By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Residents of St. John the Baptist Parish who have not yet done so have just a couple of days left to get face-to-face help at the Disaster Recovery Center in LaPlace.

The center, located at 1931 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace, will officially close at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Nov. 29 marks not only the closing date for the center but also the last day to register for assistance for damage caused by Hurricane Isaac.

Even with the center closed, however, phone lines will remain open.

“Louisianians can still contact us with their questions or concerns,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar. “Even after Nov. 29, we remain committed to helping survivors here until they have received all the state and federal assistance they are eligible for.”

So far, more than 12,000 residents of St. John Parish have registered with FEMA, and FEMA has awarded nearly $23 million in housing assistance and more than $5 million in assistance for other needs. Additionally, the Small Business Administration has awarded about $42.5 million in disaster loans in St. John Parish.     

Those affected by Hurricane Isaac can register until Nov. 29 online at www.disasterassistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week; non-English speakers may receive assistance in the language of their choice by pressing Option 3 when prompted. This is also how applicants can stay in touch with FEMA.

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