GOHSEP Elected_Officials_Manual_2015

Dear Louisiana Elected Official,
Louisiana is a high-risk State for natural disasters. We are also the home of critical supply routes and
energy production resources that are attractive targets for man-made disruptions. As elected officials
and government leaders, we have a significant responsibility to protect our State, citizens, property and
assets in the event of an emergency.
I have been where you are. As someone who served as an elected official, I know what it means for you
to have constant demands on your time and the resources within your communities.
As a Parish President, I worked closely with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency
Preparedness (GOHSEP). Directly, and through my local Office of Homeland Security and Emergency
Preparedness (OHSEP), I saw the importance of GOHSEP’s supportive role to Parish and local governments
as we confront the challenges of preparedness, prevention, response, recovery and mitigation.
Not only is GOHSEP a gateway for many grant-funding programs, it also offers technical assistance
resources, professional development opportunities and community education support to build
awareness throughout the State – at every level – of what we must do and can do together to protect
Louisiana citizens and property. For you, whether that means training programs for your first responders,
assistance with short- and long-term recovery needs, Internet-based data resources, community
outreach and education, ongoing support to your Parish OHSEP or activities that target prevention of
man-made threats and support local law enforcement, there is much GOHSEP offers.
Our message is this: The more we know now, the better prepared we are to successfully, timely and
efficiently respond to, recover from and mitigate against future disasters.
This Louisiana Elected Officials Emergency Management Manual (Manual) is a high-level view of
important statutes, regulations, guidance and resources – including many within GOHSEP – that can help
you navigate the complexities of the emergency management world. From preparedness and planning
before an emergency through long-term recovery of disaster-impacted communities, this is information
you need to know. We hope you find the Manual a helpful and valuable resource.
The GOHSEP Team is here to help. Look to the Contact Directory chapter to locate important phone
numbers and email addresses for GOHSEP staff that have subject matter expertise for topics covered within
the Manual. If I, or any member of our Team, can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to call on us.
Best regards,
Kevin Davis
Director
Governor’s Officer of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Publication Date: April 2, 2013