As Hurricane Delta Threatens Louisiana, Governor Edwards Urges Citizens to Prepare

As Hurricane Delta continues to gain strength and track toward Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency and is urging residents to prepare of the severe weather. According to forecasters with the National Weather Service, the state's entire coastline is within Delta's cone, with landfall currently projected for late Friday evening or early Saturday morning. 

To read Governor Edwards' complete emergency proclamation for Hurricane Delta, click HERE. You can also click HERE to watch the Governor's Wednesday afternoon press conference on the storm. Future updates can be streamed online through either Louisiana Public Broadcasting's website or the Governor's Office Facebook page. 

For more information from the Governor's Office on how you and your family can prepare for Hurricane Delta, click HERE. Residents can also opt in to receive text alerts from the Governor's Office by texting HURRICANE DELTA to 67283. 

Get a Hurricane Game Plan for Your Business, Your Employees, and Your Family

With some businesses potentially feeling the impacts of Delta as soon as Thursday, the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is encouraging all Louisiana business owners who do not already have a hurricane plan to visit their website for guidance on how to create one, as well as things to consider as they prepare for tropical weather. To visit GOHSEP's “Get a Game Plan” webpage for business, click HERE. 

Click HERE to see GOHSEP's full Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide. It contains more information relevant to keeping your business, employees, communities and families safe.  

Get Additional Hurricane Information for Your Company from the Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center 

The Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center, a joint operation of GOHSEP and Louisiana Economic Development, also has additional resources for businesses preparing for the impact of Hurricane Delta. The BEOC provides information and alerts for business owners, as well as helpful links to information such as individual parish emergency offices and DOTD's road condition database. To visit the BEOC's website, click HERE. 

The BEOC also serves as the main point of contact for Louisiana businesses who have not been impacted by the storm and want to either volunteer or donate their resources to help the state recover. For more information, click HERE. 

See the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA Hurricane Toolkit for Business

To help businesses prepare for the impact of hurricanes and tropical weather, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA have assembled a toolkit complete with helpful information such as how to assess readiness, develop a preparedness plan, and checklists to guide business owners through closing and reopening their company. To see the complete hurricane toolkit, click HERE. 

Click HERE for additional hurricane preparedness information for businesses from FEMA. 

Hurricane Preparedness Tips from the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration has assembled useful information to help guide businesses as they prepare for the impact of hurricanes and tropical weather. The SBA's storm guide includes information such as the IRS' tips on protecting your business records and cleanup guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control. To see the SBA's emergency preparedness webpage, click HERE. 

The SBA also has a complete hurricane preparedness checklist for businesses. To access a printable PDF version of the checklist, click HERE. 

Hurricane Resources from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

With Hurricane Delta threatening the Gulf Coast, LABI's national partners at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have assembled information and resources to help businesses prepare. 

• The U.S. Chamber has a Disaster Help Desk for Business, staffed 24/7 by disaster preparedness and response experts who are able to answer questions and provide assistance. Call 1-888-692-4943 to reach the help desk.
• The Chamber has also assembled Resilience in a Box resource guides to help businesses both prepare and respond to natural disasters. To learn more about the guides, click HERE.
• Disaster recovery guides are also available for small businesses as well. Click HERE to find more.

Keep Up With the Latest Storm Forecasts and Advisories With the National Hurricane Center

In addition to forecasts and updates from local meteorologists, you can also find the latest information on Hurricane Delta such as projected tracks, wind speeds, and storm surge expectations online through the National Hurricane Center. The center posts regular updated advisories every three hours.

To visit the National Hurricane Center's website to get the latest, click HERE.