Prepare Your Business for Natural Disasters

Louisiana Economic Development works closely with city, parish, state and federal officials to provide the state’s businesses with the necessary resources to best prepare for and recover from a natural disaster. This page is updated throughout hurricane season and other natural disasters, such as the wildfires, so check back regularly for links to the latest information.

WILDFIRE UPDATES

• Aug. 31, 2023: Gov. Edwards Announces FEMA's Approval of Federal Grant to Help Vernon and Rapides Parishes
• Aug. 26, 2023 Gov. Edwards press conference
• Aug. 26, 2023 Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry aerial video of Beauregard Parish wildfires
• Aug. 25, 2023 Executive Order banning all prescribed burns in Louisiana

BUSINESS RESOURCES

• Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center
• Disaster Preparedness Checklist for Businesses & Nonprofits
• Louisiana Small Business Development Centers
• Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
• SBA Virtual Recovery Center information
• Louisiana Business Interruption Insurance FAQs
• Video: Business Interruption Insurance Webinar hosted by Baton Rouge Area Chamber.
• Procurement/Bid/Contracting questions: Call 225.342.8010 or email [email protected]
• Construction Licensure questions? Call 225.765.2301
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Disaster Help Desk for Business
• International Economic Development Council: Restore Your Economy 
• ReadyBusiness Hurricane Toolkit
  

BEFORE A STORM

• Emergency Preparedness
• GOSHEP: Get a Game Plan
• Hurricane Preparedness Tips
• Severe weather phone call notifications: Sign up at Smart911
• Travel updates and road closures: Call 511
• Shelter information: text 'LASHELTER' to 898211 or call 211.

DURING AND AFTER A STORM

• State of Louisiana Hurricane Updates
• FEMA Rumor Control
• DSNAP (disaster food stamps) | 888.524.3578
• Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
• NOLA Ready: New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
• Red Cross | 866.438.4636
• Operation Blue Roof | 888.766.3258
• Want to volunteer? Call 225.342.2038 or visit VolunteerLouisiana.gov 

LOCAL UTILITY STATUS