State of Louisiana

Executive Department Proclamation Number 37 JBE 2018
State of Emergency – Severe Weather

WHEREAS, the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, La. R.S. 29:721, et seq., confers upon the Governor of the State of Louisiana emergency powers to deal with emergencies and disasters, including those caused by fire, flood, earthquake or other natural or manmade causes, in order to ensure that preparations of this state will be adequate to deal with such emergencies or disasters and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the State of Louisiana;

WHEREAS, when the Governor determines that a disaster or emergency has occurred, or the threat thereof is imminent, La. R.S. 29:724(B)(1) empowers the Governor to declare a state of emergency by executive order or proclamation, or both; 

WHEREAS, Proclamation Number. 28 JBE 2018 was issued on February 22, 2018, declaring a state of emergency in Grant Parish in the State of Louisiana as a result of the severe weather caused by severe weather and flooding starting February 21, 2018;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to continue and amend the state emergency, as the State anticipates further assistance will be needed for parishes within the threatened emergency area in their response to this continuing threat of flooding as the rivers rise in response to the severe weather from February 21 to February 25, 2018; and

WHEREAS, the parishes of Avoyelles, Beaureguard, Bossier, Caddo, Grant, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, and Rapides has declared, or in the process of declaring, an emergency.

NOW THEREFORE, I, JOHN BEL EDWARDS, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1:  Pursuant to the Louisiana Emergency Powers Act, La. R.S. 29:721 et seq., and more specifically, La. R.S. 29:724, a state of emergency is hereby declared to exist for Avoyelles, Beaureguard, Bossier, Caddo, Grant, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, and Rapides Parish.

SECTION 2:  The Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is hereby authorized to undertake any activity authorized by law which he deems appropriate in response to this declaration.

SECTION 3:  All departments, commissions, boards, agencies and officers of the State, or any political subdivision thereof, are authorized and directed to cooperate in actions the State may take in response to the effects of this event.

SECTION 4:  This order is effective upon signature and shall remain in effect from Monday, February 26, 2018 until Tuesday, March 27, 2018, unless terminated sooner. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana, in the City of Baton Rouge, on this 26th day of February, 2018.

s/John Bel Edwards
GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA