On Saturday, February 11, the presidential administration declared a major disaster declaration for the State of Louisiana. After today, individuals affected by tornadoes and severe storms in the Orleans Parish and Livingston Parish are able to apply for federal assistance via FEMA.

The tornado hit New Orleans last Tuesday on February 7, along 2.5 miles Chef Mentuer Highway. Over 600 properties were damaged throughout New Orleans East, and over 10,000 people were left without electricity. The City of New Orleans is urging over 1,300 people to file for FEMA assistance.

New Orleans FEMA Disaster Center

Currently, the New Orleans Regional Library, located at 5641 Read Boulevard, will be used as a hub for the Disaster Recover Center for the Louisiana Recovery.

Hours

• Mondays from 8am - 6pm
• Tuesdays from 8am - 6pm
• Wednesdays from 8am - 6pm
• Thursdays from 8am - 6pm
• Fridays from 8am - 6pm
• Saturdays from 8am - 6pm
• Sundays from 10am to 4pm

Residents are able to register with FEMA, by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or download the FEMA mobile app.

The Following Roads Remain Closed (As of February 15):

Vehicular traffic restricted: Chef Menteur to Dwyer and Wilson to Bullard

Only residents with ID are allowed in impacted zones

Police closure points:

Chef Menteur & Read

Chef Menteur & Bullard

Chef Menteur & Downman

Chef Menteur & Bullard

Chef Menteur & Papania

Dwyer & Bundy

Dwyer & Wilson

The City of New Orleans plans to clear all debris within 30 days of February 7. The sanitation Department will remove Debris in three passes. The first was Friday, Feb. 10. The final two will be Tuesday, February 14, and Saturday, February 18.

After the Tornado, nearly 100 people took refuge at the Joe W. Brown Recreation Center, which was deemed a temporary shelter by the City. As of February 12, 54 individuals impacted by last week’s Tornado remain at the shelter. The shelter will remain open until Wednesday, February 15.

The Joe W. Brown Recreation Center is not directly accepting donations or volunteers at this time. For a list of charities and organizations supporting New Orleans East tornado relief, check out Curbed NOLA’s growing relief map.

• Tornado in New Orleans East: The aftermath [Curbed NOLA]
• New Orleans East Tornado clean-up update [Curbed NOLA]
• Where to donate and volunteer for New Orleans East Tornado relief [Curbed NOLA]