JEFFERSON PARISH

Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, has learned valuable lessons from Hurricane Ida and has taken proactive measures to address areas of weakness in its emergency management strategies. Joe Valiente, the director of Emergency Management for Jefferson Parish, shares insights into the parish’s efforts to prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with limited means for self-evacuation. From identifying at-risk individuals to establishing poststorm shelters and ensuring sufficient fuel and messaging systems, Jefferson Parish has made significant strides in safeguarding the community during hurricane events.

Identifying and Assisting Vulnerable Populations:

Recognizing the increasing vulnerability of the aging population, Jefferson Parish has implemented a comprehensive plan to support individuals with special needs. Valiente emphasizes the focus on capturing those who may lack the means or family support to evacuate themselves. Collaborating with local assisted living homes, the parish proactively identifies and assists the most vulnerable community members. These individuals are transported to public assisted evacuation sites, known as Parish Pickup Points (PPPs), where the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) processes and facilitates their evacuation.

Recognizing the increasing frequency of shortnotice storms, Valiente highlights the unique mechanism implemented in response. When a storm is 48 hours away and evacuation is no longer feasible, the parish activates plans to evacuate vulnerable populations within short notice of the anticipated landfall. Working in collaboration with DCFS, the state provides transportation assistance, and the parish will make use of Jefferson Parish school buses and National Guard drivers if necessary.

Post-Storm Sheltering:

Jefferson Parish has prioritized post-storm sheltering, aiming to become more self-sufficient in providing shelter options to residents.

Valiente mentions the utilization of a state unified sheltering plan, developed in 2018, which offers valuable guidance. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the parish opened two shelters, accommodating around 200 displaced individuals for nearly a month while relocation could be arranged.

To ensure the availability of safe and reliable shelter locations, Jefferson Parish has designated five playground gyms built to post-Katrina codes, making them among the strongest structures in the parish. These facilities are equipped with generators that activate within hours of a power outage, making them ready to receive evacuees quickly.

Enhanced Fuel Management and Generators:

“We’ve doubled our capacity to store fuel during storm season. After Hurricane Ida, the refineries that produce the diesel and gasoline we relied on were out of commission. So we looked at the amount of fuel we used, which was 14 days, and we doubled that capacity to 28 days. And we contracted with out-of-state storage facilities so the likelihood of those being damaged is minimal, but we still have access to the fuel within 24 hours,” Valiente said.

Even a Category 1 storm can cause prolonged power outages. Valiente highlights their generator contract, effective from June 1, that will power shelter locations. Additionally, all fuel distribution sites are now equipped with generator power, ensuring uninterrupted parish operations even in the aftermath of a severe storm.

Effective Messaging and Alert Systems: Jefferson Parish places great emphasis on effective communication and messaging before, during, and after a hurricane. Their JPalert system allows residents to sign up for emergency messages at jeffparish.net. Through JPalert, they disseminate pre-storm messaging, and residents can also text “JPALERT” to 888-777 to receive alerts for specific storms. Every message is delivered in both English and Spanish. Text “JPNOTICIAS” to 888-777 to receive text updates in Spanish.

By identifying at-risk individuals, establishing post-storm shelters, ensuring reliable fuel supplies, and implementing comprehensive messaging systems, Jefferson Parish demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding the community during increasingly severe weather events.

Emergency Services

Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office: (504) 363-5500

Jefferson Parish Emergency Management: (504) 349-5360

First District Patrol: (504) 598-5928

Second District Patrol: (504) 598-5801

Third District Patrol: (504) 598-5840

Fourth District Patrol: (504) 598-5940

Hospitals

Children’s Hospital of New Orleans: (504) 899-9511

East Jefferson General Hospital: (504) 503-4000

Ochsner Baptist: (504) 899-9311

Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans: (504) 842-3000

Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank:

(504) 392-3131

River Oaks Hospital: (504) 734-1740

Touro Infirmary LCMC Health:

(504) 897-7011

Tulane-Lakeside Hospital:

(504) 988-5263

University Medical Center:

(504) 702-3000

West Jefferson Medical Center:

(504) 347-5511

Utilities and Service Providers

Entergy

East/West Bank: (800) 968-8243