FEMA Trailers

Customers with questions about their FEMA trailer or the status of their electric hookup should call the FEMA representative or FEMA contractor assigned to their case.

Process for establishing electric service to trailers

• Apply for travel trailer temporary housing by calling FEMA at 800-621-FEMA. FEMA will approve the trailer location and authorize a contractor to install the trailer and other necessary utilities.

• When the trailer is installed, a service request will be sent from FEMA to Entergy. Entergy anticipates installation of a temporary electric pole and meter, plus service activation, to occur in 7 business days after receiving the service request.

• When a customer’s house meter is already energized, the customer may elect to have Entergy install a device connecting the trailer to the house meter. Power to the trailer will be immediate and customers will be billed on their existing account.

• If an additional or new account is needed to service both the house and FEMA trailer, a one-time $45 service fee and $75 deposit will appear on the first bill.

• Safety for our customers and employees is Entergy’s top priority. If damage to wires or unsafe electrical wiring is observed when Entergy attempts to install a meter, meter installation will be deferred until unsafe conditions are corrected. This is the customer’s responsibility.

Service for Non-FEMA trailers

• Customers needing electric service for a personal travel trailer that was not provided by FEMA should call a licensed electrician to install a temporary electric pole on the property. The electrician will file necessary documentation with the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits on behalf of the customer.

• Once a pole is set on the property, the customer should call 1-800-ENTERGY, and expect service connection 5-7 business days after final approval is received from the licensed electrician. If an additional or new account is needed to service both the house and trailer, a one-time $45 service fee and a $75 deposit, which will appear on the first bill.

Move-in and move-out precautions

Travel trailer residents should notify both Entergy and FEMA when moving in or out of the trailer to ensure that proper installation and removal of electrical equipment is made. When moving into or out of a travel trailer, do not touch or attempt to move the meter and/or electrical wiring and equipment connected to the trailer. Leave the meter and electric pole where they are. For residents living in a private trailer, a licensed electrician should be hired to install and remove the temporary electric pole.

Safety Tips for Trailers

Entergy New Orleans advises residents living in travel trailers to use caution around electric meters, temporary electric poles and other electrical equipment, as they could result in serious injury or death if improperly handled. Customers are encouraged to follow these safety precautions around travel trailers and all residences:

• Electric meters and temporary poles installed to supply electricity to travel trailers and other residences should be accessed and handled only by authorized utility personnel or a licensed electrician.

• Never pry, loosen or remove a meter from its secure location. Removing an active meter can lead to an electrical fire, serious injury and/or electrocution. A broken seal or the exposed wiring from a missing meter poses the risk of electrocution.

• If moving into or out of a travel trailer, do not touch or attempt to move the meter and/or electrical wiring and equipment connected to the trailer. Leave the meter and electric pole where they are.

• Exhaust vents located outside of each FEMA trailer get very hot. Do not put anything like debris, outdoor furniture or shrubbery next to the vent. This is a fire hazard.

• FEMA trailers are not designed to handle space heaters. Some space heaters do not have a turn off if they are tipped over.

• Many trailers have gas stoves. These stoves are never to be used to heat the trailer. Doing so would give off carbon monoxide and could be a potential fire hazard.

• Remember to change batteries in the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors once a year.