Planning

---

Plans are continuous and evolving. They . . .

• Anticipate actions. 
• Maximize opportunities.
• Guide response operations.

That is why plans are often best described as “living” documents.

Effective planning enables jurisdictions to influence the course of events by determining actions, policies, and processes in advance of an All-Hazards Incident. Planning promotes unity of effort by providing a common blueprint for activity in the event of an incident.

At the local level, planning efforts are assisted through local committees. Required by statute, each Parish or Police Jury President through the Parish Director of a local Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) must form a Parish Emergency Management Advisory Committee (PEMAC). The PEMAC offers advice and counsel on homeland security and emergency management issues including homeland security and emergency management planning.