Recent hurricane updates told by Major Jerry Bell

November 29, 2020 DeQuincy News News 0

By Major Jerry Bell, Emergency Manager

There is some news to report on our hurricane update. A FEMA team was on the ground all last week and conducted numerous site inspections of our damaged areas. This was an important step in the city of DeQuincy, getting some financial help for all the damages. This was the last thing to do in phase II.

The next step will be developing the project costs and this will take some time. Debris pickup continues and will continue until all the debris is picked up. Continue to separate your vegetative debris from the construction debris so that the crews can pick it up faster.

Renters and homeowners in Calcasieu and Beauregard parishes and other parishes designated for assistance after Hurricane Delta have until Dec. 16 to register for help. Do this if you need help.

Federal Assistance includes help for temporary housing, rental assistance and repair or replacement of damaged property. Additionally grants may be available to help with other expenses such as medical and dental care, childcare, funeral and burial costs, replacing essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle repairs and cleanup.

For more information or to register for assistance:

  1. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362
  2. Visit the FEMA website disasterassistance.gov/.
  3. To find a drive-thru DRC you can text 43362 and type DRC and your Zip code.
  4. To receive a link to download the FEMA app.
  5. Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362
  6. Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362
  7. Visit fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app.

FEMA personnel will be taking off Thursday, Nov. 26, for Thanksgiving but will return to work on Friday, Nov. 27. Our DeQuincy team working with FEMA appreciates all the hard work that FEMA is doing for DeQuincy.

On Sunday, Nov. 22, the First Baptist Church recognized the city of DeQuincy with a fine Thanksgiving meal and a small ceremony. Rev. Gil Arthur presented to Mayor Riley Smith, Chief Johnny Copeland, and Major Jerry Bell, a beautiful plaque thanking them for their work during the recent hurricanes and Covid-19. The plaques were accepted on behalf of all the firemen, policemen, and city employees.

Mayor Smith thanked the First Baptist Church for the ceremony. The food and fellowship was greatly appreciated by all that attended.

Be safe and wise.

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