A Recovery Service Center (RSC) opened for those impacted by the 2020 hurricanes and other weather-related events in Southwest Louisiana will remain open through July 31 due to the number of people still utilizing this resource.
BATON ROUGE – A Recovery Service Center (RSC) opened for those impacted by the 2020 hurricanes and other weather-related events in Southwest Louisiana will remain open through July 31 due to the number of people still utilizing this resource. The center, located at Washington-Marion Magnet High School, was scheduled to close on July 16. Through coordination with the City of Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, the Calcasieu Parish School Board, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), a request was made to allow the center to continue operating to assist citizens from the area. It includes specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), disaster case management, and Louisiana Spirit officials providing in-person services in one location.
One important benefit of the RSC is the direct help available if someone is appealing a FEMA decision. Anyone who disagrees with FEMA’s decision about eligibility or questions the amount of assistance may submit an appeal letter with documents supporting their claim.
“It is not uncommon for people to hit hurdles while recovering from a disaster,” said GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom. “This RSC was opened to help anyone push forward with their personal recovery process. We are glad our local and federal partners are working with us to extend this service and encourage anyone who feels they have reached a recovery roadblock to visit the site and speak with the experts.”
According to FEMA, survivors may visit the RSC in Lake Charles to get one-on-one, in-person help with the appeals process. Specialists will be on hand to assist with appeal letters and to upload required or missing documentation.
The center is located at the Washington-Marion Magnet High School, 2802 Pineview St. in Lake Charles. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. through July 30. To apply for disaster case management, you can apply in person, apply online at www.dcmpla.com or call 1-844-711-9326.
Find more tips on weather and preparedness on GOHSEP’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Listen to conversations on all aspects of emergency management by downloading GOHSEP’s Get A Game Plan Podcast. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. The Get A Game Plan App is another resource available to help you and your family prepare for any type of emergency. You can download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.