The Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (BOHSEP)
convened a winter weather warning coordination meeting at 2:00 p.m. today at the
Bossier Parish Library Central location. Elected officials, first responders, parish public
works, and representatives from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and
Development (DOTD) joined the briefing to finalize operational plans ahead of expected
severe winter weather.
The primary focus of the meeting was to determine where each agency would deploy
crews to keep key roadways open in the event of significant ice accumulation. With the
National Weather Service forecasting more than 0.25 inches of ice, an amount capable of
causing widespread power outages and hazardous travel, agencies aligned resources to
ensure critical routes remain passable.
The Bossier Parish Highway Department reported that it will apply salt and brine to
parish roads and work jointly with DOTD to help keep I-220 open. DOTD crews
assigned to I-20 will manage winter weather operations along that corridor.
“This level of coordination ensures that every partner knows their assignment and that
our response will be unified and efficient,” said Dr. Ken Ward, Bossier Parish
Administrator. “Ice accumulation of this magnitude can quickly disrupt normal
operations, so preparation is essential.”
During the meeting, agencies discussed:
Roadway treatment priorities for parish and state routes
Crew staging and resource availability
Communication plans for closures, hazards, and emergency updates
First responder protocols for crashes, stranded motorists, and medical
emergencies
Expected impacts from potential widespread power outages
BOHSEP encourages residents to monitor official weather updates, limit travel during icy
conditions, and take precautions to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants.
Additional updates will be provided as the weather system approaches.