Information for Families, Public Safety, , , ,

Governor's Office Updates

With wildfires and ongoing drought conditions threatening the state, Gov. John Bel Edwards has conducted numerous Unified Command Group Meetings with state and local officials and is asking that Louisianans adhere to the statewide burn ban. 

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Louisiana Wildfires Food Assistance

Recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may request Replacement SNAP benefits if they have lost food because of fires or a power outage of 24 hours or more. For more information, visit dcfs.la/replace. Affected residents who are not SNAP recipients can dial 211 to get information about resources and assistance in their area.

3 WAYS TO APPLY

SNAP Replacement Benefits are NOT automatic. You must apply to have funds replaced.

ONLINE

Fill out the online form at dcfs.la/snap38 with your: Name, address, phone, SS# Dollar amount of food loss Date of food loss Reason for food loss
APPLY ONLINE

IN PERSON

Find your nearest DCFS office at www.dcfs.la.gov/directory. Go to the office, where you will be able to get the form, fill it out and submit it in person. You will need to provide the same information as the online form.
FIND NEAREST OFFICE

MAIL OR FAX

Download the SNAP 38 Replacement Benefits Request Form online at dcfs.la/replace Complete the form and send it to DCFS by:  Mail: DCP, P.O. Box 260031 Baton Rouge, LA 70826-991 or Fax: 225-663-3164
DOWNLOAD FORM

There is no active DSNAP at this time. A federal declaration of emergency that provides for individual assistance must be issued for the wildfires to start that process.

For more information about Replacement SNAP, or to download the SNAP 38 Form, visit dcfs.la/wildfires or call LAHelpU at 1-888-524-3578.

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FIRE & SMOKE MAP

The AirNow Fire and Smoke Map provides information that you can use to help protect your health from wildfire smoke. The Map is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Forest Service (USFS)-led Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
CHECK OUT THE MAP

WILDFIRE AWARE APP

Use the Wildfire Aware link to view active wildfires across the state. The app opens with the list of fires sorted by the number of personnel assigned from greatest to least as reported by incident staff.
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Safety Tips During a Severe Heat Burn Ban

  • No Open Flames: Do not light campfires, bonfires, or any open flames. Even small sparks can lead to a major fire.
  • Discard Cigarettes Properly: Ensure that cigarettes are completely extinguished before discarding. Never toss them out of a vehicle or onto the ground.
  • No Grilling Allowed: Due to the high risk, grilling is strictly prohibited during the burn ban. Any kind of open flame can quickly spread.
  • Maintain Machinery: Ensure lawnmowers, chainsaws, and other equipment have a spark arrestor and are in good working condition.
  • Secure Trailer Chains: Make sure chains on trailers don’t drag on the ground and spark.
  • Avoid Parking on Dry Grass: Hot equipment or vehicle parts can ignite dry grass. Always be cautious where you park.
  • Report Fires Immediately: If you spot a fire, report it immediately to local authorities. Early detection can save lives and property.
  • Prepare Your Home: Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, porches, and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home. Regularly water your plants and trees.
  • Stay Updated: Regularly monitor local news and weather channels for updates on fire dangers and any changes in the burn ban status.
  • Educate and Share: Make others aware of the fire safety guidelines. The more people are informed, the safer our communities will be.

***Grilling and any activity involving open flames are especially dangerous during severe heat and burn bans. Always prioritize community safety.***

Region V: 2024 Legislative Roundtable

Region V: Join Families Helping Families of SWLA, LaCAN, and the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council as we meet with Individuals with disabilities, their family members, and the professionals who support individuals with disabilities, to discuss the LaCAN 2024 Legislative Agenda with area legislators.

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OCDD Family Meet & Greet

OCDD invites families of children with disabilities to an informal meet and greet to answer questions and provide information on available services and resources.

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REGION IV MEET & GREET

An opportunity to meet REGION IV EarlySteps practitioners, referral sources, DCFS workers, and others in person, mingle, and get acquainted with who these people are beyond the emails, text messages, phone calls, and Zoom meetings!

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Mardi Gras Mask Workshop

The City of Lake Charles is gearing up for Mardi Gras with a special Partners in Parks Mardi Gras Mask Making Workshop on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 10 a.m. – noon, on the Ryan Street Plaza of Historic City Hall (1001 Ryan St.).

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Louisiana Wildfires Resources

The Louisiana State Fire Marshall and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture (LDAF) have issued a state-wide burn ban due to the drought and extreme heat conditions plaguing the state. With wildfires burning in parts of the state, Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency. Officials are warning the public that even normal activities can trigger a fire. Everyone is urged to be vigilant to help minimize potential fire risks.

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The Louisiana DeafBlind Project

The Louisiana DeafBlind Project (LADBP) provides educational support to qualifying children and youth (birth to 22-years). LADBP can help you navigate resources and services that empower your child to succeed.

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