Similar Content: How Fleets Can Prepare for Natural Disasters: Lessons from Hurricane Matthew
Recovery Efforts Continue for Hurricane Ida
Hurricane Ida ravaged many parts of the Gulf Coast and caused flooding in several northeastern states.

Photo: Louisiana State Police
As Troopers and emergency response workers from across the country continue post-storm recovery operations, Troopers are honored to partner with local, state, and out of state public safety agencies. #Ida@ARStatePolice@FLHSMV@GOHSEP@La_DOTD@LouisianaGovpic.twitter.com/4xTkjo6Hap
— LA State Police (@LAStatePolice) September 5, 2021
Rescue and recovery efforts are still ongoing after Hurricane Ida ravaged many parts of the Gulf Coast and caused flash flooding in several northeastern states.
In Louisiana, the Category 4 storm left more than one million people without power, and state officials confirmed a total of 13 deaths.
Prior to the storm, local utility company Entergy anticipated mobilizing a team of 16,000 to restore power across Louisiana using high-water vehicles, rear-alley machines, marsh buggies, drones, and helicopters. On Monday, Entergy announced that its anticipated storm team grew to nearly 26,000, restoring power to 457,000 of Entergy's customers — eight days after Ida made landfall.
As of press time, more than 500,000 residents are still without power, according to the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
Crews are working throughout the areas impacted by Hurricane Ida, including in St. John and St. Charles parishes. We will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to all customers. pic.twitter.com/EMqbUcikpL
— Entergy Louisiana (@EntergyLA) September 6, 2021
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on Aug. 30 that the state would also use high-water vehicles, boats, and helicopters to assist with search and rescue efforts, in addition to receiving support from local first responders and Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) teams from various other states, such as New York.
According to USA Today, the Louisiana National Guard reportedly activated a total of 4,900 personnel and lined up 195 high-water vehicles, 73 rescue boats, and 34 helicopters. Meanwhile, troopers from Louisiana State Police teamed up with Arkansas State Police and Florida Highway Patrol to help clear fallen trees; cover damaged roofs; and pass out food, water, and other supplies. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development also worked to clear storm-related debris and is currently conducting damage assessments in impacted areas.
Working with @La_DOTD our engineer work teams are actively engaged throughout 11 parishes and have assessed 2,112 miles and cleared 403 miles of roadway from Hurricane #Ida. #ProtectWhatMatters@GOHSEPpic.twitter.com/KZ0qT9jnsc
— LA National Guard (@LANationalGuard) September 1, 2021
As the remnants of Ida headed up north — after being re-categorized as a tropical storm — several states, including Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, suffered severe flooding, and in some cases, tornadoes.
The New Jersey National Guard began conducting search and rescue missions on Sept. 3 throughout flooded parts of northern and central New Jersey. On Tuesday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said that FEMA teams were still on the ground in Essex, Hudson, Mercer, and Union counties to evaluate damages from Ida.
In Passaic County, New Jersey, half of the North Haledon Police Department’s fleet, including seven motorcycles, was damaged after stormwater flooded the department’s municipal garage and parking lot, according to NorthJersey.com. Officials are still assessing the cost of damage to other fleet equipment stored in the department’s facility.
More Operations

EV Shifts, Salem’s Rise and GFX 2027
From hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles, to the changes that helped Salem, Oregon, become the No. 1 Leading Fleet.
Read More →
How Salem, Oregon, Turned Culture Change Into a No. 1 Fleet Ranking
Fleet availability reached 98.95% after Salem empowered employees and used performance data to guide years of steady improvement.
Read More →
BRINC Drones Adds Free Wildfire and Smoke Tracking as Agencies Across America Battle Active Fires
New map layers give public safety agencies real-time fire detections and smoke conditions integrated directly into LiveOps at no additional cost.
Read More →
Hidden in Plain Sight: Fleet Compliance Risks
Your fleet may have the right policies, but are they being followed consistently? This practical guide highlights six hidden compliance risks that can undermine public sector and shared fleet operations and shares proven approaches to improve oversight, drive accountability, and maintain audit readiness.
Read More →
Dealing With Workplace Fraud in Fleets
Workplace fraud in government organizations can result in significant financial losses, but understanding its causes and implementing effective controls can help mitigate the risk.
Read More →
Mercury Associates Returns to Independent Ownership
New owners John Martin, Brad Smith, and Daniel Reichmann plan to expand Mercury’s analytical capabilities while continuing to grow the CFMO program.
Read More →
Fleet Technology Targets Inspections, EV Procurement, and Parts Sourcing
How new technology is addressing routine operational challenges, from vehicle inspections to cooperative purchasing.
Read More →
Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Orders Three New Aerial Ladder Trucks
As Murfreesboro's population grows, its fire fleet is growing with it. Three new aerial ladder trucks will replace existing frontline apparatus and equip a new ladder company planned for Station 12.
Read More →
Fleetio Launches PartsTech Integration, Helping Fleets Save up to 15 Minutes on Each Purchase Order
Integration brings parts sourcing and ordering into one connected Fleetio workflow to reduce administrative work.
Read More →
What’s Holding Your Fleet Back?
Catch up on the week with news around creating a more structured operation, examining an outdated garage, and more.
Read More →

