Thursday, 4 September, 2008 14:49
by Pat Gill
Many Louisiana residents that fled north to Shreveport-Bossier before Hurricane Gustav hit are now returning home as various parishes allow residents to return home. Local shelters are also reporting dwindling numbers of evacuees.
We all are so grateful that the hurricane did not do the damage anticipated, but for many there is a lot of work to do before they can return to some semblance of normal life.
Though many people are able to return home, widespread electricity outages are still a problem. One visitor to our blog noted that for this very reason there may be people who need to return to Shreveport-Bossier and stay in area hotels. The media is reporting that FEMA may pay for hotel expenses, particularly for those individuals who are without electricity and/or water and cannot yet return home.
So we did a call around this afternoon and have learned that there is some availability in area hotels. There are more than 40 properties that have vacant hotel rooms. Some that have substantial availability include: Days in Shreveport, Ramada Inn and Conference Center, Rodeway Inn & Suites, Econo Lodge Inn & Suites to name a few.
Please click here www.louisianasotherside.com/Accommodations/All_Accommodations/s577 for a complete list of hotels. Be sure to call prior to your arrival to double check hotel availability.
Residents can register with FEMA online at http://www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The hearing and speech impaired may call 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time.
Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, and phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate needs.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all the people affected and displaced by the storm. Please check back often for updates.