Deadlines Loom in Louisiana for Post-Hurricane FEMA Assistance

The Louisiana Recovery Authority says even people who have insurance should register with FEMA if they were affected by hurricanes Gustav or Ike – and they need to do it soon.

The deadline is Dec. 3 for people affected by Gustav, and Dec. 11 for those affected by Ike.

The agency’s executive director, Paul Rainwater, says they should complete an application with the Small Business Administration, too. He says doing that can open the way to help from other agencies.

The SBA has issued almost 230,000 applications to those affected by Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana, with only 15,598 of those returned as of Nov. 3. For Hurricane Ike, the agency has issued almost 23,500 applications and received only 2,415.

Those affected by both storms must register twice with FEMA – once for each.