Louisiana’s unique susceptibility to hurricanes and floods makes disaster preparedness and response critical to the safety and well-being of our communities. As climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of storms, we must focus on creating a disaster relief system that prioritizes rapid, efficient response while building long-term resilience, particularly for our most vulnerable populations.
In the wake of devastating events like Hurricane Helene, which – in addition to the tremendous loss of life – left parts of the Southeast U.S. without shelter, power, and access to basic needs, it is clear that our current systems are not doing enough. The federal government must ensure that FEMA and other agencies have the resources and flexibility needed to provide immediate, effective relief to communities hit hardest by natural disasters. This includes improving emergency housing protocols to ensure no American is left without shelter, even temporarily, in the aftermath of a catastrophe.
Beyond immediate relief, I support the development of solar-powered resiliency hubs, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods, that would provide power and essential services when the grid is down. These hubs, which can operate independently from the grid, would be equipped with solar panels, battery storage, and essential supplies, allowing communities to maintain access to electricity, communication, and medical services during extended power outages. These hubs would be essential for ensuring that low-income communities, often hit hardest by disasters, have access to resources that can save lives.
Additionally, we need stronger federal investment in building more resilient infrastructure, including emergency housing solutions that can be deployed quickly and efficiently. This means updating the Stafford Act to allow federal disaster funds to be used on emergency housing automatically, without penalizing operators. Providing stable, short-term housing in the wake of disasters should be a federal priority, not an afterthought.
It’s time we prioritize smart, resilient infrastructure and ensure that communities can recover quickly without having to wait for the federal government to catch up.