Emergency Preparedness

Responsibilities of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP)

• Serve as the central point of contact for emergency planning, preparedness, and coordination within Acadia Parish.
• Organize, participate in, and evaluate a wide range of emergency drills and response exercises to improve readiness.
• Maintain and operate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support public officials during emergencies and disaster response efforts.
• Coordinate closely with local, regional, and national emergency organizations, including the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), Southwest Louisiana Hurricane Task Force, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, American Red Cross, and FEMA.
• Act as the primary coordinating agency for securing and managing outside emergency assistance, including resources and support from FEMA and the National Response Commission (NRC).
• Pursue continuous training and professional development to stay up-to-date with modern emergency management techniques, procedures, and technologies.
• Promote hazard awareness and emergency preparedness within the community through public education campaigns, informational materials, and outreach initiatives.
• Administer and manage federal, state, and local grant programs that support emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, and hazard mitigation initiatives.