Welcome to Bogalusa, LA, USA

Welcome to the MAGIC CITY

Among Louisiana cities, there perhaps is none whose short history is more interesting and unique than that of the City of Bogalusa. The very name "Bogalusa" is copyrighted. "The Magic City", "The Green Empire", — slogans of past years, are as appropriate today as they were when the axe felled the first tree to carve from a virgin pine forest the community destined to be one of the leading industrial cities of the South.

Bogalusa is situated on the eastern border of Washington Parish in the "Florida Parishes" section of Louisiana on the Pearl River (the dividing line between Louisiana and Mississippi), and is the chief manufacturing and trading center of the Pearl River valley (see map). Reputed to have been the largest un-incorporated community in the nation at that time, Bogalusa was incorporated July 4, 1914, with a commission form of government.

The name "Bogalusa" is derived from the Indian named creek "Bogue Lusa", which flows through the city, the definition of which is smoky or dark waters. Bogalusa owes its birth to the enterprise of the Goodyear interests of Buffalo, New York, who established the lumber industry here in 1906, and erected the Great Southern Lumber Company plant. This plant became the largest pine sawmill in the world. Today Temple-Inland Inc. ranks as one of the outstanding manufacturers of pulp, paper, boxes, bags and other paper products in the nations.

Hurricane Notice

Be Prepared Before a Hurricane

Evacuation Plans

When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens or telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be circumstances under which you and your family feel threatened or endangered and you need to leave your home, school, or workplace to avoid these situations.

The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard. If the event is a weather condition, such as a hurricane that can be monitored, you might have a day or two to get ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.

Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Hundreds of times each year, transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently. Almost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the face of approaching hurricanes.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

Ensure your safety

Your first concern after a disaster is your family�s health and safety. You need to consider possible safety issues and monitor family health and well-being.

Aiding the Injured

Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.

Health

Safety Issues

General Tips

Returning home can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution.

Before You Enter Your Home

Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.

Going Inside Your Home

When you go inside your home, there are certain things you should and should not do. Enter the home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors. The following items are other things to check inside your home:

Seeking Disaster Assistance

Throughout the recovery period, it is important to monitor local radio or television reports and other media sources for information about where to get emergency housing, food, first aid, clothing, and financial assistance. The following section provides general information about the kinds of assistance that may be available.

Direct Assistance

Direct assistance to individuals and families may come from any number of organizations, including:

These organizations provide food, shelter, supplies and assist in clean-up efforts.

The Federal Role

In the most severe disasters, the federal government is also called in to help individuals and families with temporary housing, counseling (for post-disaster trauma), low-interest loans and grants, and other assistance. The federal government also has programs that help small businesses and farmers.

Most federal assistance becomes available when the President of the United States declares a �Major Disaster� for the affected area at the request of a state governor. FEMA will provide information through the media and community outreach about federal assistance and how to apply.