Today, the City of New Orleans Office of Economic Development encouraged residents and businesses needing disaster recovery assistance following Hurricane Isaac to utilize a number of resources.

Officials say these resources will provide information and helpful opportunities for New Orleans’ business owners and entrepreneurs.

ACCESS TO CAPITAL

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources available to residents and businesses impacted by Hurricane Isaac. Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to impacted residents and businesses in the following Orleans parish.
Loans are available to businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations for up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets and meet working capital needs caused by disaster.

Available loans:

•         SBA Physical Disaster Loans;
•         SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL);
•         Home and Property Disaster Loans; and
•         Disaster Assistance Loans.

Three ways to apply - Apply in person at any Disaster Recovery Center:

Orleans Parish
19808 Chef Menteur Highway
New Orleans, LA 70129
Mondays – Sundays 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Apply online using SBA’s secure Web site :
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela     
Apply by mailing your application to:
SBA
14925 Kingsport Rd.
Ft. Worth, TX 76155-2243

SBA representatives are available to meet individually with Louisiana residents and business owners to explain how an SBA low-interest disaster loan can help pay for their disaster losses.  These representatives will answer any questions, issue disaster loan applications, help each individual complete their application and accept completed applications.

In addition, disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.  Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877 8339.

INSURANCE POLICY CLAIMS

The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) website includes step-by-step guidance, and the Post Disaster Insurance Guide with information on filing a claim for hurricane damage, minimizing your loss, cleaning up after the storm, things to consider when hiring a contractor, dealing with health insurance, life insurance or business insurance after a storm, and much more.
For more information please visit the LDI website at www.ldi.state.la.us or call (800) 259-5300.

Post Storm Tips:

If you have fallen victim to a severe storm and have sustained property damage to your premises, you should do the following:

•    Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your property. Insurers may allow for reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred until they can inspect the premises (taking temporary measures to secure the premises if openings are breached, moving undamaged furniture or other vulnerable property from an area where a breach has occurred raising the potential for further damage, etc.).
•    Contact your insurance agent or insurance company right away to verify coverage applies.
•     Let them know that damage has occurred, the nature of the damage, and the date of occurrence.
•     It will be helpful that you have your insurance policies or numbers available to facilitate the report of your claim.
•    Provide your agent and/or company with good contact information.
•    Take photographs/video of the damage, if possible, or otherwise document the damage that has occurred.
•     Do not make any permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the property and you and they have reached an agreement as to the extent and cost of the necessary repair, or they have authorized you (in writing) to proceed with the repair.
•     Do not throw out damaged property before your insurance company has seen it, particularly larger items such as furniture, or items of significant expense.
•    Save all receipts for expenses incurred as a result of the loss. This should be submitted to your insurance company for review.