Lafayette, LA – In the wake of severe weather and flash flooding that swept through Lafayette Parish on April 24, 2025, local officials are urging residents and business owners to report property damage through the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) online platform.
The Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) issued a public advisory encouraging individuals to use the state’s official self-reporting tool, available at https://damage.la.gov, to document and share the extent of storm-related damage. The information submitted will assist local, state, and federal emergency response teams in assessing needs and coordinating recovery efforts.
“This is a critical step in helping our community recover,” said a spokesperson for Lafayette Parish OHSEP. “The more quickly and accurately we can gather this data, the better we can plan for assistance and support for those affected.”
The online portal, managed by GOHSEP, allows homeowners and business owners to upload photos, describe the damage, and accurately pinpoint locations using mapping tools. Although originally designed for residential use, business owners are still encouraged to submit reports, with the understanding that some language in the form may not directly apply to commercial properties.
To ensure reports are useful, officials recommend submitting multiple clear photos from different angles, including wide shots of the overall structure and close-ups of specific damage. Residents should use the comments section to provide context and describe how the damage occurred. Accuracy in address entry and map placement is also emphasized.
Authorities have clarified that reports should not include:
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Non-residential outbuildings such as sheds, barns, or carports
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Vehicles
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Duplicate entries for the same property
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Any damage that cannot be safely documented
Residents are strongly cautioned not to put themselves at risk while gathering photos or information.
Local leaders stress that prompt reporting can help expedite state and federal assistance processes. “This is not just about assessing damage — it’s about accelerating recovery,” OHSEP officials added.
For more information or to begin a damage report, individuals can visit https://damage.la.gov.