Aid Sent to Florida from Louisiana As Hurricane Ian Makes Impact
Aid Sent to Florida from Louisiana As Hurricane Ian Makes Impact
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – On September 28, 2022, the Louisiana Office of the Governor announced that as Hurricane Ian impacts Florida, Governor John Bel Edwards has spoken with Governor Ron DeSantis and offered assistance and resources to aid the people of Florida. Resources are already en route, and preparations are underway for additional assistance once damage assessments have begun.
“Louisiana knows all too well the chaos and destruction a hurricane as strong as Ian can bring, and we will do everything we can to help our neighbors in Florida and other states impacted by this storm,” said Governor Edwards. “I have spoken with Governor DeSantis and instructed our state agencies to offer resources, personnel and expertise to Florida officials, some of which is already on its way. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and my senior staff will remain in regular contact with their counterparts in Florida. I also ask that you join your prayers to mine for the people of Florida and surrounding areas as they endure this devastating storm.”
Assistance already fully approved for Florida:
- Two UH- 60 Blackhawk Aircraft and Crews – Louisiana National Guard, 9 personnel total
- Two Movement Control Teams – Louisiana National Guard, 14 personnel (This team helps track and coordinate the movement of resources and personnel across the impacted regions)
- Horizontal Engineer Company- Louisiana National Guard, up to 155 personnel (This company helps provide engineer support in affected areas post landfall)
- Light and Medium Truck Company Support- Louisiana National Guard, 67 personnel (This company supplies transportation resources in support of missions related to supplies and personnel)
“Hurricane Ian has reached Category 4, borderline line Category 5, status as it’s approached the west coast of Florida,” said GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle. “We have had our own recent experience dealing with storms at that level. We understand the need to support others with emergency resources and personnel because other states often supply Louisiana with the same assistance. We will continue to review any requests and offer assistance whenever possible with response and the expected recovery process.”
“The Louisiana National Guard is proud of the long standing partnership with the Citizen Soldiers and Airmen of the great State of Florida,” said Major General Keith Waddell, Louisiana National Guard. “We remain ready to protect what matters for those who have supported Louisiana in years past.”
Louisiana Governor Edwards has directed GOHSEP to provide him with monthly updates on Florida aid as he leads a group to London on an economic development mission, advocating foreign investment in Louisiana and working to resolve our state’s ongoing insurance concerns. The governor is set to return to Louisiana on Monday.
Governor Edwards’ Chief of Staff, Mark Cooper, communicates often with Governor DeSantis’ Chief of Staff, James Uthmeier.
Requests for aid are made through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a state-to-state arrangement (EMAC.) During governor-declared states of emergency, EMAC provides aid through a responsive, simple system that allows states to transfer persons, equipment, and commodities to support disaster relief efforts in neighboring states. EMAC allows states to join forces and assist one another as needed throughout each phase of an emergency. The state-to-state system was established in 1996, following Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
Follow this link for additional information on the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
GOHSEP has arranged EMAC teams to assist in recent emergencies such as a flood and a wildfire in New Mexico. EMAC support was provided to Louisiana during numerous recent occurrences, including hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida. Our efforts were aided by teams of emergency management officials and first responders from neighboring states.
More weather and preparedness advice can be found on GOHSEP’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Another resource to help you and your family prepare for any form of emergency is the Get A Game Plan App. By following this link you can download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find additional information.
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