For Acadiana Homeowners
Flood Recovery Resources
If you’re reading this in the aftermath of a flood — or you’re a buyer or seller doing your homework on a property that has flooded before — I’m sorry you’re here. Flooding is part of life in south Louisiana, and the recovery process can feel overwhelming. The links below are vetted, mostly free, government and nonprofit resources I’ve gathered to help.
A note from Jeanne
In 2021, my own home took on water. We were fortunate to carry FEMA flood insurance through the NFIP, and I learned firsthand what it’s like to navigate adjusters, hire remediation crews, and put a house back together. If you’d like to talk through what you’re facing, I’m happy to listen.
Reach outIn the first 72 hours
A short, sane checklist for the days right after the water recedes.
- Safety first. Don’t enter standing water if there’s any chance the power is on. Watch for damaged ceilings, gas leaks, and contaminated water.
- Document everything before you clean. Take wide shots of every room, plus close-ups of damaged items, watermarks on walls, and serial numbers of appliances. Save receipts for everything — even hotel stays.
- Contact your insurer right away. Flood is almost always a separate policy from your homeowner’s policy. File the claim and ask for your claim number and adjuster’s contact in writing.
- Mitigate further damage. Get the water out and start drying as soon as it’s safe. Insurers expect reasonable mitigation; mold can begin within 24–48 hours.
- Be cautious with contractors. Storm-chasers are common after disasters. Verify Louisiana state licensing, ask for proof of insurance, get multiple bids, and never pay the full amount up front.
Insurance & financial assistance
Where to file claims and apply for federal, state, and disaster-specific help.
- FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (FloodSmart.gov)
Official NFIP site — start a claim, find an agent, and learn what flood insurance does and does not cover.
- DisasterAssistance.gov
Apply for federal disaster assistance after a presidentially declared disaster. One application reaches multiple agencies.
- SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
Low-interest disaster loans for homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged property — available even if you don't own a business.
- Louisiana Department of Insurance
Consumer resources, claim guidance, and a hotline (1-800-259-5300) to help if you're having trouble with an insurer or adjuster.
- Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
The state's insurer of last resort for wind and hail when private coverage isn't available.
Local recovery & basic needs
Lafayette Parish, GOHSEP, and Acadiana-area nonprofits.
- Lafayette Consolidated Government — Recovering From a Flood
Step-by-step local guidance: permits, debris pickup, contractor warnings, and rebuilding requirements specific to Lafayette Parish.
- Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
Statewide emergency information, declared disasters, and links to parish offices of emergency preparedness.
- 211 Louisiana
Dial 2-1-1 (or text your ZIP code) for free, confidential connections to local food, shelter, mental health, and recovery services.
- American Red Cross — Louisiana Region
Emergency shelter, financial assistance, casework, and recovery support after a disaster.
- Catholic Charities of Acadiana
Local case management, basic needs, and rebuilding assistance for families across the eight-parish Acadiana region.
Remediation & rebuilding
Vetting contractors, drying out, dealing with mold, and rebuilding safely.
- IICRC Certified Firm Locator
Find water- and mold-restoration companies certified to the industry standard (S500 / S520). Always verify certification before signing a contract.
- EPA — Mold Cleanup After a Disaster
EPA guidance on assessing mold, when to DIY versus hire a professional, and protecting your health during cleanup.
- FEMA — Repairing Your Flooded Home (Red Cross / FEMA L-198)
Plain-language PDF covering safety, drying out, cleaning, and rebuilding. The most-recommended single document for first-time flood victims.
- CDC — Reentering Your Flooded Home
Health and safety guidance for the first hours back inside — electrical, gas, water, and what to throw away versus salvage.
Historical imagery & research
For homeowners and buyers researching past flooding on a specific property or area.
- NOAA Aerial Imagery — August 2016 Louisiana Floods
NOAA's post-storm aerial photography archive of the August 2016 floods. Useful for verifying historical conditions of a property or neighborhood.
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Look up the official flood zone, base flood elevation, and FIRM map for any U.S. address.
- Louisiana Watershed Initiative
Statewide effort to reduce flood risk through watershed-based planning. Includes regional data, projects, and floodplain mapping resources.
- USGS Flood Event Viewer
High-water marks, sensor data, and field measurements from major U.S. flood events — including the 2016 Louisiana floods.
- National Weather Service — Lake Charles & New Orleans/Baton Rouge
Local NWS forecast offices serving Acadiana — river forecasts, flood warnings, and historical event summaries.
For buyers and sellers
Louisiana’s Residential Property Disclosure Document asks sellers to disclose known flood history, flood insurance claims, and federal disaster assistance received for the property. If you’re selling, accuracy protects you. If you’re buying, the disclosure plus a current FEMA flood map and (for many properties) an Elevation Certificate will give you a clear picture of risk and insurance cost. I’m happy to help interpret any of it.
If you’d like to talk it through
Whether you’re recovering, considering a sale, or trying to evaluate a home you’re thinking about buying, reach out whenever you’re ready. No pressure.
Contact JeanneThis page is a curated list of public resources. It is not legal, insurance, or medical advice. Always confirm program details directly with the agency or provider.