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.

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.

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.

LEARN MORE

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.***

COVID-19 Vaccines at Memorial Hospital

Get your COVID-19 vaccination at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. No appointment necessary. Schedule for the week of August 9th – August 13th.

Virtual Parent Town Hall with the U.S. Department of Education – July 29th

Panelists from the US Department of Education and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will answer parents’ questions and address concerns around the return to in-person instruction.

Disaster Recovery Service

The Recovery Service Center is free to attend and is in partnership between the City of Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish OHSEP, Calcasieu Parish School Board, GOHSEP, FEMA and SBA.