Emergency Preparedness

This May, observed annually as Mental Health Awareness Month, the Louisiana Department of Health is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline is available 24/7 to anyone in mental health distress or who may be worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 crisis counselors are trained to help reduce the intensity of a situation for the person seeking help and connect them to additional local resources, as needed, to support their wellbeing.

“I urge every Louisianan to prepare for the approaching Arctic outbreak and be ready to protect the four P’s – people, pets, plants, and pipes,” Gov. Edwards said. “Be sure to cover or insulate all exposed pipes and prepare for the possibility of cutting off your main water supply if you have a problem.

This brings the confirmed Louisiana storm-related death toll to 3 at this time

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed 2 storm-related deaths in Caddo Parish.

As Louisiana continues to be under heat advisories, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is offering tips and strategies to help residents protect themselves and others during extreme heat conditions.

This is a precautionary closure due to an oil spill in Terrebonne Bay potentially affecting the health of oysters in a portion of molluscan shellfish growing area 15.

Mass fatality planning is part of an overall, all-hazards emergency preparedness and responseii performed in Louisiana by the Department of Health & Hospitals (DHH). DHH handles Emergency Support Function #8, and is inclusive of support agency in managing human remains, including victim identification and mortuary affairs. This Framework is refined and fully developed with the guidance of DHH staff, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), volunteers with DMORT experience, and the 64 parish coroners.

Emergency Preparedness Resource by LDH Bureau of Community Preparedness

With hurricane season underway, the Louisiana Department of Health reminds the public about how to safely use a generator to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the event of a power outage.

Private wells are not regulated in Louisiana, leaving well owners responsible for all facets of disaster preparedness, protection and maintenance of their well.