Category: State News

Saltwater Intrusion Updates

Impacts & FAQ

Parish Information

  • JEFFERSON PARISH:
    • JPAlert is a free service; however, your wireless carrier may charge you a fee to receive messages on your device.
    • You can sign up by texting JPALERT to 888777.
    • Spanish Spanish-speaking residents can text JPNOTICIAS to 888777.
    • For more information or to create an account, click here.

 

  • ORLEANS PARISH:
    • Register for alerts here or text NOLAREADY to 77295
      • To receive alerts in Spanish, text ESP to 77295 / Envíe ESP al 77295 para recibir alertas de emergencias en español
    • You can also download the Smart911 app to receive customized alerts and resources that may be available during all types of emergencies, including hurricane evacuations, extended power outages, flood events, and more.
      • Create a profile here.
    • Get more information here.

PLAQUEMINES PARISH:

  • Water Distribution – Percy Griffin Community Center
    • September 23, 2023
      15535 Hwy 15, Davant, Louisiana
      8 am – 5 pm
    • Distribution will occur weekly after the first distribution on Saturday, September 23, 2023. The weekly occurrence will take place Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. 
  • Plaquemines Parish Notification System (PPENS)
    • This system is a free reverse 911 system that will send a telephone message, text or email to advise you of an emergency situation in the Parish.
    • Up to three home and or mobile telephone numbers can be registered.

ST. BERNARD PARISH:

  • To sign up for alerts from the St. Bernard Parish Emergency Management Office, click here.

Gov. Edwards Holds UCG Meeting on Continuing Wildfires, Urges Adherence to Burn Ban

August 23, 2023

BATON ROUGE, La. – Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness held a Unified Command Group meeting and activated the State Emergency Operations Center in response to hundreds of wildfires impacting the state and the threat of more fires spreading due to prolonged drought and extreme heat conditions.

“The briefing I received this morning underscores the seriousness of the wildfire threat we currently face across the state,” said Gov. Edwards. “While we are urgently responding to the current situation in Beauregard Parish, our first responders have been fighting an unprecedented number of wildfires throughout the state. Unfortunately, many of these fires could have been prevented if Louisianans had adhered to the statewide burn ban and practiced fire safety. We need everyone to do their part in order to prevent further fires with potentially tragic outcomes. This means adhering to the statewide burn ban, properly disposing of cigarettes, securing tow chains, and being extra careful to avoid any outdoor activities that involve lighting a fire.”

“State agencies will review support requests from our local partners and do everything reasonably possible to assist them in their response,” said GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle. “Wildfires in Beauregard Parish have grown tremendously over the past 24 hours. Emergency officials have ordered evacuations near Merryville and a significant area has been impacted. It is extremely important that the public adhere to the burn ban. Crews fighting these fires are becoming strained due to the ongoing problems. We all play a role in preventing additional fires.”

Weather experts say this has been the hottest, driest summer to date for many areas creating unprecedented fire conditions. Last week, Gov. Edwards declared a state of emergency due to extreme heat and drought conditions. The governor, GOHSEP and state agencies continue to be in constant contact with local governments and are coordinating resources as needs arise.

Find more tips on weather and preparedness on GOHSEP’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. The Get A Game Plan App is another resource available to help you and your family prepare for any type of emergency. You download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.

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Extreme Heat Update – June 28th, 2023

 

Here is an update concerning the heat threats for today and the remainder of the week.

 

Practice Heat Safety wherever you are. Job Sites: stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible. indoors: Check up on the elderly, sick, and those without AC. Vehicles: Never leave kids or pets unattended – LOOK before you LOCK. Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade, and stay hydrated. Heat-related deaths are preventable. Protect yourself and others from the impacts of heat waves. Visit https://www.weather.gov/lix/ for more information.

La. Guard and partner agencies to participate in statewide disaster exercise

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Denis B. Ricou)

PINEVILLE, La. – Soldiers and Airmen with the Louisiana National Guard and civilian partner agencies will participate in the annual statewide Disaster Response Exercise (DRX) designed to test the capabilities of various local, state, federal, and non-governmental agencies, April 20-22.

The exercise, organized and coordinated by the LANG and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), will involve field training missions happening at the Lake Charles Convention Center, Fort Polk, the Regional Support Area (RSA) in Roseland, Pimco Boat Launch, the Fort Buhlow Recreational Area and New Roads.

At Fort Polk, Guardsmen will train with active-duty soldiers on protecting critical infrastructure after a major weather event.

At Lake Buhlow in Pineville, Guardsmen will conduct integrated air search and rescue operations, boat rescue operations, and aerial sling load operations of super sacks.

At the Pimco Boat Launch, Guardsmen will conduct boat and high-water vehicle rescue operations.

At the Regional Staging Area (RSA) in Roseland, Guardsmen will be conducting operations involving the receiving and distributing of commodities to POD locations throughout the DRX, just as they do in a real-world emergency event.

In New Roads, Guardsmen will conduct integrated air search and rescue operations, boat rescue operations, point of distribution operations, lily pad operations, and flood-water mitigation emplacement operations.

At the Lake Charles Civic Center, Guardsmen will establish a point of distribution (POD), conduct search and rescue operations with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and conduct aerial sling load and search and rescue operations.

Article by KVPI News – https://www.kpvi.com/news/national_news/la-guard-and-partner-agencies-to-participate-in-statewide-disaster-exercise/article_bf7fbba9-69a3-58b5-bb0b-417b21503749.html

Originally published on ktbs.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

 

State Severe Weather Update – March 31, 2023 -7:00 AM

Here is the latest statewide graphic concerning the potential for severe weather today:
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Golden Meadow Bridge, Open to Marine Traffic, Closed to Vehicular Traffic

According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the Golden Meadow Lift Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic until further notice due to structural issues.

There is no time frame for vehicular traffic to resume on the Golden Meadow Bridge. Expect an extended closure period.

Alternate routes to cross Bayou Lafourche during this bridge closure are as follows:

(*DOTD recommended routes)

– To the North: Cote Blanche Pontoon Bridge in Cut Off

– To the North: Le Pont D’Or Lift Bridge in Cut Off

– To the North: *New Larose Vertical Lift Bridge in Larose

– To the South: Galliano Pontoon Bridge in Galliano

Thank you for your patience.

LA 1 Expressway Toll Lane Closure Schedule Updated

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced an updated lane closure schedule for this week’s work to restore the LA 1 tolling system at the elevated LA 1 Expressway entrance ramp in Leeville. This work may cause delays to those with interests in Port Fourchon, so please plan accordingly.

LANE CLOSURES:

GeauxPass Lane 2 (On the left)

  • Monday, August 15 from 5:00 p.m. until midnight
  • Tuesday, August 16 from 5:00 p.m. until midnight
  • Wednesday, August 17 from 5:00 p.m. until midnight
  • Thursday, August 18 from 5:00 p.m. until midnight

The right lane, which was previously used for cash and credit options at the toll booth, will be open for thru traffic.Beginning in late summer/early fall, tolling operations at LA 1 in Leeville will resume with a new cashless system, following repairs made from damage caused by Hurricane Ida in August 2021. To learn more about the changes, click here.

WIDTH RESTRICTIONS:

The maximum width on Lane 1 is 8’-7”. All motorists with loads exceeding 8’-7” in width will need a permit and contraflow escort. Please note that contraflow escorts are only allowed after sunrise and before sunset. For information on truck permits, email Dotdlageauxpermits@la.gov or call (800) 654-1433.

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

LA 1 Expressway Toll Lane Closures Scheduled

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced that work to restore the LA 1 tolling system at the elevated LA 1 Expressway entrance ramp in Leeville begins this week. This work may cause delays to those with interests in Port Fourchon, so please plan accordingly.

LANE CLOSURES:

GeauxPass Lane 1 (On the right leading into the toll gantry)

Wednesday, August 10 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
GeauxPass Lane 2 (On the left)

Wednesday, August 10 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 11 from noon until 10:00 p.m.
Friday, August 12 from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

The right lane, which was previously used for cash and credit options at the toll booth, will be open for thru traffic.

Beginning in late summer/early fall, tolling operations at LA 1 in Leeville will resume with a new cashless system, following repairs made from damage caused by Hurricane Ida in August 2021. To learn more about the changes, click here.

WIDTH RESTRICTIONS:

The maximum width on Lane 1 is 8’-7”. All motorists with loads exceeding 8’-7” in width will need a permit and contraflow escort. Please note that contraflow escorts are only allowed after sunrise and before sunset. For information on truck permits, email Dotdlageauxpermits@la.gov or call (800) 654-1433.

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Review and Update Insurance Coverage

As we continue through this hurricane season, it is never too late to review your insurance policy, especially if there are any changes to your underwriter.  It is useful to remember that there are two important entities that support the Louisiana Insurance consumers.  The Louisiana Guaranty Association (LIGA) was designed to create a safety net for insurance consumers if the insurance company becomes insolvent. The Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is a nonprofit organization created to provide insurance products for residential and commercial property applicants who are in good faith entitled, but unable, to procure insurance through the voluntary insurance marketplace.

Both organizations provide a vital service to consumers. Please take a few moments to review and become familiar with their sites and the services they provide.

https://www.laiga.org/history/covered-by-liga/

https://www.lacitizens.com/

Stay safe partners.