Although our region was impacted recently by Hurricane Delta following the months-long pandemic, our community continues to persevere despite the odds. The Broussard Development Corporation, City of Broussard, Broussard Chamber of Commerce and One Acadiana remain committed to providing Hurricane Recovery Resources and tools to assist local businesses to recover after disaster strikes.

FEMA Assistance for Multiple Disasters

When there are two or more disasters declared for the same designated area, FEMA works to ensure applicants receive all eligible help while preventing duplication of federal benefits. This will be the case for families affected by both Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Click here for information on FEMA support.

US Army Corp of Engineers – Operation Blue Roof

Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for FEMA. Operation Blue Roof aims to provide homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until permanent repairs are made. This program is a free service to homeowners. Click here to learn more and apply for hurricane recovery assistance.

Download the “Get a Game Plan” App

The LA Get A Game Plan App is the official emergency preparedness mobile app provided by the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP). Download the app here.

FEMA “Ready Business” Hurricane Toolkit

As Acadiana and neighboring areas have recently been impacted, now is the time for businesses to reassess and refine their game plan for future natural disaster events. FEMA’s Ready Business Hurricane Toolkit helps business leaders take action to protect employees, protect customers, and help ensure business continuity. Download the toolkit here.

Louisiana Business Emergency Ops Center

For community and family resources and other helpful links, click here.

Hurricane Recovery Resources from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

For expert guidance and answers to pressing questions, business owners can contact the U.S. Chamber’s Disaster Help Desk for Business by calling (888) 692-4943 or clicking here.

The U.S. Chamber has also compiled a Small Business Recovery Guide which contains key information and tips about things such as finances and insurance, disaster assistance, cleanup, and employee support. Click here to access the guide.

Structural Repairs & Building Permits

Home and business owners whose property is damaged are reminded a building permit is required when additions or alterations to a structure are made. In addition to home and business owners, applications for building permits are required to complete repair work done by volunteers, including nonprofit agencies assisting residents.

Permitted repair work must be done by a licensed contractor or as an owner-builder, as required by Louisiana Statutes. Building permits addressing damages caused by hurricanes will be made a priority. Residents are urged to hire a reputable, licensed contractor, and hire someone who’s licensed for the specific work needed.

Emergency repair work for the purpose of securing a building from the elements, such as enclosing doors, windows and placing temporary tarps on roofs, does not require a permit. Also, work needed to remove flood-damaged building materials and any other debris removal does not require a permit.

Contact the Permit Office at the City of Broussard at (337) 837-8121 or at their website https://www.cityofbroussard.com/broussard/permitting-licensing/. Contact the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors at (225) 765-2301 or toll free (800) 256- 1392 or visit http://www.lslbc.louisiana.gov/contractor-search/ before hiring a contractor to verify the company’s credentials.

Fraud & Consumer Alerts

Consumer Protection Hotline: 1-800-351-4889

232-HELP/LOUISIANA 211

211 is an easy to remember phone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community. Whether it is basic needs like clothing and food or the need for employment, 211 is an easy way to find or give help. Citizens can access 211 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even during disasters.

To access 211: Simply dial 211 ortext your zip code to 898-211
For COVID-19 information: Simply dial 211 ortext LACOVID to 898-211

IRS Disaster Relief & Emergency Assistance for Businesses

Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the federal government declares their location to be a major disaster area.

Depending on the circumstances, the IRS may grant additional time to file returns and pay taxes. Both individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can get a faster refund by claiming losses related to the disaster on the tax return for the previous year, usually by filing an amended return.

US Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance

Current Declared Disaster List

Disaster Recovery: A Guide to SBA’s Disaster Assistance Programs – This self-paced guide is designed to provide an overview of SBA’s assistance programs, resources, tips, and regulations.

Prepare for and Recover from Emergencies – Steps, checklists, and links for all kinds of emergencies.

Insurance Office of America – Advance Planning Checklist

While there’s no way to lower the risk of a natural disaster from hurricanes, there are critical measures that can be taken to protect your company’s bottom line. A disaster plan and adequate insurance are keys to recovery. Download the checklist here.

Download the Disaster Assistance Guide here. Click here to learn more.