The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is deploying employees and coordinating assistance from other state agencies for Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey response and recovery efforts. The employees are being deployed after requests for help from hurricane-impacted states made through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom said, “Louisiana is often one of the first states to answer the call for help after a crisis. The threat from Irma is still evolving as the system pushes north. We will monitor those conditions and be ready to respond. It is important to remember we are still in the heart of hurricane season and other threats could develop. Finalize your emergency game plans and restock your emergency supplies.”

Current Louisiana EMAC Missions:
GOHSEP:
EMAC Specialists (3) – 2 FL, 1 GA
Shelter Specialist (1)
*GOHSEP’s Deputy Director is also in Texas helping develop potential temporary housing options based on the Shelter at Home program.

Louisiana State Fire Marshal:
Urban Search and Rescue Specialists (50)
Canine Search Specialists (3)
Medical Specialists (2)
Operations Team (5)
Incident Management Team Commander (1)
Operations Chief (1)
Planning Chief (1)
Logistics Chief (1)
Finance/Administration Chief (1)
Safety Officer (1)
Public Information Officer (1)
Medical Manager (1)

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries:
Water Rescue Teams (50)
Command Center Operator (1)
Fuel Trailer Operators (3)

Louisiana Army National Guard:
One engineering company (159) to provide mission command and coordination of platoons to conduct repair, maintenance and construction of various infrastructure needs.

The National Guard unit at Coushatta was activated for a short time following Hurricane Harvey. They trained for water rescue missions but were not deployed to south Louisiana or Texas. Other units in the state have been notified to prepare if needed to aid recovery efforts in Florida.