LA BEOC at LSU to help aid locals during disasters

Officials may soon be turning to the Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center (LA BEOC) for help – an agency that is responsible for supporting disaster management activities throughout the state by understanding economic impacts and how businesses can continue to sustain themselves.

Through LA BEOC, the state can reduce its reliance on federal aid and concentrate on getting businesses back to normal.

The facility is located at LSU’s South Campus in Baton Rouge and is a partnership between several major players: The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Louisiana Economic Development, LSU Stephenson Disaster Management Institute and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s National Incident Management Systems and Advanced Technologies Institute (NIMSAT).

The center officially opened June 2.

In times of crisis, like during hurricanes, LA BEOC will coordinate business and volunteer activities with those of the public sector, said Jason Rawls, private sector development coordinator for NIMSAT, during a presentation at Nicholls State University Thursday.

All data LA BEOC and its affiliates gather will be sent to the state level to better coordinate response efforts.

Many times, businesses have a lot to offer, but do not know how to get the word out, explained Rawls. The new center will also help maximize the use of local businesses, which could also be struggling to keep afloat.

LA BEOC, however, “is not a platform for solicitations,” Rawls said. It’s a mechanism to “support the whole state.” But in order to do that, the small guys need to be included too.

“Unless you involve the private sector in a dynamic way, you have cascading problems,” warned Tom Anderson, director of development for Stephenson Disaster Management Institute.

Officials said the new center will not take the place of regular, regional emergency operations centers, but will cater specifically to businesses.

When activated, LA BEOC will hold about 40 representatives from various organizations.