BATON ROUGE, La. – Governor John Bel Edwards has announced a state of emergency amid severe heat affecting Louisiana. The extreme heat has caused multiple issues throughout the state, including an increased number of heat-related hospital visits.
According to the governor, “The National Weather Service has been issuing a record-breaking number of excessive heat warnings for Louisiana this year. The state’s Department of Health has reported that Louisiana surpassed its average annual number of emergency room visits due to heat-related complications.” Other issues such as drought conditions and a drastic decrease in the Mississippi River’s water level have placed added strain on water resources and agriculture.
The announcement of a state of emergency is a procedural move that allows the utilization of state resources in response to the ongoing crisis. Governor Edwards’ office and GOHSEP will continue to provide updates about heat-related dangers, as well as other weather-related emergencies. It is advised that residents take proper precautions while outdoors and check on neighbors who may require assistance during this time.