Atchafalaya River Flood - May 2011

Crisis Programs

Residents Encouraged to Pre-Apply for Disaster Food Assistance Ahead of Possible Flooding, Hurricane SeasonDisaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) (aka Disaster Food Stamps)As Louisiana residents eye the rising Mississippi River, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is encouraging residents to prepare by pre-applying online for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (DSNAP), formerly called Disaster Food Stamps. DCFS Secretary Ruth Johnson said (in a press release on 5/7/11) that while a DSNAP program is not in effect, now is the perfect time to pre-apply and be prepared for this or any future disaster.To pre-apply, residents can visit www.dcfs.louisiana.gov or www.getagameplan.org or call 1-888-LA HELP U (1-888-524-3578).To view the original press release dated May 7, 2011, from the Department of Children and Family Services, click here.Businesses urged to register for Mississippi River flooding eventThe Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center, or LA BEOC, an annex to the State Emergency Operations Center, is now activated to prepare for Mississippi River flooding and related impacts. Louisiana's businesses are strongly encouraged to register with the LA BEOC portal -- www.labeoc.org -- so that they can participate in the process and have a voice in the state's preparedness, response and recovery efforts.Spirit Coastal Recovery Counseling ProgramLouisiana Spirit Coastal Recovery Counseling Program is a Crisis Counseling and Stress Management program for individuals, families and groups most affected by the recent oil spill along the Louisiana Gulf Coast. For Assistance, contact 1-877-500-9997.