Home > Communications > News > Storm & Flood News > University faculty, students build ‘ultimate portable weather system’ to monitor hurricanes [Image: Weather station set up at Ben Hur -- with team members around it] (Distributed 06/02/08) Faculty and students from two LSU System campuses combined their talents and expertise to produce a state-of-the-art weather station that could be rolled into the path of a hurricane if one comes our way. A cooperative venture of faculty in the LSU Hurricane Center and the LSU AgCenter, along with LSU mechanical engineering students, the station is designed to help monitor the intensity of storms as they approach the Louisiana coast. Pack evacuation box now in case you need to ‘grab and go’ (Distributed 05/30/08) Packing a box you can “grab and go” in case you need to evacuate could save you from financial disasters and hardships, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. “You may not be able to prevent hurricanes and storms that interrupt your routine or destroy your home, but you can make plans to keep them from disrupting everything,” Tucker says. Talk to children early to help them prepare for storms [Image: Child with doll after hurricane] (Distributed 05/29/08) Everyone will be able to cope better if you talk to your children early about hurricanes and get them involved in your plans and preparations, says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser. Discussing what hurricanes are, the dangers they pose and the safety measures to take against them can help to alleviate some of the fear and anxiety children and adults feel when a storm is approaching. Everyone recommends it, but just what is a 3-day emergency food supply? (Distributed 05/28/08) Anyone who has heard disaster preparedness recommendations probably knows a three-day emergency food supply is on the list. But just what does that mean? LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames has the answers.  more articles... Prepare landscape for summer storms (Distributed 05/27/08) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says your lawn and landscape should be one area you pay close attention to while deciding whether you’re prepared if a storm comes your way this summer. “June marks the beginning of hurricane season, and it’s important to understand powerful hurricanes can affect the entire state – not just the southern portions,” Gill says. Family emergency plan critical in preparing for hurricane season (Distributed 05/26/08) If your family has a plan for what you’d do in case of a hurricane or other disaster, now is the time to pull it out and review it. If you don’t, there’s still time to write your plan, LSU AgCenter disaster preparedness specialist Pat Skinner says. How can I strengthen my home against wind? [Image: Hurricane straps installed ] (Distributed 05/22/08) Wind is the most common and most costly cause of damage to homes and other “light frame structures” in the United States. The 75-mile-per-hour-plus winds experienced in hurricanes put tremendous pressure on the roof, walls and foundation, and windblown debris can significantly increase the damage. But LSU AgCenter disaster recovery and mitigation specialist Pat Skinner says there are steps you can take to protect your home in the long run. LSU AgCenter housing expert says don’t forget a few easier steps to protect your home (Distributed 05/22/08) LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says not to forget the relatively easy steps you can take to protect your home from hurricane damage. “Although changes like structural reinforcements, installing hurricane shutters or replacing windows with impact-resistant glass require more time, money and planning, there are some things you can do at a lower cost and with less effort,” Reichel advises. Don’t find yourself saying ‘I wish I had…’ if storm strikes (Distributed 05/19/08) Neglecting to make basic preparations could be a decision you heartily regret if a major storm or hurricane comes your way. That’s a message LSU AgCenter experts are stressing as this year’s hurricane season approaches. Beat the rush; stock up on hurricane supplies now (Distributed 05/16/08) The start of this year’s hurricane season is rapidly approaching, and LSU AgCenter experts say stocking up on supplies now makes sense – whether you think a storm may come your way or not. Disaster preparedness specialist lists ‘simple steps’ (Distributed 05/15/08) As hurricane season approaches, it’s a good time to take a few simple steps to protect your home and family in case a storm strikes, according to LSU AgCenter disaster preparedness specialist Pat Skinner. Ask yourself these questions to see if you’re prepared for a storm (Distributed 05/09/08) With hurricane season approaching, it’s a good time to ask yourself a few questions to determine if you’re appropriately prepared. Even if you’ve been through a hurricane before, it’s easy to forget some of the preparations that can protect your property and family, experts with the LSU AgCenter stress.