Questions? We have answers.
What is the LABEOC?
Following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center was established to provide support to the business community in times of disaster.
The LABEOC was founded on June 1, 2010, by the National Incident Management Systems and Advanced Technologies (NIMSAT) Institute at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The team oversees the daily operations and mobilizes during an activation. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and Louisiana Economic Development collaborate with NIMSAT on this mission to ensure preparedness and rapid response to emergencies.
Our goal is to assist Louisiana businesses and non-profit organizations in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to ensure community stability, resilience, and economic revitalization.
The LABEOC is a collaboration between businesses, volunteer organizations, and the public sector in Louisiana and beyond. It aims to enhance response capabilities, promote self-sufficiency, and reduce dependence on FEMA and other federal support, with the goal of restoring normal business operations as swiftly as possible and ensuring economic stability.
Visit the about us page
Why should I join the LABEOC Network?
- Receive immediate notification of state and parish decisions that may affect your business. These notifications (evacuation, road closure, etc.) are pertinent to your business disaster plan and employee safety. Rather than searching for information online or in other forms of media, the most up-to-date information is listed in one place.
- Receive notification of emerging state needs. As needs arise during the response and recovery from an emergency, you can receive alerts as a business, nonprofit, government agency, or concerned citizen. These notifications are designed to engage businesses throughout the state to stimulate our economy.
- Situational Awareness. We may ask you to report post-storm status, recovery needs, readiness to participate, economic impact, or supply chain demands. By gauging the situational awareness of local businesses, officials can make informed decisions and avoid duplication or conflict of efforts from different sectors.
How can I view the latest situational awareness?
The News & Reports page allows you to find documents quickly. Please follow @LABEOC on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
How do I join the network?
Register here to receive notifications about updates and product needs or services. The LABEOC assists in making connections between businesses and state agencies. Please make sure you are ready to do business and registered with the Louisiana Division of Administration to be considered.
No governmental agency can guarantee the utilization of any business during an activation of the LABEOC.
As a business member, you will provide us with your contact information, as well as details about the products and services your business might provide to support the state’s disaster response. Your information is confidential and will not be shared publicly, except as required by law.
Note: Please do not contact us for sales, to arrange product demonstrations, or discuss your products or services. We do not evaluate specific products and services, nor do we accept solicitations.
I would like to donate or volunteer with a reputable nonprofit. Where do I start?
How do I contact the LABEOC?
Visit our contact us page. You can send an email or call 337-482-0627.
What is your privacy policy?
Your information is confidential and will not be shared publicly except as required by law. See the privacy page.
Who can I contact for media inquiries?
Andrea Frey, External Affairs Officer, can be reached at 337-482-0627 or by email.
Who can I contact about research opportunities or collaborations?
Shannon Strother, NIMSAT Director, can be reached at 337.482.0609 or by email.
Who can I contact concerning operations or educational opportunities?
Jim Williams, Public-Private Partnership Operations Officer, can be reached at 337.482.0633 or by email.
I need an emergency plan for my business. Where do I begin?
A great place to begin is our Prepare page. The page has a link to our risk assessment to find the most vulnerable parts of your business.