FEMA, through its Public Assistance Grant Program, is giving Southwest Louisiana cities and businesses $33.7 million in more aid.

The money is to help local governments and non-profits help the residents of SWLA further clean up debris, repair utilities, and to help finish repairing vital infrastructure.

Here are the grants awarded in SWLA:

  • Allen Parish: $7,395,643 to aid debris removal
  • Jefferson Davis Electric: $16,890,557 to aid in strengthening their infrastructure to withstand future storms
  • Kinder: $1,225,367 to aid debris removal
  • Oakdale: $1,418,809 to aid in debris removal

Other Louisiana parishes and cities also received more aid from FEMA to help rebuild and clean up after Hurricane Laura:

  • Lafayette Parish: $1,678,092 to aid strengthening their electricity infrastructure to withstand future storms
  • Vermilion Parish:  $3,956,001 to aid debris removal
  • Rapides Parish: $1,229,097 to aid debris removal

Today is the first day of the official start of Hurricane Season, and it's time to get prepared. According to Colorado State University (CSU) forecasters, 2021 is predicted to spawn 17 named storms, eight hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. That's versus the 30-year average of 12 named storms, six hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

Not only is it important that you have a bug-out bag ready in the event of having to evacuate SWLA from a storm, but also that you have the essentials below.

Essential Items for Your Hurricane Kit

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