james-parish/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/fema-to-close-disaster-recovery-center-in-st-james-parish/ Storm resources Tue, 9 Nov 2021 5:30:58 AM WBRZ Staff FEMA to close Disaster Recovery Center in St. James Parish

CONVENT - The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, located in the Convent Senior Center at 5775 Hwy 44, Convent, will permanently close Thursday, November 18.

FEMA officials notified St. James Parish Emergency Management staff that this closure is due to the decreased number of visitors to the recovery center.

The average number of visitors has reached below the required FEMA threshold.

Residents in need of assistance with filing claims, or to check the status of an existing claim, are encouraged to visit the DRC in Convent before Thursday, November 18th for in-person assistance.

Additional assistance can be found by visiting disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.


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City-Parish debris removal crews expected to complete final pass by Thanksgiving https://www.wbrz.com/news/city-parish-debris-removal-crews-expected-to-complete-final-pass-by-thanksgiving/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/city-parish-debris-removal-crews-expected-to-complete-final-pass-by-thanksgiving/ Storm resources Tue, 2 Nov 2021 10:41:59 AM WBRZ Staff City-Parish debris removal crews expected to complete final pass by Thanksgiving

BATON ROUGE - According to a Tuesday news release from the office of EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, City-Parish debris removal crews have so far completed their first parish-wide pass and collected over 860,000 cubic yards of storm debris from Hurricane Ida.

The news release said crews are now conducting their second and third comprehensive passes in all neighborhoods impacted by the storm.

Trucks are collecting debris along residential roadways in the City of Baton Rouge, and unincorporated areas of East Baton Rouge Parish.

City-Parish officials anticipate crews completing all final passes by Thanksgiving. 

Officials say debris removal crews and trucks will remain fully operational in addressing residents’ debris removal needs. 

The City-Parish will begin transitioning bulky and woody waste collection services to Republic Services as crews complete their third and final pass.

City-Parish environmental specialists and debris monitors continue to assess damages on every street in impacted areas and direct trucks to debris removal piles. 

Residents are encouraged to continue organizing their storm debris into separate piles, as crews cannot collect storm debris that is mixed with other household trash or types of debris.

For more information and to track the status of the City-Parish’s Hurricane Ida debris removal program, visit brla.gov/idadebris.


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Final pass for debris removal on EBR state routes to take place Wednesday https://www.wbrz.com/news/final-pass-for-debris-removal-on-ebr-state-routes-to-take-place-wednesday/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/final-pass-for-debris-removal-on-ebr-state-routes-to-take-place-wednesday/ Storm resources Tue, 2 Nov 2021 5:05:37 AM WBRZ Staff Final pass for debris removal on EBR state routes to take place Wednesday

BATON ROUGE - According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the final pass of Hurricane Ida debris removal in East Baton Rouge Parish will take place Wednesday, November 3. 

Debris removal operations from only state highways will be complete in East Baton Rouge Parish after this pass.

DOTD asks that residents keep hurricane debris out of the roadway and out of the line of sight for motorists.

Officials also request that debris not be placed in ditches or on street corners.

DOTD is encouraging residents to follow the suggestions below to assist in the debris removal process:

-State contractors are only able to remove debris from state right-of-way.

-Do not push debris into the roadway. Multiple sweeps will allow debris that cannot fit at one time to be removed.

-Please don’t put debris on power lines, fire hydrants, utility stub-outs, or anything that would hinder the claw that grabs the debris. Multiple sweeps will pick up what may not fit initially.

-Construction and demolition debris, as well as vegetative debris, are some of the items traditionally picked up first.

-Debris on commercial, agricultural, and undeveloped properties will not be removed.

-Dark-colored bagged debris will not be removed.

-Certain debris, such as refrigerators and freezers, engines, and other materials that have to be disposed of in a different manner may be picked up at a separate time and/or sweep.

DOTD is also reminding citizens that debris removal progress can be seen at www.511la.org. 

The page is updated daily at 6:00 am to reflect data from the previous day following disposal of debris material. 

Debris removal information on local roadways in East Baton Rouge can be found at the EBR Hurricane Ida Debris Pick-up Status page.


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Last chance for Ascension residents to sign up for hurricane debris pick-up https://www.wbrz.com/news/last-chance-for-ascension-residents-to-sign-up-for-hurricane-debris-pick-up/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/last-chance-for-ascension-residents-to-sign-up-for-hurricane-debris-pick-up/ Storm resources Tue, 19 Oct 2021 5:36:00 PM WBRZ Staff Last chance for Ascension residents to sign up for hurricane debris pick-up

Debris pick-up from Hurricane Ida will soon wrap up in Ascension Parish.

The deadline to register for the final round of pick-ups is Monday, Oct. 25.

"We really do feel like we will complete all of the debris pick-up by the end of October," Ascension Parish Communication Director Martin McConnell said.

So far, the parish has picked up 320,000 cubic yards of debris. The pick-up crews are working seven days a week to get the job done.

"We are going to pick up every stick of debris that is in the parish," McConnell said.

Residents can register for the pick-up here. Those without internet can call the citizen service center at (225) 450-1200.


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State program to help homeowners struggling with insurance disputes after Ida https://www.wbrz.com/news/state-program-to-help-homeowners-struggling-with-insurance-disputes-after-ida/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/state-program-to-help-homeowners-struggling-with-insurance-disputes-after-ida/ Storm resources Mon, 18 Oct 2021 4:49:20 PM WBRZ Staff State program to help homeowners struggling with insurance disputes after Ida

BATON ROUGE - Homeowners fighting with insurance companies over Hurricane Ida damage claims can now seek help from the state.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance announced a new mediation program Monday that will be available to policyholders and be able to help with residential insurance claims of up to $50,000.

You can read more details on the program here.

Find more storm resources here.


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FEMA taking applications for gravesite repairs after Hurricane Ida https://www.wbrz.com/news/fema-taking-applications-for-gravesite-repairs-after-hurricane-ida/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/fema-taking-applications-for-gravesite-repairs-after-hurricane-ida/ Storm resources Thu, 14 Oct 2021 12:45:08 PM WBRZ Staff FEMA taking applications for gravesite repairs after Hurricane Ida

BATON ROUGE - FEMA is offering federal help to repair graves damaged by Hurricane Ida. 

The agency said Thursday that those with loved ones whose graves were damaged during the storm could be eligible for financial assistance if they meet the following criteria

- The damage to the grave site or above-ground vault occurred as a result of Hurricane Ida.

- The damage took place in one of the 25 designated parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.

-The grave or vault was in a privately owned, licensed cemetery or burial facility and the reburial costs are the legal responsibility of an individual and not the cemetery.

Reburial assistance may include: 

- Transfer of remains, including locating, gathering, and identifying displaced caskets

- Caskets, containers, vaults, or urns that were damaged

- Burial plot

- Markers or headstones that were damaged due to unearthed remains

- Necessary costs related to identifying remains

- Gravesite – necessary work to rebury

Apply for assistance here.


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Oct. 8 last day to call Crisis Cleanup Hotline https://www.wbrz.com/news/oct-8-last-day-to-call-crisis-cleanup-hotline/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/oct-8-last-day-to-call-crisis-cleanup-hotline/ Storm resources Fri, 8 Oct 2021 4:07:55 AM WBRZ Staff Oct. 8 last day to call Crisis Cleanup Hotline

BATON ROUGE - As residents in the capital area continue to recover from the damaging impact of Hurricane Ida, FEMA continues to provide support to survivors.

October 8 is the last day to call FEMA's Crisis Cleanup Hotline.

The hotline is for survivors who need help with clean up and removal of damage from Hurricane Ida and it will connect them with volunteers, local relief organizations and faith and community groups to help with cutting fallen trees; removing drywall, flooring and appliances; tarping roofs; and mold mitigation.

Interested individuals should call 844-965-1386 to request assistance.

Hurricane Ida survivors planning to appeal a FEMA decision should keep the following helpful info in mind:

-Send an appeal letter to FEMA within 60 days of the date of the determination letter.

-Carefully read FEMA’s letter to understand what the agency requests.

-Include evidence to support an appeal request such as: ? Letters from your insurance company to support your case.

     > A copy of a utility bill or driver’s license to show proof of occupancy.

     > A copy of your mortgage or insurance documents to show proof you own your home. 

-Remember to sign and date the appeal, and include the nine-digit FEMA application number, the disaster number (DR-4611-LA) and documents that would be considered proof.


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FEMA representatives go door-to-door to help Ida survivors apply for assistance https://www.wbrz.com/news/fema-representatives-go-door-to-door-to-help-ida-survivors-apply-for-assistance/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/fema-representatives-go-door-to-door-to-help-ida-survivors-apply-for-assistance/ Storm resources Tue, 5 Oct 2021 6:11:25 AM WBRZ Staff FEMA representatives go door-to-door to help Ida survivors apply for assistance

BATON ROUGE-  There's still time for survivors of Hurricane Ida to file a claim with FEMA, but the window of time allowing for such applications will soon come to a close. 

To assist, FEMA has launched what it calls a 'canvassing' initiative. It brings face-to-face assistance right to the doorsteps of homeowners across the state. 

The community outreach program is designed to reach those who may have transportation troubles that prevent them from traveling to one of FEMA's sites and to those who lack internet access and subsequently lack access to FEMA's online application opportunities. 

WBRZ's Dana DiPiazza spoke with one local in a north Baton Rouge neighborhood who was eager to see FEMA workers assist people right in his own neighborhood, on his very street.

He told DiPiazza he hadn't even realized he could apply to receive assistance in replacing what he'd lost during Hurricane Ida.

But as he stood in his driveway, FEMA representatives were able to help him file a claim.

The representatives can also help those who've already filed by checking on the status of their applications or assist them in filing an appeal if they were denied.

While this door-to-door initiative is helpful to some, there's currently no way to check and see if FEMA representatives will be in your neighborhood next.

In any case, the Disaster Relief Sites where individuals can apply in person are still up and running; to find the site closest to you, visit the DRC Locator website here. 

Those wishing to apply for assistance with FEMA have until October 28 to do so.


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Louisiana opens temporary housing program for Hurricane Ida victims https://www.wbrz.com/news/louisiana-opens-temporary-housing-program-for-hurricane-ida-victims/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/louisiana-opens-temporary-housing-program-for-hurricane-ida-victims/ Storm resources Mon, 4 Oct 2021 2:33:03 PM WBRZ Staff Louisiana opens temporary housing program for Hurricane Ida victims

BATON ROUGE - The state is opening a program that will provide temporary housing for storm victims in areas hit hardest by Hurricane Ida.

Governor John Bel Edwards said in a statement Monday that the program will provide travel trailers and other housing options to people living in heavily impacted parishes who don't have viable shelter locations.

The state said FEMA approved the program to provide safe, non-congregate housing for storm victims during the pandemic.

Applications for the program can be found here. 

Read the full announcement from the state below.

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that the state of Louisiana, through the Governor’s Office Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, is opening the Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program, which will provide temporary housing, like travel trailers, to people in heavily impacted parishes where other sheltering options are currently unavailable. Those whose homes were destroyed or currently unlivable can begin registering for the program today by either visiting www.Idashelteringla.com or calling (844) 268-0301.

Louisiana’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program was authorized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide safe non-congregate sheltering due to the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is intended to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus among households while allowing individuals and families to live as closely as possible as they repair their damaged homes. The goal is to have the first state-owned travel trailers staged in the designated parishes within the week as teams begin assessing both group and private location sites.

Louisiana’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program is designed to complement, not replace, other housing options such as travel trailers, hotels and mobile homes offered through FEMA.
“There is no doubt that there are people currently living in unsafe or unsanitary housing because of Hurricane Ida, which is not acceptable. Housing is the biggest challenge facing those affected by this devastating storm, and our state-run sheltering program is a safe, creative, temporary solution to get more people closer to their homes as they rebuild,” Gov. Edwards said. “I’m grateful to FEMA’s flexibility in working with us to purchase travel trailers as an interim solution to help survivors while other efforts, including work by FEMA, are ongoing. Last week, Congress and the White House approved billions in federal Community Development Block Grant funding for Louisiana and other states to address damage caused by recent storms. In Louisiana, we intend to direct much of our share of the funding to housing recovery for people affected by Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Zeta and Ida.”

The program offers non-congregate sheltering, which is different from traditional sheltering options to provide a living space that offers some level of privacy. Sheltering options may include hotels, base camps, crew barges or recreational vehicles (RVs), including travel trailers that typically hitch to an existing vehicle. While this program is funded through FEMA, it is run entirely by the state.

To register for the program or find out what sheltering options are available in affected parishes visit IdaShelteringla.com or call (844) 268-0301 or for TTY services call (844) 458-1806.

Residents can check the availability of shelters in their areas by texting LAShelter to 898211 or dial 211 to locate a shelter or by visiting www.getagameplan.org.

After receiving federal approval from FEMA, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness issued an emergency procurement request that resulted in the hiring of APTIM on September 24, 2021. Last week, the state issued its first purchase order for travel trailers for the program. The program is federally funded through the FEMA Public Assistance program, which means the federal government will cover 90 percent of the costs.


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Residents in Baker encouraged to gather last of vegetative storm debris, place at curb https://www.wbrz.com/news/residents-in-baker-encouraged-to-gather-last-of-vegetative-storm-debris-place-at-curb/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/residents-in-baker-encouraged-to-gather-last-of-vegetative-storm-debris-place-at-curb/ Storm resources Fri, 1 Oct 2021 12:12:12 PM WBRZ Staff Residents in Baker encouraged to gather last of vegetative storm debris, place at curb

BAKER - The City of Baker issued a news release Friday reminding locals to put their remaining Hurricane Ida vegetative debris at the curb by Sunday, Oct. 3.

This is imperative as Monday is the final pass for storm debris collection.

Local officials say any other type of garbage should not be mixed with, or placed in the pile of garbage placed at the curb; inappropriate debris will not be picked up.


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Blue Roof program sign-up deadline extended for Hurricane Ida victims https://www.wbrz.com/news/blue-roof-program-sign-up-deadline-extended-for-hurricane-ida-victims/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/blue-roof-program-sign-up-deadline-extended-for-hurricane-ida-victims/ Storm resources Wed, 29 Sep 2021 12:35:34 PM WBRZ Staff Blue Roof program sign-up deadline extended for Hurricane Ida victims

BATON ROUGE - The sign-up period for the federal program that supplies blue tarps to storm-damaged homes has been extended for those impacted by Hurricane Ida. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Wednesday that the application period for the program was extended to Oct. 15. The original deadline for those affected by the storm was Sept. 30.

Residents in the following 25 parishes are eligible for the program: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.

The USACE Mobile Communication Vehicle (MCV) will assist residents in applying for the program from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the following locations:

- Belle Rose Library Parking Lot (October 1)

- Labadieville Middle School Parking Lot (October 2)

- In front of the Assumption Parish Courthouse (October 3)

You can apply here. 


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EBR debris removal expected to proceed following brief interruption due to weather https://www.wbrz.com/news/ebr-debris-removal-expected-to-proceed-following-brief-interruption-due-to-weather/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/ebr-debris-removal-expected-to-proceed-following-brief-interruption-due-to-weather/ Storm resources Wed, 29 Sep 2021 7:10:59 AM WBRZ Staff EBR debris removal expected to proceed following brief interruption due to weather

BATON ROUGE - A brief pause in Baton Rouge's removal of post-Hurricane Ida debris occurred Tuesday due to weather conditions in the capital area.

Kelvin Hill, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer said, "We can't control what mother nature does. We just control how we plan, react, and respond to that. We have a good plan. We keep the drivers safe. We pull the drivers off the streets during bad weather and put them back out there when they can get out there."

Despite yesterday's temporary pause, the city-parish's contracted workers have already picked up 440,000 cubic yards of debris, which is ten percent more than they expected to have accomplished by this date. 

Hill spoke with confidence as he told WBRZ, "We certainly thought this effort would take us about 12 weeks and we're three weeks in, so it's really not the time to be concerned. we'll get to everybody, we'll get the debris collected. So if they'll have patience, we'll get around to them and we'll get it collected.

Workers are picking up debris at a rate of about 27,000 cubic yards on a daily basis.

>Click here to view a map of Hurricane Ida Debris Pickup Status provided by the city-parish< 

The contractors are still on their first pass and Week Three of an estimated 12-week process. 

It is estimated that there are still about 250-300,000 more cubic yards to be collected. This is a fair amount of work but officials are confident that, with about 90 units on the roads and crews working seven days a week, workers are up to the task. 

Trucks are in every zone that has been identified for collections and they aren't taking it one problem at a time, instead they are tackling multiple issues all at once.

While some parishes don't have the luxury of spreading out resources and instead, must focus all resources on harder-hit areas, East Baton Rouge is able to send crews to various parts of the parish daily. This implies that work can take place at a quicker pace. 

After Tuesday's brief pause in activity due to stormy weather, it is anticipated that crews will hit the ground running Wednesday. 

To help these workers out, residents are asked to separate their construction material from vegetative debris. This makes it easier for workers to pick up. 


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'Hot Foods' waiver extended through October 28 for Ida survivors https://www.wbrz.com/news/hot-foods-waiver-extended-through-october-28-for-ida-survivors/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/hot-foods-waiver-extended-through-october-28-for-ida-survivors/ Storm resources Wed, 29 Sep 2021 3:22:19 AM WBRZ Staff 'Hot Foods' waiver extended through October 28 for Ida survivors

BATON ROUGE - Louisiana received a waiver extension allowing recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Disaster SNAP (DSNAP) and Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits to use to purchase “hot” or prepared foods through October 28, 2021.

Normally, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase “hot food products prepared for immediate consumption.” But officials realize that waiving this restriction is vital in the aftermath of a storm such as Hurricane Ida, where many residents are displaced and cannot access a kitchen to prepare their meals.

The waiver extension, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Nutrition Service and granted September 26, allows SNAP recipients to use their benefits to buy prepared foods available at any retailer that accepts EBT cards in Louisiana. Restaurant purchases are still prohibited.

More information about the “hot foods” waiver can be found at http://dcfs.la.gov/hotfoods.

For more information about DSNAP, visit http://dcfs.la.gov/dsnap.


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Livingston Parish sets date for post-hurricane debris pick up https://www.wbrz.com/news/livingston-parish-sets-date-for-post-hurricane-debris-pick-up/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/livingston-parish-sets-date-for-post-hurricane-debris-pick-up/ Storm resources Tue, 28 Sep 2021 5:10:08 AM WBRZ Staff Livingston Parish sets date for post-hurricane debris pick up

LIVINGSTON PARISH - Livingston Parish will begin picking up Construction & Demolition debris on Monday, October 4th, as well as vegetative debris.

Officials ask that the piles be separated, adding that if vegetative and C&D are combined in anyway it will not be picked up.

The debris contractor will be making several passes on every Parish road, excluding those in the city limits of Denham Springs and State highways.

The City of Denham Springs has their own debris contractor within city limits and DOTD has a contractor for State highways.


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Louisiana Department of Health reopens select oyster beds after Hurricane Ida closures https://www.wbrz.com/news/louisiana-department-of-health-reopens-select-oyster-beds-after-hurricane-ida-closures/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/louisiana-department-of-health-reopens-select-oyster-beds-after-hurricane-ida-closures/ Storm resources Mon, 27 Sep 2021 8:29:43 AM WBRZ Staff Louisiana Department of Health reopens select oyster beds after Hurricane Ida closures

The Louisiana Department of Health reopened oyster beds in areas 6 through 8 and 11 through 28 at sunrise Monday.  

They were previously closed due to Hurricane Ida.

Click here to view the closure order, signed by State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter and LDH Secretary Dr. Courtney N. Phillips.

More information about LDH’s Molluscan Shellfish Program can be found here.


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FEMA specialists on hand at hardware stores helping those in search of assistance https://www.wbrz.com/news/fema-specialists-on-hand-at-hardware-stores-helping-those-in-search-of-assistance/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/fema-specialists-on-hand-at-hardware-stores-helping-those-in-search-of-assistance/ Storm resources Sun, 26 Sep 2021 3:34:22 PM Taylor Rubach FEMA specialists on hand at hardware stores helping those in search of assistance

BATON ROUGE - FEMA representatives are on hand, helping provide assistance to those still searching for answers.

FEMA mitigation specialists set up at the Lowes on Millerville Road on Sunday, looking to help anyone still in need of federal aid. 

"A lot of them need help with, they got flooded and most people here have already registered with FEMA and we just direct them how to follow up on it. Because a lot of them will say 'well, we applied for help, but we haven't heard anything.' And sometimes you got to follow up," said Karl Fredericks, a Hazard Mitigation Grant Specialist for FEMA.

Cathy Comeaux owns properties in Baton Rouge. She stopped by for tips on rebuilding.

"We had a fence come down, we had a couple of trees at a property we managed. So, we had a few things," Comeaux said. "We're just working on all of it. We've already poured some more concrete. We've already put up fences. I must've put up 500 feet of fence."

Catherine Keithahn has been with FEMA since 2009 and says it's been a passion helping others, especially those who have fallen on hard times.

"When you come across that situation, listening is the most important part of this gig, you know? You have to listen and look between the lines. She needs more assistance. She needs more help. She needs some heart help, and I'm going to hook her up. I've got her name and number, and I'm going to find crisis counseling for her," Keithahn said.

FEMA specialists will stay on hand at the Millerville Lowe's until Sept. 29.


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Coast Guard, US Army Corps continue to address waterways impacted by Hurricane Ida https://www.wbrz.com/news/coast-guard-us-army-corps-continue-to-address-waterways-impacted-by-hurricane-ida/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/coast-guard-us-army-corps-continue-to-address-waterways-impacted-by-hurricane-ida/ Storm resources Sat, 25 Sep 2021 9:52:08 PM WBRZ Staff Coast Guard, US Army Corps continue to address waterways impacted by Hurricane Ida

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard announced Saturday that it continues to respond to impacts to the waterways and assess the environmental threats across Southeast Louisiana Saturday, post-Hurricane Ida.

In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), the Coast Guard is continuing efforts to re-open waterways impacted by Hurricane Ida in the areas of Bayou Lafourche, Houma Navigation Canal, and portions of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

Obstructions to the affected waterways are being identified and removed to restore the area to pre-storm conditions.

To date, 85 obstructions, comprised primarily of fishing vessels, crew vessels, houseboats, and offshore supply vessels, have been identified in the Bayou Lafourche channel.

As of Sept. 19, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deemed all obstructions on the Houma Navigation Canal to be removed.

Updates to areas that the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army Corps are addressing are listed below.

Bayou Lafourche and Port Fourchon

Bayou Lafourche is closed north of Leeville. U.S. Coast Guard crews from the Hurricane Ida Incident Command Post Houma and U.S. Coast Guard Salvage Emergency Response Team are coordinating with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage (SUPSALV), and the Port Director of Port Fourchon to assess sunken and damaged vessels and other waterway obstructions prior to commencing salvage and removal operations.

Conducting these efforts will help to protect the environment from oil and hazardous material threats, reopen the waterways, and increase the flow of commerce to the region.

Houma Navigation Canal

The Houma Navigation Canal is fully open without restrictions. The Terrebonne Parish Levee and Conservation District completed repairs to the Bubba Dove floodgate and width restrictions at the floodgate have been lifted.

Gulf Intracoastal Waterway

The Coast Guard is working with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to mitigate severe shoaling and obstructions in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, a vital commerce link for barge traffic for the entire Gulf Coast. The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is closed from mile marker 18-20 due to shoaling, and from mile marker 21-33 as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be conducting dredging operations. The Port Allen alternate route is open for marine traffic.

Local Waterways

As a result of Hurricane Ida, many local waterways are still obstructed by debris and potential sunken hazards. The U.S. Coast Guard is continuing to assess local waterways for obstructions and severe shoaling, resulting in some narrowed channels, and that are critical for local commercial fishing industry. All mariners must continue to check in with VTS Berwick Bay at mile marker 110 on the Atchafalaya River.

Aids to Navigation Restoration 

As of 5 p.m. Friday:

-14 Coast Guard units, comprised of Coast Guard cutter crews and Aids to Navigation Teams, are restoring damaged or destroyed navigational aids in heavily-impacted waterways as a result of Hurricane Ida.

-Of the 408 damaged or offline aids to navigation, 366 aids to navigation have been fully restored or have temporary corrections, which is nearly 90% of those identified.

Barataria Bay Waterway

As of 5 p.m. Friday:

-Aids to Navigation Teams from Morgan City and Dulac are restoring aids that are damaged or offline in the Grand Isle/Barataria Bay region as a result of Hurricane Ida.

-68 of the 86 navigational aids were damaged or destroyed in the Barataria Waterway, Barataria Channel, and Bayou Rigaud, which is 79% of all navigational signals in these waterways.

-Nearly 89% of aids to navigation in these waterways have been temporarily or permanently corrected.

Pollution Response

To date, the Coast Guard has currently assessed 2,495 reports of pollution. Of the 2,495 reports, there are:

-2,477 reports that have been closed or transferred to appropriate jurisdictions,

-317 reports where the reports were unverified as there was no remaining evidence of pollution on-site,

-312 reports where the Coast Guard is actively supervising the mitigation efforts that are being carried out by responsible parties,

-18 reports are under investigation by the Coast Guard.

Officials say these numbers will change as the environmental response teams continue to assess and reprioritize targets. Anyone who sees pollution is encouraged to contact the NRC at 1-800-424-8802.

The Coast Guard adds that tose who have uncompensated removal costs or damages resulting from an oil spill to the navigable waters or the threat of an oil spill to the navigable waters may be entitled to compensation from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

Contact 1-800-280-7118 to see if you are eligible for a claim. 


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DSNAP application hours extended Saturday for several parishes https://www.wbrz.com/news/dsnap-application-hours-extended-saturday-for-several-parishes/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/dsnap-application-hours-extended-saturday-for-several-parishes/ Storm resources Thu, 23 Sep 2021 12:58:04 PM WBRZ Staff DSNAP application hours extended Saturday for several parishes

BATON ROUGE - The state extended hours during which those impacted by Hurricane Ida can call in to apply for disaster food assistance on Friday and Saturday. 

The hotline for applying for Disaster SNAP benefits has been plagued by long waits and hang-ups since it launched earlier this week as thousands of storm victims spread across 25 parishes began calling in. The state has designated certain day for victims based on their parishes and the first letter of their names.

Click here to find out when and how to call

"Residents from the Phase 1 parishes were directed to call according to an alphabet schedule based on their last name," the department said in a statement Thursday. "However, during the first two days of the DSNAP application period, an overwhelming number of calls bogged down phone lines leading to dropped calls or long wait times. At times, the DSNAP line received as many as 350 calls per second."

The state will be accepting calls from residents in East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Orleans, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana parishes on Friday and Saturday. The line will stay open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

On Monday, phase 2 begins. It will serve Ascension, Assumption, Iberville, Jefferson, Livingston, Plaquemines, St. Helena, St Martin (only lower St. Martin parish ZIP codes 70339 and 70380), St. Mary and Tangipahoa parishes. Residents must call on the day specified by the first letter of your last name. you can find more information here.


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DSNAP phones flooded with up to 300 calls per second on its first day, state says https://www.wbrz.com/news/dsnap-phones-flooded-with-up-to-300-calls-per-second-on-its-first-day-state-says/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/dsnap-phones-flooded-with-up-to-300-calls-per-second-on-its-first-day-state-says/ Storm resources Tue, 21 Sep 2021 11:39:53 AM Jeremy Krail DSNAP phones flooded with up to 300 calls per second on its first day, state says

BATON ROUGE - The state agency running Louisiana's hotline taking calls for disaster food assistance was overrun by calls on its first day taking requests from Hurricane Ida victims. 

On Monday, Louisianans spread across 25 parishes reported having trouble connecting to the state's phone lines facilitating Disaster SNAP benefits applications, prompting officials to extend their hours for phone requests that day. 

Check here for more details on how to apply

The Department of Children and Family Services said in a statement Tuesday it initially believed the troubles were tied to a server issue but later determined they were caused by the sheer numbers of calls. A spokesperson said phones were averaging as many as "250 to 300 incoming calls per second" at points. 

In total, the department handled 11,339 calls in its first day, more than the entire run of some previous DSNAP operations. 

DCFS has created a schedule for applicants to call and asks that residents only call in on the day which corresponds with their last name on that schedule. 

"We want to stress that it's imperative that you only call if it's your day -- and your week -- to call. If not, it jams the lines for everyone else. And if you get a busy signal, please be patient and wait a few minutes before trying again," the department said Tuesday. "Today (Tuesday, September 21) we're accepting phone applications for G-M last names for the following parishes: East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Orleans, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana."

Those unable to connect on their assigned day this week will have additional days to call in.

You can find the full schedule and more details for applying here.


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