Temporary operations: As it works to gut and restore its flooded Greenwell Springs Road branch, Whitney Bank has opened a temporary mobile branch at 9494 Greenwell Springs Road to provide full-service banking and an ATM to customers. The modular unit is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The bank says floodwaters rose seven feet at the branch.
Finding housing: The Federal Emergency Management Agency says more than 1,700 families are being housed in hotels or motels through their program to provide short-term lodging, The Associated Press reports. Since President Barack Obama’s major disaster declaration to 20 parishes in south Louisiana, FEMA says more than 128,000 households have registered for assistance—with more than $385 million already approved for those living in the Baton Rouge metro area. That includes $108 million in advanced flood insurance payments and $277 million for temporary rental assistance, essential home repairs, and other disaster-related needs. The Small Business Administration is providing low interest loans to citizens and businesses to assist with uninsured and underinsured flood-related losses. So far, FEMA says the SBA has approved $56 million in disaster loans.
Room for more: Louisiana officials are allowing childcare facilities that were not affected by recent flooding to receive more children to offset the increased demand, The Associated Press reports. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says daycare facilities requesting a capacity increase must be located within or near a flood-affected parish. The facility must not have received any floodwater or other damages. The higher numbers will be allowed until Nov. 30. Should an extension of time for a facility to house additional children be needed beyond then, requests shall be considered on a case-by-case basis.
