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Industrial facilities play an important role in Ascension Parish's economy, workforce, and community. With major industrial operations in the region, emergency preparedness and effective communication are essential to protecting residents, employees, and local businesses. But what happens when an industrial emergency occurs? How do facilities, emergency responders, and local agencies prepare to work together when every second matters? One important part of the answer is indus

Protecting Ascension Parish Starts Long Before an Emergency Happens When people think about emergency response, they often picture firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders arriving at the scene of an incident. But protecting a community begins long before an emergency occurs. In Ascension Parish, the Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) organization works behind the scenes every day to strengthen emergency preparedness, improve communication,

When an emergency occurs, knowing what to do—and doing it quickly—can make a difference. During a chemical incident or other industrial emergency, officials may instruct residents to either shelter in place or evacuate. These two protective actions are very different. Understanding the difference before an emergency happens can help you and your family respond calmly and safely. What Does “Shelter in Place” Mean? Shelter in place means staying indoors and taking steps to prot

During an emergency, accurate and timely information can save lives. When an incident occurs, residents need to know what is happening, what actions they should take, and where to find reliable information. Ascension CAER works with local emergency response and public safety partners to help coordinate emergency communications throughout Ascension Parish. Through trusted communication systems such as Everbridge, verified alerts, protective action recommendations, and importan

When an emergency happens, preparation and coordination can make all the difference. Ascension CAER (Community Awareness & Emergency Response) helps coordinate and participate in disaster response training with 32 industrial and chemical plants in and around Ascension Parish. These training efforts bring industry and emergency response agencies together to practice how they will communicate, coordinate resources, and respond during a potential emergency. Training Through Part

For decades, outdoor emergency sirens have been an important part of emergency preparedness in Ascension Parish. But as technology continues to evolve, so does the way we communicate during an emergency. Ascension Parish is phasing out the old emergency sirens and transitioning to a modern digital and analog emergency notification system designed to reach residents through multiple communication channels. The new system will use technologies including Everbridge, IPAWS (Integ

Louisiana is home to one of the largest concentrations of chemical and petrochemical manufacturing facilities in the country. These plants provide thousands of jobs and play an important role in the state’s economy—but operating facilities that manufacture, store, or use hazardous chemicals also requires extensive planning and coordination to protect employees, first responders, and the communities that surround them. Community safety does not depend on a single emergency pla

In Ascension Parish, being prepared means thinking beyond hurricane season. Our community is home to families, businesses, and a large industrial corridor, so emergencies can take many forms—from hurricanes and extended power outages to industrial incidents that may require residents to shelter in place or evacuate. The best time to prepare is before an emergency happens. Build an Emergency Kit for Your Family Every household should have an emergency kit with enough basic sup

In a community like Ascension Parish, where neighborhoods, businesses, emergency responders, and a major chemical industry operate side by side, fast and reliable communication is an important part of keeping everyone informed and prepared. The Everbridge emergency notification system helps make that communication possible. Ascension Parish’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness uses Everbridge as part of its Community Alerting System, allowing residents to

Hurricane season is a reminder that preparation is one of the best ways to protect your family, home, and community. While storms can develop quickly, taking a few simple steps before severe weather threatens can make a significant difference when every minute counts. Build an Emergency Kit Prepare a disaster supply kit with enough essentials to last at least three days. Include bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, extra batteries, a first aid kit, im

Emergencies can strike at any moment, often without warning. Whether it's a natural disaster, a medical crisis, or a fire, being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. This blog post will explore effective emergency education strategies that can help individuals and communities maximize safety. By understanding the importance of preparedness and implementing practical education techniques, we can create a safer environment for everyone. Understanding the Imp

In an unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies is not just a good idea; it’s essential. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a medical emergency, or a sudden power outage, having a plan can make all the difference. This blog post will guide you through essential emergency preparedness tips that every household should consider. Understanding the Importance of Emergency Preparedness Emergencies can strike at any time, often without warning. According to the Federal Emerg

In emergencies, every second counts. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a medical crisis, or a security threat, the ability to respond quickly and efficiently can save lives and minimize damage. One of the most effective ways to enhance your emergency response is through scheduling solutions. These tools can help organizations coordinate their efforts, manage resources, and ensure that the right people are in the right place at the right time. Understanding the Importance of Sc