Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

Hurricane Ida Resource Links:

• Louisiana Requirement on Insurers to Pay for Evacuees' Hotel Stays
• IRS Announces Tax Relief for Hurricane Ida Victims
• FEMA May Be Able to Help if Insurance Doesn’t Cover Some Disaster Expenses
• FEMA Reimbursements for Generators and Chainsaws
• After the Storm Resources from the Louisiana Department of Insurance
• Hurricane Ida Information and Resources from Congressman Garret Graves
• FEMA Approves Program to Help Pay for Hotel Rooms Amid Ida Recovery
• State of Louisiana Hurricane Updates (Resource Center)
• Post-Hurricane Checklist for Individuals and Businesses
• Best Card (LDA/LDS endorsed company): Free online credit card processing system
• FEMA Flood Insurance Fact Sheet

• LDA Foundation Grants for Dentists for Disaster Relief
• LDS Endorsed Company Resources and Offerings for Members
• Recommended Checklist for Doctors
• Miscellaneous Resources, Phone Numbers, and Websites
• Whom to Contact About Replacement of Important Documents

LDA Foundation Grants for Dentists for Disaster Relief

LDA Foundation grant applications can be found at http://www.ladental.org/lda/dental-resources/lda-foundation. 

The ADA offers support which may be helpful to dentists who may be affected by the approaching storm. This includes disaster preparation and recovery information for dental practices, through ADA’s Center for Professional Success. More information is at this link: ADA and ADAF Disaster Support

• PracticeMojo is offering free access for two months: call (800) 556-2580 or visit www.practicemojo.com. 
• Campus Federal offers Disaster Relief Loans specifically for members who have been adversely affected by a natural disaster: https://www.campusfederal.org/disaster/.
• Brown & Brown Association Services Professionals, can be contacted by emailing Stormy Blair at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 985-674-3886 or 1-888-503-5547.
• Best Card is offering free online credit card processing systems for members impacted by the storm. This will allow you to run credit card payments on any computer or smart device without physical equipment. If you are not already with Best Card, they will offer you the same online system – waiving gateway fees for three months and on our low pricing we offer all LDA members. Additionally, we will waive any early termination fees.
• TDSC.com, powered by Henry Schein is offering $30 off orders of $99 or more with code LA30-OFF. Take advantage of this offer as dental supplies may have been lost in the storm. 
• The ADA Visa credit card program, U.S. Bank, is able to allow impacted members to put their credit card payments on hold. Affected members should call the special dental toll-free service line at 866.951.3869.

Recommended Checklist for Doctors

• Stay informed on the evolving event, and share that information with personnel/staff/employees to ensure enough time to take appropriate action.
• Maintain an updated contact list of all personnel/staff/employees, including home phone numbers, cell phones and other emergency contact numbers. Encourage staff to share their personal evacuation plans and their availability for post-event emergency efforts.
• Make decisions early about closing the office, or availability in services provided by your practice to your patients.
• Communicate major changes in your office operations with patients; be prepared to answer questions about rescheduling options, alternative treatment facilities and what they can do to maintain care.
• Charge cell phones and laptops prior to event.
• Bring office server and back up files with you in the event of an evacuation; Files may not be easily accessed on another server with different software.
• In the event of an evacuation, take important office business documents, such as insurance policies, payroll information, lease agreements, etc., with you when you leave.

Miscellaneous Resources, Phone Numbers, and Websites

Federal Disaster Assistance: The first step you should take is apply for federal financial aid by registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

American Red Cross Flood Information for Louisiana: http://www.redcross.org/local/louisiana/flood-information or call 1-866-GET INFO (438-4636); Baton Rouge ARC - 225-291-4533; New Orleans ARC - 504-620-3105; Shreveport ARC - 318-865-9545; Monroe ARC - 318-323-5141; Alexandria ARC - 318-442-6621; Lafayette ARC - 337-234-7371; or Covington ARC - 504-620-3105.

Governors Office of Emergency Preparedness (Many resources, packing lists and preparation lists): www.gohsep.la.gov  or http://www.getagameplan.org/

Department of Insurance Resources: https://www.ldi.la.gov/floodrecovery/  

Louisiana Department of Economic Development Flood Recovery Assistance: http://www.opportunitylouisiana.com/flood-recovery-assistance

Disaster Nutrition Plan: http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&pid=360 (If your household is impacted by damages or lost wages due to a hurricane or other disaster (like flooding), you may qualify for DSNAP. DSNAP provides eligible low- to moderate-income households - who do not normally receive SNAP benefits - with help buying groceries due to lost income or damages following a disaster.)

Whom to Contact About Replacement of Important Documents: