If you live in Louisiana, your primary objective in raising a home is likely to be flood avoidance, even if you’re not in an identified flood hazard area. Elevation is the most effective on-site method of reducing future flood damage.

Whether you are just replacing a few shingles or have damage that requires you to strip your roof down to the rafters, you can take steps at every stage of work to minimize future storm damage. In addition, for new construction and substantial remodeling or repair, you’ll have to meet residential building codes designed to reduce potential roof damage from storms.

Any home repair or remodeling work you do presents an opportunity to help your home fare better in the next storm. Whether you are just replacing siding or you have damage that's requiring you to completely remove all the wall coverings – inside or outside – you can work to minimize future storm damage at every stage of the project.

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.

Hiring a qualified contractor for mold remediation is not required but generally is safer and more effective than a "do-it-yourself" approach because of the use of specialized equipment. In either case, you should carefully follow safety precautions to reduce exposure to mold. This publication provides guidance on safe and effective mold remediation practices and how to select a qualified remediation professional. (PDF Format only)

Your new home can be safeguarded by using preservative-treated wood and following an integrated pest management program at the time of construction. (PDF format only)

A levee is a barrier that holds water away from the building. It can protect your home from flooding as well as from the force of water, from scouring at the foundation and from impacts by floating debris. This publication includes information about constructing a private levee. (PDF Format Only)

Sandbags can be used to fill gaps in a permanent flood protection system, to raise an existing levee or to build a complete emergency levee.This publication contains information on filling and stacking sandbags and on using them for short walls and full levees. (PDF Format Only)

Most floodproofing systems have openings that need to be closed and watertight during a flood. A panel closure is any flat, firm sheet material used to block one of these openings.This publication includes information about using panel closures. (PDF format only)

If you protect a building with a floodwall, sealant, plastic wrap or any other barrier, you will need to pump water during floods. This publication includes information and tips for designing and constructing your flood protection system when using pumps. (PDF format only)