Area property owners encouraged to submit storm damage online

Residential property owners in Westlake, Sulphur and Lake Charles who have damage to their homes  — not vehicles, fences, barns, etc. — from the May 13 tornado, can report it to the state’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at damage.la.gov

The website walks the property owner through the submission of photos and mapping.

It is not an application of assistance; however, reporting damage could help open up certain parish and state assistance. If the total damages reach a certain threshold, assistance such as SBA loans could be made available, which aren’t just for businesses, according to a representative from the state’s OHSEP’s office.

“It doesn’t take the place of your insurance,” said Jared Maze, Calcasieu Parish Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.