Caddo and Bossier Parishes are subject to the effects of many disasters that cover a wide spectrum of types and magnitudes. Disaster conditions can result from natural phenomena (tornados, floods, winter storms, droughts, fires, etc.) or manmade and technological incidents occurring from transportation of hazardous materials, explosions, train derailments, aircraft disasters, building collapses, terrorist incidents, etc.

• To develop and deliver disaster plans & programs to protect life and property.
• To Mobilize, direct, coordinate and utilize resources.
• To coordinate and direct recovery and restoration operations.
• To assist government, volunteers, business, industry, education, medical and other units with their emergency plans & programs.
• To coordinate emergency services to mitigate, prepare, respond and recover from disasters.
• To coordinate local, state, and federal plans, programs, warnings, communications
  and public information within the emergency operations center in case of a disaster.

The Louisiana Disaster Act of 1993 authorized the Caddo Bossier Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness Executive Council as the primary responsible party for meeting the dangers posed by disasters. The OHSEP Executive Council is comprised of:

• Mayor of the City of Shreveport
• Mayor of the City of Bossier City
• Caddo Parish Commission President
• Bossier Parish Police Jury President

This Council appoints the Caddo-Bossier OHSEP Director to be the chief advisor for disaster response activities.

The EOP is an all-inclusive plan concerned with all types of hazards that Caddo and Bossier Parishes may face. OHSEP employs Comprehensive Emergency Management (CEM), a planning system of four phases: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. CEM is a cyclical process with all four steps working in harmony. No single step can function fully without the other three.

MITIGATION is defined as activities that eliminate or reduce the impact of a disaster. Some examples are building codes, flood plain management, insurance, building elevations, designation or shelters, etc.

PREPAREDNESS is defined as activities that develop response capabilities and determine resource needs in case an emergency occurs. Planning, exercises, training, public education, and warning systems are examples of preparedness actions.

RESPONSE is defined as activities taken during a disaster to reduce casualties and damages and bring on the final phase - Recovery. Some examples of these activities are evacuation, search and rescue, triage and treatment, and restoration of utilities.

RECOVERY is defined as the process of returning the community to normalcy. It is both a short-term and long-term process. Short-term operations restore vital services such as water, electricity, and gas. Long-term recovery focuses on restoring the area to its pre-event status or improving upon that status. Temporary housing, restoration of governmental services, reconstruction of damaged property are recovery issues.

Emergency Preparedness for Caddo and Bossier Parishes is a daily responsibility. Many departments and agencies share in the responsibility of preparing for a disaster to save lives and spare property. Emergency preparedness is a partnership. Here are some of the partners involved:

Caddo-Bossier OHSEP ● Law Enforcement Agencies ● Fire Service Departments & Districts ● Emergency Medical Services ● Health Care Facilities ● Parish Health Units ● Parish Coroner’s Offices ● City & parish Public Works ● City & parish Water & Sewer ● Public & Private Utilities ● Parks & Recreation Departments ● School Systems ● American Red Cross ● Salvation Army ● Shreveport Airport Authority ● Transportation Systems ● City & Parish Legal Departments ● City & Parish Planning Departments ● City & Parish Finance Departments ● City & Parish Fleet Services ● Building Inspector / Code Enforcement ● County Agents, Forestry Service ● Offices of Family Support ● Councils on Aging ● Community Action Agencies ● Military Establishment