Emergency Preparedness - ESF6 & ESF 8

Louisiana is particularly vulnerable to both natural and human-made disasters, including hurricanes, flooding, and large-scale incidents such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Events of this magnitude can significantly strain healthcare infrastructure, creating the need for rapid deployment of additional state and federal resources.

The Emergency Preparedness Section serves as the lead entity for coordinating disaster response efforts within LDH and with external agencies. It ensures a unified response across all LDH offices and acts as the primary liaison with representatives from 16 state agencies during multi-agency emergency operations.

Local Partners

Emergency Support Function 6 (ESF-6)

In accordance with the State Emergency Operations Plan, the Louisiana Department of Health, Emergency Support Function 6 (ESF-6) has primary responsibility for 

  • Coordinating with local, parish and tribal governments, state and federal entities, supporting agencies and non-governmental organizations to address non-medical mass care, emergency assistance, temporary housing and human services needs of disaster victims  
  • Responsible for managing state Critical Transportation Needs Shelters, Medical Needs Shelters, Sex Offender Shelter, and Unaccompanied Minor Shelter while providing staff and resources (if available) to General Population Shelters upon request  
  • Supporting implementation of Disaster Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP)
  • Supporting emergency repatriation 
  • Shelter reunification

ESF-6 Strategic Goals

  • Develop and maintain a good working relationship with local, state and federal stakeholders.
  • In coordination with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the American Red Cross, and local Office of Emergency Preparedness directors continue to identify potential locations and resources to provide in-state shelter independence for citizens who will need government-sponsored assistance to evacuate the coastline of the state. 
  • Improve / maintain staff readiness in ESF-6 responsibilities.
  • Sustain / improve logistical readiness.
  • Establish and develop a program within LDH to respond to Recovery Support Function missions stated in the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Framework.

Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF-8)

The Louisiana Emergency Preparedness and Response Network was established through the collaboration of key partners under the Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF-8). This multi-agency coalition works collaboratively to develop, implement, and manage the ESF-8 Public Health and Medical Response plans before, during, and after a declared emergency.

ESF-8 integrates the capabilities of governmental and select private sector entities into a cohesive organizational framework to ensure a coordinated response to public health and medical emergencies. This structure is designed to provide the resources, coordination, and support necessary to:

  • Save lives
  • Protect property and the environment
  • Assess public health/medical needs
  • Restore essential services and critical infrastructure
  • Assist communities and individuals in returning to normal operations following major incidents
  • Operate medical needs shelters
  • Coordinate patient movement
  • Manage surge ambulances
  • Coordinate mass fatality responses
  • Conduct mosquito abatement

Key Responsibilities

  • Managing the ESF-8 Disaster Network, comprising nine healthcare coalitions, hospital CEOs and CMOs, and state agency partners.
  • Coordinating and executing surge contracts for shelter operations, ambulance services, and supplemental staffing during emergencies.
  • Directing operations at state-level Emergency Operations Centers, including:
    • EMS Tactical Operations Center (TOC)
    • LDH Emergency Operations Center
    • Hospital Regional Coordination Network
  • Overseeing all patient movement and tracking activities throughout all phases of a disaster.
  • Coordinating emergency health response during natural or manmade disasters.
  • Supporting hospitals, long-term care, and public health facilities statewide.
  • Strengthening regional readiness through training and drills.
  • Issuing official guidance during health emergencies.
  • Maintaining and updating Louisiana’s public health emergency plans.

Through comprehensive planning, coordination, and real-time response capabilities, the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness and Response Network ensures the state is equipped to effectively respond to public health and medical emergencies of any scale.

GOHSEP Resources

Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)'s Get a Gameplan offers guidance and assistance in preparing for and evacuating your family. It is imperative that everyone have a "plan" in the event of an evacuation. Always

  • Have an Emergency Kit
  • Make an Evacuation Plan
  • Stay Informed

Emergency Kit

Residents are encouraged to evacuate with an emergency kit, such as the one referenced on the Get A Gameplan website, in the event that an evacuation shelter is used. Don't forget about your pets and animals. Most shelters will have arrangements made for pets, but pet evacuation and care for pets is a personal responsibility and takes preparation and planning ahead of time.

Medical Needs

Citizens are encouraged to contact their Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) if assistance is needed during an evacuation or to be registered on the parish registry for citizens with medical needs for an evacuation.

Evacuation & Shelter Information

Because of the fluid nature of shelter occupancy, citizens who require a shelter are encouraged to obtain information about shelter openings and locations at shelter information points along evacuation routes. Citizens who require shelter can call their local Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP).

Emergency Preparedness Apps

Stay Connected

Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Health Alert Network (HAN)

Louisiana Department of Health

Louisiana Office of the Surgeon General

Surgeon General Evelyn Griffin, MD

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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