Informatics Research Institute

Today, Jim Williams discussed how the Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center supports the business community before, during, and after a disaster at the monthly Acadiana VOAD meeting.

The NIMSAT Institute is excited to launch the summer/fall training series for FEMA Basic and GOHSEP Academy courses, starting next month. Classes will be held at Abdalla Hall in Lafayette. Stay tuned for course information!

NIMSAT can also assist with your organization or business's emergency plan. If you need guidance, please email us!
Visit LABEOC.ORG for checklists and instructions on starting your emergency plans!

👉Acadiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (AVOAD) fosters efficient, streamlined service delivery to people affected by disaster, while eliminating unnecessary duplication of effort through cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration in the four phases of disaster: preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation.

Raju Gottumukkala, PhD will be speaking about Data-Driven Decision Making at the Louisiana Department of Health Rural Health Transformation Summit this Thursday, June 11, in Natchitoches, LA.

Speakers will present information on current rural health initiatives, available funding opportunities, and strategies for fostering innovation, collaboration, and long-term sustainability in rural Louisiana health care.

Last week, the NIMSAT Institute hosted an engaging Federal Emergency Management Agency ICS‑400 training, bringing together experienced professionals to strengthen advanced incident management skills.

Participants collaborated closely in hands-on group work exercises, applying strategic coordination and decision-making in complex scenarios. A big thank you to instructors Jim Williams (NIMSAT) and Richard Milford (LSUA) for leading a dynamic and insightful session that fostered teamwork and real-world problem-solving.

We’re proud to support continued professional development in emergency management and resilience across our region.

Hurricane Season Starts Today — Is Your Business Ready?

June 1 marks the official start of hurricane season. For businesses along the Gulf Coast and beyond, now is the time to take proactive steps to protect your people, property, and operations.

Preparation isn’t just smart—it’s essential for minimizing downtime and financial impact.

The Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center and the NIMSAT Institute share some ways your businesses can prepare:

- Review and update your emergency plan
Ensure you have a clear response plan that includes evacuation procedures, shelter-in-place guidance, and communication protocols for employees.
- Back up critical data
Secure both physical and digital records. Use cloud storage or offsite backups to protect essential business information.
- Inspect your facility
Check roofs, windows, doors, and drainage systems. Remove loose outdoor items that could become hazardous in high winds.
- Prepare an emergency kit
Stock supplies like first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, and backup power sources.
- Confirm insurance coverage
Review policies to ensure you’re adequately covered for flood, wind, and business interruption losses.
- Establish a communication plan
Make sure employees, customers, and partners know how to stay informed before, during, and after a storm.
- Plan for operational continuity
Identify critical functions and develop strategies to keep them running—or to resume quickly after a disruption.
- Preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow.

Don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast—start now to ensure your business is ready for whatever this hurricane season may bring.

Visit labeoc.org for more preparedness resources!

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The 27th annual Disaster Response Workshop + Geospatial Data Mining Training is next week at the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise (LITE) Center! We look forward to the exciting speaker lineup, networking, and enjoying some amazing BBQ!

We want to thank our incredible sponsors for helping put on this free event for the disaster response and GIS community.

🔵 Regional Application Center/LouisianaView
🔵 LouisianaView
🔵 University of Louisiana at Lafayette
🔵 Acadian Ambulance
🔵 Andy Hollerman, Barbecue
🔵 Community Coffee
🔵EagleView
🔵 Esri
🔵 Fenstermaker
🔵 Seiler Geospatial

Don't forget to meet us at Adopted Dog Brewing for Mappy Hour on Thursday, June 4, right after the workshop!

In-person registration closes today, but you can still attend virtually https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/a7e11bc640fc4b93921713fd72079699

Join us this Memorial Day as we remember and thank the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to serve our nation. 🇺🇸

University flags fly at half-staff and offices are closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of the holiday. We will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette awarded 1,775 degrees on Friday, May 15, during Spring 2026 Commencement exercises.

1,353 bachelor’s degrees
366 master’s degrees
43 doctoral degrees
6 post-master’s certificates
5 undergraduate certificates
2 graduate certificates