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[Image: Flooded home]Preparing Your Home For a Flood Your home is one of the largest financial and emotional investments you are likely to make. Advanced planning and preparation can reduce flood damage to your home and belongings in times of disaster. [Image: NFIP Claims and Levees: What you need to know]Flood Insurance and Levees FEMA released a Levees Brochure during the Spring 2011 Floods, explaining NFIP coverage behind levees, for protective measures and the waiting period. This page is copied directly from that brochure and includes a PDF of the original document as an attachment. [Image: Evacuation Traffic ]Preparing for Evacuation Vital preparation steps include developing an evacuation plan, preparing an emergency supply kit and preparing your home for the impending disaster. [Image: Cashier at business]Prepare Your Business for Disaster From 15 to 40 percent of businesses fail following a natural or manmade disaster. Getting your business back in operation after a disaster often depends on emergency planning done today. A commitment to planning will help support employees, customers, the local community, the local economy and even our nation. It also protects your business investment and gives your operation a better chance for survival. [Image: Disaster Information Resources]Disaster Information Resources Series These publications are designed to help Louisiana residents recover from floods, storms, extended power outages and other stressful, dangerous events. [Image: NOAA Image - Three Atlantic Hurricanes]Hurricanes The Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and parish emergency managers have emergency response plans to help residents survive hurricanes. They can help you, but remember... the person most responsible for your safety and well-being is YOU! [Image: A South Louisiana Guide to Living with Hurricanes]A South Louisiana Guide to Living with Hurricanes Much of the damage and loss of life associated with hurricanes can be prevented or reduced by planning, preparation and evacuation. Note: Information related to state evacuation shelter sectors and some phone contact information in this publication has changed, but the preparedness and protection principles are as valid now as they were in 2005. [Image: T.S. Nate Sept 9 early AM]2012 Hurricane Season Louisiana faces serious flood threats during tropical storms and hurricanes from a combination of surge and inland rain. This site directs you to information you can use to understand how predicted flood levels may impact you, how you can reduce flood damage and how you can recover and rebuild once the floodwaters recede. Preparing for Hurricanes - Seasonal and Last-minute Steps You can reduce your expected damage from hurricanes by taking some steps to prepare. Play It Safe With Food After a Power Outage Electrical power may be disrupted for hours, sometimes days. Among the first things affected by the loss of electricity is the food in refrigerators and freezers. There are certain precautions you should take before you begin using food from refrigerators and freezers that have been off for more than a few hours. In fact, there are some things you can do before the power goes out. [Image: Hurricane Tracking Chart]There's a Hurricane Forming... It’s time to pull out your family disaster plan. Even if you don’t have one, there are still things you can do! Find tips on what to do when preparing for a hurricane and Emergency Management Office telephone numbers for selected Louisiana parishes (most affected by hurricanes and tropical storms). It is designed to print on legal-sized paper. (PDF Format Only) [Image: LaHouse082808]Are you ready for a hurricane? Hurricane season is right around the corner, officially starting on June 1. Are you ready? Managing on a Suddenly Reduced Income A sudden reduction in family income due to a disaster can be financially and emotionally traumatic. Hardships can be reduced by taking positive action. Restoring Flood-Damaged Books and Papers Tips to restore flood or water damaged books, documents and papers after a disaster. Good news about your homeowner's insurance policy After a disaster, many poeple are surprised to find out what their homeowner's insurance policy does and does not cover. Important tips are offered. Your Rights as a Tenant If the structure in which you live is damaged by a disaster, your landlord has a legal obligation to make needed repairs so the premises are useable. A summary of post-disaster repair, rent, lease, and personal property information is provided. Preparing Volunteers to Respond to a Disaster Whenever a disaster strikes, volunteers are often the first to respond. Because the needs vary with each disaster, volunteers must be flexible in responding to a disaster. This document helps prepare volunteers to work with disaster victims as well as meet the needs that arise as a result of the disaster. [Image: Mom and child with toys]Preparing a Child's Evacuation To-Go Kit Information about preparing a child's evacuation to-go kit in anticipation of a disaster and possible family evacuation. Parents can help their child be a part of the preparation to evacuate prior to an approaching disaster and assemble this critically important material. Your Three-day Emergency Food Supply Most disaster checklists include a recommendation for a three-day food supply for each occupant of the household. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re choosing those foods. [Image: mom holding child]Helping Children Cope with Disasters Parents can help their children to cope with disasters. There are actions parents can take that will help. This information features tips that parents can use during and following a disaster. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 What’s A 3-Day Food Supply? Most disaster checklists include recommendations to keep a three-day food supply on hand for each person, but just exactly what does that mean? LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames has some of the answers. River Stages and Forecasts River Stages and Forecasts - Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley 2012 Spring Floods Spring floods came early to Louisiana with a mid-March record rainfall in Acadiana. This site directs you to information you can use to understand how predicted flood levels may impact you, how you can reduce flood damage and how you can recover and rebuild once the floodwaters recede. Using Flood Maps when Waters are Rising The LSUAgCenter Flood Maps portal displays Flood Insurance Rate Maps, used for rating flood insurance and as a basis for regulating development in identified flood hazard areas. The portal can be useful in estimating your risk when flooding is anticipated. This page tells you how and explains what you can and cannot do with the information provided on the portal. Using interactive maps to find ground elevation As the flood crest moved down the Mississippi River and as hurricane rain and surge threatens Louisiana many people want to compare their ground elevation to a predicted flood crest at their property. This page gives detailed instructions for using the two LSU AgCenter interactive mapping systems to assess flood risk. 2011 Hurricane Season Louisiana faces serious flood threats during tropical storms and hurricanes from a combination of surge and inland rain. This site directs you to information you can use to understand how predicted flood levels may impact you, how you can reduce flood damage and how you can recover and rebuild once the floodwaters recede. 2011 Spring Flood Alert! Louisiana is facing serious flood threats, primarily on the Mississippi River but affecting many streams that flow to and from it. As the flood crest moves down the Mississippi River, levees are being challenged, spillways are being opened, and people are evacuating. This site directs you to information you can use to understand how predicted flood levels may impact you, how you can reduce flood damage and how you can recover and rebuild once the floodwaters recede. Post Hurricane Lawn Establishment Some lawns were lost to the flood waters and some were only hurt in spots. Dead areas will have to be replanted, or a weed patch will result. Some forethought before planting may save time, effort and money. Be Ready If You Need To ‘Grab And Go’; Pack ‘Evacuation Box’ Now 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, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Stock Up On Hurricane Supplies Now Stocking up on disaster supplies is a smart move for families living in disaster-prone areas and especially important as Louisiana's hurricane season approaches. Age Groups React Differently To Calamity Children's reactions to disaster depend on their age and maturity. Their responses also are affected by how close they are to the event, their level of exposure to it through TV and how they see their parents react. Rising Above the Floods Repetitive flooding affects thousands of Louisiana homes and businesses. In this publication and its companion videotape, a procedure to demonstrate a non-invasive method to flood proofing is explained as it was demonstrated by a Michigan contractor. Special attention is given to adapting the technology for use in Louisiana’s floodplains. (PDF format only) Flood Insurance Provides Coverage for Emergency Protective Measures The flood insurance policy provides limited coverage for expenses you incur trying to protect insured property from flood damage. Contracting for Pemanent Repairs If it is necessary to complete the repairs, however, it is important to receive good quality work, or major deterioration may appear later. Outside contractors and companies will enter the area to offer their services. Some are honest and will do an adequate job, but be careful in working with outside contractors. Strategies for Coping with Job Loss It is important to keep a variety of factors in mind as you attempt to cope with job loss. This document provides tips and strategies for coping. Homeowners Share Insurance Lessons Learned the Hard Way Homeowners have shared with Extension some of the common misconceptions about flood insurance that caused them to suffer financial losses greater than they expected. Homeowners Share Insurance Lessons Learned the Hard Way Homeowners have shared with Extension some of the common misconceptions about flood insurance that caused them to suffer financial losses greater than they expected. Emergency Protection from Rising Water Guide to information about emergency measures you can use to protect property from flooding (rising water). Includes links to Web pages, fact sheets (PDF files) and videos. Disaster Wallet Card If an evacuation or other emergency separates family and friends, you’ll want to find each other. Fill out a card for each close friend and relative. Carry it with you wherever you go. Floodwalls A floodwall is a self-supporting barrier to floodwater. It may look like a garden wall or privacy fence, but it has more internal reinforcing and a more substantial foundation. This heavier construction keeps the wall from tipping or sliding. The foundation also blocks seepage of water under the wall. This publication includes information on the cost, considerations and construction of floodwalls. (PDF format only) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Determining Seafood Safety in an Oil Spill Ways to determine seafood safety after an oil spill: detecting taint, the sniff test, and the smell test. Special Needs - LSU Fieldhouse Hurricane Katrina refugees needing medical attention are treated at both the Field House and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Now Is The Time To Prune Trees Winter is the perfect time to prune trees so they will be healthy and better able to resist storm damage, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter. LSU AgCenter Citrus Research Station: Hurricane Katrina Damage The LSU AgCenter Coastal Area Research Station is located near Port Sulphur in lower Plaquemines Parish. This aerial photo was taken the day after Hurricane Katrina struck southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi and Alabama coasts. Estimated Damage Caused To Louisiana Agriculture From Excessive Rains in 2009 This report summarizes the estimated damage caused by excessive rains in September and October 2009. Hurricane Katrina Photo Gallery The LSUAgCenter has provided the following images taken by staff members for informational purposes. Please check back often as this page is updated. Animal Shelter - Parker Coliseum The animal shelter was set up in Parker Coliseum in response to Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. Shelter - River Center AgCenter employees pitch in at the Baton Rouge River Center, which is housing 6,000 refugees from Hurricane Katrina. Disaster Recovery: Good News About Your Homeowners Insurance Policy Although your policy may not cover flood damage to your home, it does offer some protection from loss caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes. Bleach Does Kill Mold – Within Limits Stories are hitting the media saying bleach doesn’t work in mold cleanup and prevention. An LSU AgCenter expert says there are reasons for some of the confusion but that bleach is effective at killing mold. Disaster Recovery: Don't Let Disaster Compromise Credit These tips will help you benefit from your good credit and to ensure that your credit record is not harmed in the wake of disaster. Horses Affected By Hurricane May Need Extra Care Horses that survived the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina still may need special attention to assure their continued health. Avoiding Mold Hazards in Your Waterdamaged Home A flood-damaged building requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold population explosion. What You Can Do To Help After Storms As a 4-H club member and a caring person, you are probably wondering what you can do to help people your age that had to move away from their home town into a different home and a new city and school. Here are some suggested activities to help new students in your schools or at other schools: Not A Good Time To Replant A Lawn, Regardless Of Hurricanes Storms may damage turf directly by flooding or indirectly by wind debris. "In either case, this is not a good time to regrow grass," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Disaster Recovery: Managing on a Suddenly Reduced Income Louisiana families impacted by disaster often experience a sudden reduction in income that can be financially and emotionally traumatic. Reduce this hardship by taking positive action. Be On Lookout For Fire Ants In Areas Where Flooding Occurred Fire ants can be a serious problem after hurricanes – particularly in flooded areas, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter. Emotional Recovery Part Of Disaster Aftermath Those who survive hurricanes and other natural disasters are at risk for behavioral and emotional readjustment problems. Most child and adult survivors experience one or more normal stress reactions for several days after a natural disaster. Tenants Have Many Rights After A Disaster If you rent or lease an apartment, house or business building and the structure is damaged in a natural disaster, read your lease carefully to determine what you need to do regarding damages, terminating the lease, securing temporary housing and other matters, advises LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Ann Berry. Follow Recommended Steps To File Insurance Claims After Hurricanes As hurricane evacuees are allowed to return to their homes, LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Ann Berry makes several recommendations for filing insurance claims. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Surprise! Homeowner's Insurance Policy Offers Good News After A Disaster Many people are surprised about the extent of protection their homeowner's insurance policy offers. Although your policy may not cover flood damage to your home, it does offer some protection from loss due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Ann Berry. Surprise! Homeowner's Insurance Policy Offers Good News After A Disaster Many people are surprised about the extent of protection their homeowner's insurance policy offers. Although your policy may not cover flood damage to your home, it does offer some protection from loss due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Ann Berry. After A Disaster Aftera Disaster - Lesson Plan for youth Educators sometimes feel unprepared when new students arrive as a result of disaster they experience, and current students sometimes have difficulty feeling empathy for the new transfer students. This lesson plan can be used with groups of youth in junior high and high school who need guidance in dealing with a change in their social environment, i.e., their school, following a disaster or even after positive changes in their life situation. LSU AgCenter Advises Making Your Home Safer, Stronger, Smarter The aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita is a wake-up call for all whose homes were spared. It’s a vivid reminder of the importance of making your home stronger, safer and smarter. LSU AgCenter Advises Making Your Home Safer, Stronger, Smarter The aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita is a wake-up call for all whose homes were spared. It’s a vivid reminder of the importance of making your home stronger, safer and smarter. Rescue Your Lawnmower or Other Small Engine After the Flood Many lawnmowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, and other lawn and garden equipment with small engines were inundated during the flooding from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In many cases, that equipment can be salvaged. Salvaging Timber Every forest owner has questions and decision needs when faced with salvaging timber after a storm. Logging Downed Timber from the Hurricanes Questions about logging downed timber from the hurricanes and wet yard locations. Picking Right Home Repair Contractor Is Critical Thousands of Louisiana residents are facing home rebuilding or repairs in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. "Selecting a competent contractor to make home repairs is one of the most important things you will need to do to put your home and life back in order," says AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Don’t Forget To Help Those Who Volunteer When disasters happen, dedicated volunteers and professionals swing into action to help those affected by the tragedy. But who takes care of the "helpers"? Louisiana 4-H’ers Reach Out To Evacuees Louisiana 4-H’ers are doing their part to help victims of Hurricane Katrina find at least some bits of relief and sparks of hope. Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture's Presentation on Storm Damage Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Mike Strain toured the state to assess the Hurricane Gustav damage to agriculture. This presentation is a result of his tour and was presented to a joint Agriculture Task Force at Louisiana Farm Bureau on September 11, 2008. USDA-FSA Disaster Assistance Page The link below takes you to the USDA-FSA Disaster Assistance Page which lists information and links to all current USDA disaster assistance programs. Sweet Potato Damage from Storms Louisiana’s sweet potato harvest had not really begun before the storm – with only a few producers conducting any part of their harvest. Pecan Damage from Storms The pecan industry in the state was extremely hard hit by Hurricane Gustav. Crop Marketing Issues After more than two weeks of poor weather from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Louisiana is assessing the impacts on agriculture and the effects are quickly adding up. Cotton Damage from Hurricanes Most of the state’s corn crop was harvested prior to Hurricane Gustav, but damage still is $45.8 million or nearly 11 percent of the crop value. Forestry Damage from Storms Commercial timber and forest damage associated with Hurricane Gustav in 2008 was neither as widespread nor as acute as was damage associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Temporary Pet Shelter At LSU To Close Oct. 15 The temporary shelter at Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus, set up to handle pet animals evacuated from hurricane-affected areas of southeast Louisiana, is bursting at the seams and accepting no more animals at this time. Help Line Numbers Here are some toll-free numbers set up to provide disaster assistance: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Preliminary estimates of losses in Louisiana agriculture, forestry and fisheries from Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike Estimates of losses to Louisiana agriculture, forestry and fisheries resulting from Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike now place the totals as high as $950-plus million and climbing. The totals include up to $763 million in lost revenue to Louisiana farmers, ranchers, foresters and fishers, as well as another $175 million to $200 million in damage to the industries’ infrastructure – farm equipment, barns, processing facilities and so forth. Ohio State Students Among Those Helping In Recovery Efforts; LSU AgCenter Working With Variety Of Volunteers As the cleanup from this summer’s hurricanes continues, LSU AgCenter agents are helping coordinate the work of people who are coming to the rescue. Among those were 30 students from The Ohio State University who arrived in Louisiana earlier this week (Dec. 11-17) ready to roll up their sleeves and pitch in to clean up parts of hurricane-ravaged South Louisiana. Volunteers Target New Orleans City Park To Clean Bayou Metairie The LSU AgCenter’s efforts to help with the cleanup and recovery in New Orleans continue to take on national dimensions. One of the latest projects targeted Bayou Metairie in City Park and included 200 volunteers. Although most were local, some came from as far away as Boston. Soybean Damage from Storms Only a small percentage of the state’s soybean crop was harvested prior to Hurricane Gustav, and damage to the crop so far is estimated at more than $115 million or nearly 28 percent of this year’s anticipated value. Ladder Safety Tips on portable ladder safety including general guidelines for step and extension ladders. Post-Disaster Home Repairs In the wake of a disaster, home rebuilding or repair is crucial for putting a family's life back in order. Selecting a competent contractor is important to the recovery process. Rent to Own Contracts: Are They for You? After a disaster, if personal items and furnishings have been lost, rent-to-own purchase contracts may seem like a quick and easy option for replacements. Get the facts. Filing insurance claims Steps to take to file an insurance claim following a disaster. Back to School is not the end of Hurricane Season Unfortunately, hurricane season does not end with the busy start of school each fall. There are LSU Ag Center on-line resources available to aid you in planning and preparing your family. Beware of Frauds and Scams Disasters often bring an influx of con artists. Consider these tips to protect yourself and your money. After the Storm A report that illustrates the LSU AgCenter's response to the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Insect Problems Follow Floods Certain insect problems increase dramatically after flooding, windstorms and other disasters, according to entomologists with the LSU AgCenter. Don't Overdo Strenuous Activity in Hot, Humid Weather Precautions to take to avoid dehydration while cleaning up after a disaster. Don't Overdo Strenuous Activity in Hot, Humid Weather Precautions to take to avoid dehydration while cleaning up after a disaster. Planning Volunteer Efforts When disaster strikes, people everywhere want to help those individuals in need. To ensure that this compassion and generosity are put to good use, it’s important to know what stages victims go through disaster recovery. Are you ready for a hurricane? Hurricane season is right around the corner, officially starting on June 1. Are you ready? How does the fact that Louisiana floods affect you? Flooding affects everyone in Louisiana, if for no other reason than the reality that management of flood risk and response to flood events consumes public resources (tax dollars). Rivers and the Weather - Conditions and Forecast This page will connect you with hurricane, weather and stream data resources for Louisiana. Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Oil began spilling into the Gulf of Mexico from a broken drilling structure at the Deepwater Horizon site on the gulf floor nearly a mile underwater 50 miles off the coast of Venice, Louisiana on April 20, 2010. Disaster Recovery: What You Need To Know About Your Rights As A Tenant If you rent or lease an apartment, house or business building and the structure is damaged in a natural disaster, read your lease carefully to determine what you need to do regarding damages, terminating the lease, securing temporary housing and other matters. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Disaster Recovery: Filing Insurance Claims The following steps should be taken to file an insurance claim for disaster damage to your home. Disaster Recovery: Beware of Frauds and Scams Natural disasters often bring an influx of con artists looking for ways to take advantage of the suffering and confusion. Consider these tips to protect yourself and your money. LSU AgCenter Experts Teach Chainsaw Safety Louisiana residents can learn how to operate chainsaws more safely through workshops offered by the LSU AgCenter. Marsh Maneuvers Participants See Devastation Along Coast LSU AgCenter coastal resources agent Mark Shirley had hoped to bring a group of students back to a plot near Holly Beach where they had planted marsh grass during the 4-H Marsh Maneuvers program in July. But, after driving for several miles on La. 82 between Holly Beach and Johnson’s Bayou last weekend, Shirley gave up on his hope to find the transplanted grass, which apparently fell victim to Hurricane Rita’s wrath. Take Precautions For Mosquitoes After Storms The rains brought on by hurricanes and tropical storms can lead to more mosquitoes. That means Louisiana residents have even more reasons to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the diseases mosquitoes can carry if storms head our way. Shelter - Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center 1 Camp Grant Walker is one of the shelters for people seeking refuge from Hurricane Katrina. Expert Offers Tips For Renting Lawn And Garden Equipment It’s not necessary to buy all the equipment you need for your lawn and garden – especially for short-term use like storm cleanup. Slime Mold ‘Sinister,’ But Not Harmful To Lawn Even though Louisiana falls are usually dry, rain eventually comes. After long, extended wet periods, a sinister looking fungus or slime may appear, attacking lawns in the cooler season ahead. Slime Mold ‘Sinister,’ But Not Harmful To Lawn Even though Louisiana falls are usually dry, rain eventually comes. After long, extended wet periods, a sinister looking fungus or slime may appear, attacking lawns in the cooler season ahead. Chainsaw Safety Hurricanes put a lot of limbs and whole trees on the ground in various areas of the state, and many people already are working on cleanup efforts. An LSU AgCenter forest safety specialist says safety should be a major consideration during those efforts – particularly when it comes to use of a chainsaw. Goldman Sachs Donates Cash, Sends Volunteers To Assist In New Orleans Cleanup After taking a firsthand look at the needs of New Orleans, officials with investment banking firm Goldman Sachs decided to lend some helping hands plus cash to the recovery effort. Termite Research To Continue In New Orleans French Quarter LSU AgCenter faculty members are working on plans to put the Formosan subterranean termite research project in New Orleans’ French Quarter back on track after the recent hurricanes. Experts Warn Against Spreading Termites After Storms A scourge of New Orleans and South Louisiana could find its way to other parts of the state and country if people move wood that’s infested with Formosan subterranean termites. Saffir-Simpson Scale Hurricanes are divided into five categories to help recognize the threat they pose to structures and inhabitants of coastal and inland areas. Rat Control After A Hurricane My home was infested with rats after the hurricane. I picked up quite a few dead rats in the house and in the attic. I am concerened about dead decaying rats in the walls and attic insulation. Can you tell me what to do? Rat Control After A Hurricane My home was infested with rats after the hurricane. I picked up quite a few dead rats in the house and in the attic. I am concerened about dead decaying rats in the walls and attic insulation. Can you tell me what to do? Testing Your Well Water for Safety The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals recommends testing private well water for total coliform bacteria following floods. For Professionals LInks to floodplain and emergency professionals and their associations, and links to resources for those professionals. EDEN -- Extension Disaster Education Network The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) links Extension educators from across the United States and various disciplines, enabling them to use and share resources to reduce the impact of disasters. ‘Anniversary Effects’ Of Hurricanes Expected Flashbacks, feelings of grief or depression and other symptoms can be attributed to the anniversary of a traumatic event such as the loss of a loved one, an accident or a natural disaster. LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser expects many people will suffer the "anniversary effects" of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Managing in Tough Times Managing in Tough Times provides helpful information for families experiencing a disaster, such as how to manage family finances, keep the family strong and stay healthy. Topics include financial survival tips, getting the most from what you have, what bills to pay first, making meaning our of adversity, helping children cope with crisis, keys to coping with stress and cutting food costs. Determining Structural Damage When calm returns after the storm, it’s time to assess the damage and begin repairs. A number of factors should be considered. Preventing Mildew and Decay The secret to mildew prevention is two words -- clean and dry. The solution to mildew problems is --- disinfect and dry. Preventing Mildew and Decay The secret to mildew prevention is two words -- clean and dry. The solution to mildew problems is --- disinfect and dry. Saving Wet Walls and Floors If your home was flooded, it must be disinfected and dried thoroughly to prevent mildew and future damage by wood rot. Saving Wet Walls and Floors If your home was flooded, it must be disinfected and dried thoroughly to prevent mildew and future damage by wood rot. Dealing with Stress After a Disaster In addition to restoring buildings and replacing material possessions during the recovery period, victims may need to devote time to getting their stress level under control. Talk to children early to help them prepare for storms (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. 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. You can’t get swine flu eating pork (Distributed 04/27/09) You can’t get swine flu from eating pork or pork products, says an LSU AgCenter extension nutritionist. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence that a person can get swine flu from touching raw pork or from eating pork that has been properly prepared, says Beth Reames. Manage post-hurricane stress (Distributed 09/07/08) You probably can’t avoid the stress coming in the wake of Hurricane Gustav, but you can manage it, says LSU AgCenter family and consumer sciences specialist Becky White. Provide help to volunteers during disasters (Distributed 09/07/08) When disasters happen, dedicated volunteers and professionals swing into action to help those affected by the tragedy. But these helpers also have needs, says LSU AgCenter family and consumer sciences specialist Becky White. Prepare an evacuation to-go kit for your child (Distributed 08/29/08) Adults are urged to assemble a “grab-and-go” box of important papers in case of a hurricane evacuation. How about making a “to-go kit” for your child? Assembling a few treasured items can help your child in times of disaster, according to LSU AgCenter family development professor Dr. Rebecca White. Protect yourself from mosquitoes (Distributed 09/05/08) Most of the mosquitoes being bred in the standing water left in Louisiana from Hurricane Gustav are not the kind that carry West Nile virus, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist and mosquito expert Wayne Kramer. High tech keeps LSU AgCenter connected after Gustav (Distributed 09/11/08) For the first time in the history of the LSU AgCenter, a powerful storm did not completely shut down communications in the hardest-hit areas. LSU AgCenter’s efforts at hurricane shelter praised (Distributed 09/11/08) Red Cross officials were so impressed by the inaugural operation of the Louisiana Emergency Shelter near Alexandria during Hurricane Gustav they have invited the manager to address chapter and city officials in New York City later this year. Disaster Information Resources Series These publications are designed to help Louisiana residents recover from floods, storms, extended power outages and other stressful, dangerous events. Disaster Information Resources Series These publications are designed to help Louisiana residents recover from floods, storms, extended power outages and other stressful, dangerous events. Disaster Information Resources Series These publications are designed to help Louisiana residents recover from floods, storms, extended power outages and other stressful, dangerous events. LaHouse Influences Building Techniques Construction continues on the LSU AgCenter’s showcase home, the Louisiana House Home and Landscape Resource Center. The special features of the structure could influence techniques and components used to rebuild hurricane-damaged areas. Runtime: 60 seconds. (Radio News 1/9/06). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Expert Advises Building Stronger, Smarter Hurricanes Katrina and Rita exposed how vulnerable standard buildings can be to powerful storms. A lesson from these storms is to build stronger and smarter, the experts say. Runtime: 60 seconds. (Radio News 1/9/06) Builders, Homeowners Have Options When Rebuilding Representatives with the U.S. Department of Energy toured the LSU AgCenter’s showcase home, known as LaHouse, and said this structure shows what homeowners can do to streghten their homes and make them more efficient. Runtime: 60 seconds. (Radio News 1/9/06) Hurricane Hardships Linger Into Holidays Hurricane season is over, but the hardships from it are lingering into the holidays. Many Louisiana residents endured financial hardships this year, and LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says holiday budgets may be tight for many. Added Strength Equals Added Insulation For Home Neighbors nicknamed Warren Lawrence’s home in Plaquemines Parish Fort St. Lawrence. Lawrence added special features to his home such as walls constructed of insulated concrete form. His home is outside of levee protection and vulnerable to storms. Disaster Unemployment Available To Storm Victims Individuals who lost work due to recent hurricanes may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Replanting Storm-ravaged Landscapes Begins Landscapes damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita can be revitalized. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about what can be done to repair the damage. Reinforced House Withstands Storms (TV News For 11/21/05) Added safety measures can make a difference on a home when a storm threatens. The proof stands on a corner lot in a development in Plaquemines Parish. Research & Extension 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8