Executive Department
Proclamation Number 14 JBE 2018
State Of Emergency – Winter 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, 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,on January 16, 2018, a strong cold front moved into and across the state causing freezing precipitation and low temperatures;

WHEREAS,the freezing temperatures have caused major road closures throughout the state; and

WHEREAS,the weather forecasts predict another hard-overnight freeze on January 17, 2018 across the state with little opportunity for roads to defrost during the day.
 
NOW THEREFORE, I, JOHN BEL EDWARDS, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by 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 statewide.

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 Wednesday, January 17, 2018 until Friday, Febuary 16, 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 17th day of January, 2018.
  
ATTEST BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE
GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA
SECRETARY OF STATE