Emergency Preparedness

Responsiblities

• Central point for emergency planning within the Parish.
• Plans and participates in a myriad of emergency drills.
• Maintain and operate the Emergency Operations Center for use by officials during emergency situations.
• Works closely with local emergency organizations including the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), the Southwest Louisiana Hurricane Task Force, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security , the American Red Cross, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• OHSEP is the central coordinating agency for all outside assistance in emergency situations [e.g. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Response Commission (NRC)].
• Continuing education in modern emergency management techniques, practices, and procedures.
• Public awareness of hazards through promotional campaigns, publications and speaking engagements.
• Administer floodplain management, junk, grass cutting, and condemnation ordinances.
• Enforce ordinance compliance with regard to health and safety, junk vehicles, junk items, garbage and trash, and condemnation of unsafe structures in Acadia Parish.
• Prepare studies, plans, ordinances, and conduct investigations as requested by the Police Jury and concerned citizens.
• Floodplain management for unincorporated areas.
• Administer Federal, State, and Local Grant Programs.