(Distributed 08/29/08) With Gustav bearing down on the Louisiana coast, homes that have been stripped for repair since hurricanes Katrina and Rita – and those that are now elevated on columns – may be subject to high winds for the first time.

(Distributed 08/29/08) Homeowners face many issues after a hurricane. If the home has escaped major structural damage, one of the first problems encountered may be the loss of electrical power.

Certain insect problems increase dramatically after flooding, windstorms and other disasters, according to entomologists with the LSU AgCenter.

Forestry experts and leaders in the industry say preliminary estimates of the economic devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina exceed $600 million in timber damage and reduced prices for damaged trees.

If you are without power, the food in your freezer has a limited lifespan as short as 24 hours. Food can remain frozen longer, up to 48 hours, but that duration depends on specific conditions.

Many appliances get wet when flooding occurs or when other storm damage strikes. LSU AgCenter experts caution you should exercise care before putting those appliances back in service.

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.

The loss of power from hurricane winds, fire or flood could endanger the safety of your food within as little as four hours.

Emergency generators are popular items in the aftermath of a hurricane or tropical storm that strikes southern Louisiana, but safety when using them is a major consideration.

Although children, as well as adults, cope with stress every day, disasters, such as floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, often are somewhat different.