From this page, you will be able to access information on a variety of issues related to flood recovery.

Check out LaHouse seminars and events -- horticulture Lunch and Learn, Master Gardener Training, Lead Certified Renovator Training, other best building practice seminars, seasonal Saturday events and more.

See and connect to the websites of LaHouse Key Contributors, Partners, Allies. Also see a table of Product and Service Donors by product category.

This article describes the importance of reading to your baby and child.

A research-based showcase of solutions and educational programs to help you shape the future with homes that offer MORE benefits with LESS ....

Whenever you build, remodel or buy a home, you have the power of choice. Use this science-based guide to take control of your investment and enjoy a high-performance home that offers so much more than shelter and style alone.

The LSU AgCenter will be partnering with the Junior League of Baton Rouge for a second year to educate and motivate new parents in their role as their baby’s first and most important teacher.

Vital preparation steps include developing an evacuation plan, preparing an emergency supply kit and preparing your home for the impending disaster.

Louisiana homes are susceptible to damage from floods (rising water, including storm surge), wind (hurricanes, tornadoes and other strong winds) and water (heavy rains infiltrating the building. These hazards and coping with them, are explained more fully in this section.

Use multiple methods to make your home resistant to damage from termites, especially Formosan subterranean termites, and other wood-destroying insects. Since basic controls and most state approved stand-alone treatments are not fool-proof, it’s wise to invest in a second line of defense or even a totally termite-resistant structure. Click here to find out how to make your home resistant to termites.

The LSU AgCenter rebuilding group offer a wide array of educational programs related to construction and natural hazard awareness. This page lists many of those program titles, and provides contact information for people wishing to request a program or presentation or ask for our participation in a community event or fair.

Wind is the most common and most costly cause of damage to light frame structures in the United States. There are things you can do, however, to reduce the potential damage from high winds.

You probably think of an air conditioner as something that puts cool air in your homes, but what it really does is remove heat from your home. So an understanding of how heat gets in your home is the key to choosing the most cost-effective ways to cut summer utility bills while staying cool and comfortable.

The LSU AgCenter offers hurricane-resistant home improvement seminars for people who wish to build or restore their homes to make them more resistant to storm and flood damage. This video gives a brief description of material covered in the full 2-hour package. Long and short seminars and trainings can be scheduled on these topics to meet the needs of your group. For more information, e-mail rebuilding@agcenter.lsu.edu .

The LSU AgCenter offers Hurricane-Resistant Home Improvement seminars across South Louisiana. Find out here how to schedule a presentation for your group.

The Rebuilding Registry allows contractors to offer rebuilding services in parishes they serve. It allows property owners to search for those services, to "tell" contractors about their rebuilding projects, and to rate contractors who have worked for them. All users of the registry - contractors and property owners - must create a user account. The registry is a free service of the state. Signing up is easy.

The Registry allows property owners to rate contractors who have worked for them, and let others know whether the recommend that contractor. Property owners find contractors by search for the contractor's company name or by searching the registry for services the contractor provides.

Professionals who are currently licensed or registered by the State of Louisiana as building, plumbing or mold remediation contractors can join the Rebuilding Registry. Property owners will search for contractors based on the types of work they offer. If you offer a service that would be useful to people building, remodeling or restoring their homes, list your services in the Registry. Contact information you provide will appear as a “business card” that you send to property owners.

Geographic Basics in Louisiana include Climate, Flood, Wind and Termites. Read about the climate, wind and flood hazards, and termites in Louisiana.

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.

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.

Talk with your family about any impending disaster. Family support and preparation can be key to successful readiness and future recovery.

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.

Louisiana floods - from excess rain and poor drainage; from overflow of rivers, streams and bayous; from drainage channels backing-up; from storm surge; from levee failures.

(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.

(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.

These publications are designed to help Louisiana residents recover from floods, storms, extended power outages and other stressful, dangerous events.

Portal page for information about obtaining a building permit.

Detailed Instructions for using FEMA's Map Search tool to find your house on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

When you go to get building permt, you will need to provide certain information about your construction project. This page lists the most common items.

When seeking a building permit, you may need addition documents. This page describes the Flood Zone Determination, Elevation Certificate, Foundation Plan, Damage Inspection Rating and an On-Site Waste-Water Treatment Permit.

To obtain a building permit you'll need a description and drawings of your construction plans. This page describes some minimum plan requirements.

Local communities have adopted codes and floodplain regulations that govern building construction and development in floodplains. These requirements, which can apply to both new construction and repair of existing buildings, differ in different flood zones. This document details the minimum regulations.

Manufactured Homes are the buildings we have, in the past, referred to as mobile homes or trailers. While other factory-built homes are built to the codes of the area where they will be installed, manufactured homes are built to a special HUD-code and installed in accordance with HUD guidelines. Thus they are sometimes referred to as HUD-Code homes.

Portal page for information about building industry professionals, the licenses and certifications they should have and how consumers know their hired and contracted professionals have appropriate licenses and certifications for the work they are doing in Louisiana.

Several communities in Louisiana have participated in federal grant programs for which on-site protection of private property is an eligible activity. These programs fund elevation or relocation of floodprone buildings, purchase of floodprone properties and, for non-residential buildings, dry floodproofing. Drainage improvements are also eligible.

Following a Presidential Declaration, disaster assistance is made available to help residents and local governments in the declared parishes recover from the effects of the disaster.

You can keep shallow flood water out of a slab-on-grade home using plastic sheeting supported by the wall of the building or on special stands away from the wall. This is an emergency protection measure that is more effective than using sandbags, but does require advance preparation.

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.

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, scour at the foundation and impacts of floating debris.

Sump pumps sit in the sump. "Trash" or "utility" pumps usually sit above water level and draw through an inlet hose.

If you protect a building with a floodwall, sealant, plastic wrap or any other barrier, you will need to pump water during floods.

Water-inflated tubing is a new and effective emergency method of closing a gap, temporarily raising the height of an existing levee or putting a barrier around a building.

Sandbags can be used to fill gaps in a permanent protection system, to raise an existing levee or to build a complete emergency levee.

Sealing a building so water will not enter is called dry floodproofing. The interior spaces, equipment and contents of the building stay dry.

The phrase “wet floodproofing” may sound like a contradiction, but it is the label used to refer to a collection of methods intended to reduce damage to a building when flooding occurs.

The following is a description of basic features and components used in conceptual design of the house.

More than 100 Contributors, Partners, Allies, team members and friends participated in the July 15, 2003, Louisiana House – Home and Landscape Resource Center (LaHouse) groundbreaking ceremony and recognition reception on the LaHouse site.

A summary of Landscape Topics Relating toHurricane Damage and Recovery, including: Wind Damage to Trees, Determining if Large Wind Damaged Trees Can be Salvaged, Wind Damage to Shrubs, Wind Damage to Herbaceous Plants, Flood Damage to Landscape Plantings, Food Crops, Flood Damage to Lawns, Loss of Shade Trees, LA One Call, and Soil Testing.

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)

The LaHouse operations staff, issue leaders, and the professional contractors and consultants involved in its design or construction.

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)

Series of articles covering various topics that address issues relating to people caring for themselves and their elderly loved ones. Topics covered include: Care for the Caregiver, Caregiver Burnout, Communicating with Parents About Growing Older, Employment and Caregiving: Is There a Balance?, Helping an Elderly Loved One with Personal Care, and The Dynamics of Sibling Relationships While Caring for an Aging Parent.

Articles addressing various topics relating to health and nutrition for the elderly. Topics covered include: Bone Up on Osteoporosis, Eating Well as We Age, Food Label: Nutrition Facts at a Glance, Seniors and Food Safety...Preventing Food-borne Illness, and Vegetable Purchasing and Storage Tips.

Precautions to take to avoid dehydration while cleaning up after a disaster.

If your home was flooded, it must be disinfected and dried thoroughly to prevent mildew and future damage by wood rot.

Provides information and tips for using a generator for emergency power.

Most floodproofing systems have openings that need to be closed and watertight during a flood.

Ways to determine seafood safety after an oil spill: detecting taint, the sniff test, and the smell test.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of an earth friendly home in Louisiana.

Follow design guidelines to make your home functional for life...

Benefits of low-maintence materials...

Contractors are now required to be lead-certified for the EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP). You play an important role in preventing lead poisoning. Are you ready?

Learn the latest home landscape and garden best practices at the monthly LaHouse Lunch and Learn Seminars.

Following design discussions with technical experts and feedback from the extended House Design Advisory team, the original concept design was premiered at the 2001 Earth Day Festival. The new site offers a wonderful opportunity to nestle the house within a group of beautiful, shady live oak trees – so the house design is now being modified to fit the new site and its features.

Quality child care involves a variety of factors that should be considered when parents are searching for child care for their children. While cost and convenience are important considerations, parents should also consider their children’s ages, abilities, interests and personalities. Beliefs and attitudes about education, training, child guidance, nutrition and health are also major considerations.

12 monthly fact sheets about reading to your baby during the first year of life. Each fact sheet shares the importance of reading to your baby as he/she develops.

Hurricane Katrina refugees needing medical attention are treated at both the Field House and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

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.

Building systems that integrate the five criteria for Gulf Region conditions.

LaHouse is open to visitors Monday - Friday and special events.

LaHouse is open to walk-in visitors Monday - Friday.

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.

This report summarizes the estimated damage caused by excessive rains in September and October 2009.

The LSUAgCenter has provided the following images taken by staff members for informational purposes. Please check back often as this page is updated.

The animal shelter was set up in Parker Coliseum in response to Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.

AgCenter employees pitch in at the Baton Rouge River Center, which is housing 6,000 refugees from Hurricane Katrina.

Description of building systems and features on the west wing of LaHouse.

A room-by-room description of the systems and features of LaHouse.

Description of building systems and features of the East Wing of LaHouse.

Browse this photo gallery to see progress from the current stage of construction to groundbreaking, highlighting special features, products and techniques used.

Concrete tile is very long-lasting, yet more hail-resistant and less expensive than clay or slate.

Browse this photo gallery to see progress from the current stage of construction to groundbreaking, highlighting special features, products and techniques used.

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.

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.

Typically, providers require that children be kept from care for a minimum of 24 hours or until symptoms disappear.

Conflicting information and media coverage about hazards of mold and how to handle mold problems have left many people confused, concerned and sometimes frightened. If you have or suspect a mold problem in your home, this fact sheet will help you make well-informed decisions about how to fix the problem and prevent its return.

Descriptions of building features thoughout LaHouse.

Description of the building systems and features of the Mid-section of LaHouse.

List of professionals who have earned the Gulf Region High Performance Home Professional designation.

The Smart Choices Nutrition News for Seniors is an informative newsletter designed to address specific nutrition and health-related issues for adults over 50.

In the right conditions, molds multiply and can release enough spores in the air to cause health problems.

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 that survived the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina still may need special attention to assure their continued health.

A variety of factors should be considered when parents are attempting to find quality child care for their offspring.

A flood-damaged building requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold population explosion.

A flood-damaged building requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold population explosion.

A flood-damaged building requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold population explosion.

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:

A quality caregiver makes all the difference during the early years of a child’s development, so parents need to look for indications of quality when entrusting their children to others, says LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Becky White.

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials came to an LSU AgCenter educational site Wednesday (Nov. 9) to stress that rebuilding "stronger, safer and smarter" is the way to go for those affected by this summer’s hurricanes. Such construction is a major theme behind the LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana House Home and Landscape Resource Center.

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.

Request more information about contributing to the Louisiana House Home & Landscape Resource Center

List of product donors to LaHouse by category

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.

This fact sheet provides basic steps for homeowners and volunteers to use in safely cleaning up mold in their homes and preventing its regrowth. It is focused on mold resulting from flooding but is applicable to other causes as well.

Properly identifying the ant species is the first step in determining whether and how to control them. In this publication there are options for managing various kinds of imported fire ant problems.

Identification, biology and treatment of the elongate twig ant.

A child-care center director's work is critically important as well as exhausting, not to mention complicated, so it is paramount that a dedicated, knowledgeable person oversees these operations. This article will explore some of the many qualifications needed to be an effective child-care center director.

Preschool and kindergarten character education resources. Use this link to access the following Character Critter materials all at once: Bookmarks, Hand Puppets, Masks, and Hat patterns.

Preschool and kindergarten characer education resources. Use a garden glove to create storytelling finger puppets that will add life to your Character Critters story experience.

This guide provides details on creating a home that keeps comfort affordable with high energy efficiency; is protected from mold, termites, storms, floods and other hazards; is healthy, safe and convenient for a lifetime; is a smart investment that pays dividends; and protects our environment for future generations. Cost: $15 plus tax and shipping. You can order this 88-page, sprial-bound book through our online store by using the Order Publication link below.

Print out and share Character Critter bookmarks featuring the Critters' favorite sayings.

Preschool and Kindergarten character resources - fun Character Critters coloring sheets along with interactive drawing pages.

Create fun masks and hats to wear featuring your favorite Character Critters.

General tips for parents on reading to babies and young children and creating a reading-friendly environment at home.

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.

Quality Child Care. Parents should make sure their child is receiving quality child care. One way to check on the quality of care your child is receiving is to plan a surprise visit to your child’s child-care center to observe the conditions. Listerd are a few things to consider looking for and inquiring about on such a visit.

More and more grandparents are responsible for getting their grandchildren back to school. While this means the smell of new uniforms, shoes and notebooks, it means potentially lots of dollar bills flowing away from some grandparents who may be on a tight budget! Use this time as a teaching tool.

People who work or play outdoors are often attacked by numerous species of insects, ticks and mites. If you choose or are required to be outside when insects are active, use a repellent. This publication explains how repellents are chemical substances that protect people from insect attack by making the body unattractive or offensive to insects. A repellent does not have to kill insects to be effective, although it may. (PDF Format Only)

Fire ants can be a serious problem after hurricanes – particularly in flooded areas, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

Identification, biology and treatment of the crazy ant in structures.

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.

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.

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.

Every forest owner has questions and decision needs when faced with salvaging timber after a storm.

Questions about logging downed timber from the hurricanes and wet yard locations.

Louisiana House Home & Landscape Resource Center

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.

A lawn that’s properly cared for and healthy will resist weeds and other pest problems. Following the best management practices (BMPs) in this publication should help keep your lawn in good condition.

When disasters happen, dedicated volunteers and professionals swing into action to help those affected by the tragedy. But who takes care of the "helpers"?

Infants and toddlers need child care environments that are welcoming and responsive.

Some of the most stressful times children experience come when they move from one classroom to another. There are many things parents and caregivers can do to facilitate a smooth move from one classroom to another.

Outdoor playground areas for children are important to consider when choosing a child-care facility. It is just as important to visit the outside spaces as it is to tour the classrooms. Playing outdoors provides the opportunity for young children to use and develop their large muscles and cognitive abilities.

One of the most important roles parents and caregivers serve is to ensure that the children entrusted to them thrive in healthy and safe environments.

Child-care environments play an important role in the healthy growth and development of infant and toddlers. Since infants and toddlers spend a large portion of their day in routines such as saying hello or good-bye, getting dressed, diapering, toileting and mealtime, the child-care environment should reflect these important shared learning times. The environment provided for infants and toddlers should be welcoming and responsive to both children and their families.

By following a routine and providing a predictable einvironment, children can feel secure in their child care environment and learn that they can trust their caregivers to meet their needs.

Child care and preventing sickness. Parents who depend on child-care centers need to know the policies of their center and to keep in mind that those policies are designed to keep disease outbreaks from spreading to all children.

A supportive, nurturing, inviting environment for preschool age children is extremely important in encouraging them to explore and learn. Children learn through their own experiences of trial and error, repetition and imitation. Adults may encourage learning by ensuring that the classroom or day-care environment is appropriate and supports an array of experiences and choices.

Most injuries to young children in school or child-care environments occur outdoors, so playground safety definitely should be a concern in a child-care setting. Approximately 40 percent of the outdoor injuries to children are due to poor adult supervision," says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. "That means supervision is an essential component of playground safety."

Spending time in the landscape with children, especially young ones, requires adults to pay careful attention. Just as you would childproof an indoor room, it’s important to take safety precautions in the yard to keep young ones safe.

Temper tantrums aren’t uncommon in young children. The key for adults is learning how to deal with them, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

Parents and grandparents often face the challenge of deciding what toys are appropriate for their children or grandchildren. The same thing is true of child-care providers seeking new toys for their child-care centers.

Temper tantrums aren’t uncommon in young children. The key for adults is learning how to deal with them, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

To help educators and caregivers help youth cope with the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth Development program is reviewing and recommending curriculum materials that emphasize hands-on activities.

Click the image to read a cute story to your child that teaches preschool children about fairness.

Click image to read a cute story that teaches preschoolers about citizenship and good character.

Click image to read a cute story that teaches preschoolers about caring and good character.

Click on image to read a cute story that teaches preschoolers about respect and good character.

Click image read a cute story that teaches preschoolers about responsibility.

When you think about teaching your children to be trustworthy, you must remember it does not happen overnight. Instead, trustworthiness and good character are something you should model for your children every day because you are the most important teacher your child will ever have.

You are the most important teacher your child will ever have. Your children will learn by the example you set for them. This means that the ways that you are respectful of others will influence the ways your child is respectful of others.

You are the most important teacher your child will ever have. Your children will learn by the example you set for them. If your children see you being responsible, they will want to act responsibly, too.

Young children are very impressionable, and you are the most important teacher your child will ever have. One way you can help your child learn to be fair is by example. If your child sees you following rules, sharing with your family, listening to others and not placing blame, he or she will be likely to follow your example.

You are the most important teacher your child will ever have. Your children will learn by the example you set for them. If your children see you acting in a caring way, they will want to act in a caring way, too.

Being a good citizen is something adults may do every day. Adults might practice good citizenship by: obeying traffic laws, paying taxes, helping a neighbor, volunteering or recycling. Your child will develop good citizenship habits by following your good citizenship practices.

When you think about teaching your children to be trustworthy, you must remember that it does not happen overnight. Instead, it is something you should model for your children every day because teachers are an important influence on young children.

Teachers are an important influence on young children. The children in your classroom will learn by the example you set for them. This means that the ways you are respectful of others will influence the ways the children are respectful of others.

Teachers are an important influence on young children. The children in your class will learn by the example you set for them. If your children see you being responsible, they will want to act responsibly, too.

Young children are very impressionable, and teachers are an important influence on young children. One way you can help children learn to be fair is by example. If the children see you following rules, sharing, listening to others and not placing blame, they will be likely to follow your example.

Teachers are an important influence on young children. The children in your class will learn by the example you set for them. If your children see you acting in a caring way, they will want to act in a caring way, too.

Being a good citizen is something adults may do every day. Adults might practice good citizenship by: obeying traffic laws, paying taxes, helping a neighbor, volunteering or recycling. The children in your class will develop good citizenship habits by following your good citizenship practices.

Use this checklist to explore components and features of your sustainable Louisiana house.

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 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.

The link below takes you to the USDA-FSA Disaster Assistance Page which lists information and links to all current USDA disaster assistance programs.

Louisiana’s sweet potato harvest had not really begun before the storm – with only a few producers conducting any part of their harvest.

The pecan industry in the state was extremely hard hit by Hurricane Gustav.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here are some toll-free numbers set up to provide disaster assistance:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Louisiana 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!

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.

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.

Most people are aware of the damage fire and severe weather can do to their homes, but many overlook the threat of termites. Photos of termite damage and signs of termite infestation are included in this publication, which covers Formosan subterranean termites and other subterranean termites.

List of donors to LaHouse project.

For both parents and children, visitation is critical to maintaining a sense of connectedness both during and after a divorce. Tips for smooth visitations, constructive parenting goals and a list of visitation do's and don'ts.

Active listening means paying careful attention to what others are saying. Follow these steps to improve active listening skills. (PDF Format Only)

Many believe that providing character education for all our children at home, in school and in our communities can help our nation. In keeping with this growing recognition that character education is critically needed for our young children and youth, Character Critters was developed by the LSU AgCenter for preschool and kindergarten children.

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.

The LaHouse Teaching Center and House are available for your next event. Click above for details.

Treatments for termites must be integrated with proper maintenance. Eliminate as many conditions conducive to termite infestations as possible by following the five general categories of rules.

Tips on portable ladder safety including general guidelines for step and extension ladders.

The LSU AgCenter’s “LaHouse” is designed to hold up against strong winds and flooding and serve as a model for how to build homes with hurricane-resistant features in Louisiana.

Maintaining your air conditioner can save up to 30 percent on operating costs, protect it from early failure, prevent mold from developing in the system, and help it perform at its best. Follow these tips to save money and protect your health. They'll also keep you cool and comfortable this summer.

This summary of a study of the subfloor moisture levels of south Louisiana, raised-foundation homes with six different insulation systems includes the resulting recommendations – all intended to help homeowners, builders, architects, insulation contractors, home inspectors and others balance energy efficiency, comfort and durability issues.

This summary of a study of the subfloor moisture levels of south Louisiana, raised-foundation homes with six different insulation systems includes the resulting recommendations – all intended to help homeowners, builders, architects, insulation contractors, home inspectors and others balance energy efficiency, comfort and durability issues.

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.

Gifts and letters of commitment for in-kind donations should be addressed to Chancellor William Richardson and mailed to this address.

Proper construction techniques help to keep your roof where it belongs in a storm...

Louisiana House will support programs and interests that seek to engage citizens in taking responsibility for a sustainable future by using appropriate methods and technologies to protect their environment, property and families.

Representing Entergy Louisiana, Renae Conley (CEO) was honored for becoming the first corporate LaHouse Diamond Key Contributor.

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.

Steps to take to file an insurance claim following a disaster.

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.

Parents can help their children experience school success by fostering social and emotional maturity, language skills, creative thinking skills, good health, problem-solving abilities and a general knowledge of the world.

Shopping for quality child care? There are things you can do to become a better consumer of quality child care and at the same time help your children by providing the very best in caregiving.

The widespread educational outreach of LaHouse will create ongoing, high exposure and promote related interests -- throughout Louisiana and the southern region.

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.

Disasters often bring an influx of con artists. Consider these tips to protect yourself and your money.

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 disaster or major trauma.

With more and more parents working and the need for child care increasing, parents need to plan carefully for quality child care for their children. You can do many things to become a better consumer of quality child care, according to LSU AgCenter specialist Becky White.

Single parent families have hectic lives. Most single parents feel they have too little time and too much to do. The first step to making the most of your time, however, is thinking about your goals. Follow these tips to help you determine and reach your goals.

Parents can help children prepare for kindergarten by taking several actions before the first school bell rings.

It happens often when children receive a gift. The youngsters often are happier playing with the box than the present. Although amused at first, the gift-givers may soon suspect that their money was ill-spent.

This article provides a brief overview of ACQ, one the most common treatments for wood used in residential and commercial construction.

A report that illustrates the LSU AgCenter's response to the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Parents want their children to be successful in school and in life. Starting early can give children a foundation for success.

Things to consider when constructing or renovating a home to protect your house from termites.

Considerations on integrated pest management of termites and other wood attacking organism are presented in depth.

This summary of a study of the subfloor moisture levels of south Louisiana, raised-foundation homes with six different insulation systems includes the resulting recommendations – all intended to help homeowners, builders, architects, insulation contractors, home inspectors and others balance energy efficiency, comfort and durability issues.

Help discover locations where the Formosan subterranean termite is not known to exist.

A series of informative fact sheets designed to help grandparents caring for their grandchildren.

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

One important key for successful management of a pest is to identify it. This publication can help you differentiate between ants and the dry-wood and subterranean termites that are pests in Louisiana. It also contains specific information on Formosan subterranean termites.

A Southern IPM Center publication. When choosing a broadcast bait to control imported fire ants, consumers and professional pesticide applicators face a confusing array of brand names and active ingredients with varying product performances. This guide addresses common concerns about broadcast baits to help consumers and professionals choose products that best fit their needs and situations. (PDF Format Only)

Suggestions for preventing the spread of Formosan subterranean termites.

Damage by termites can be very expensive. A comparison of costs of using treated wood, concrete or steel in construction is presented.

Information on why the elderly are more at risk for frauds and scams, along with helpful tips and tools for managing finances and protecting your privacy.

Precautions to take to avoid dehydration while cleaning up after a disaster.

Precautions to take to avoid dehydration while cleaning up after a disaster.

Precautions to take to avoid dehydration while cleaning up after a disaster.

As you and your child join the 4-H program, you’ll want to make the most of the experience. The success of your 4-H club and the kind of experience your child depends greatly upon your parental involvement. 4-H has so much to offer your child through educational programs, contests and special events. Through active participation in 4-H, your child will develop skills that will last a lifetime.

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.

For higher levels of protection and possibly discounted property insurance, consider these options...

The original LaHouse development team.

Portal Page for Getting Started. To help people organize their thoughts and affair and begin to approach their restoration or rebuilding project.

Portal Page for information that would be helpful to people getting started with a project to build a new home on the same site as their storm-damaged home.

An arborist can help you keep your trees healthy and give you peace of mind. Their professional services can help you with an array of other tree care practices, including transplanting, pruning, fertilizing and managing pests. Most arborists are also skilled in tree removal and value appraisals. You will want to read the questionnaire provided in this article to help you decide if you need any of these special services.

In simplest terms, a residential contractor constructs or renovates a building, or supervises the construction or renovation of a building. The contractor provides labor for the job, as well as schedules each phase of the job and the professionals involved.

Portal Page for information about the building industry professionals involved in buying and selling property, including real estate, banking and legal services.

A checklist of recommendations from the Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors to use when hiring a contractor.

A building designer designs residential and agricultural light frame buildings, such as single family homes. A designer also might design decorative facades for larger structures.

This section has information about people who provide special services related to homebuilding. These include home inspection, homeowner construction representatives, energy rating, pest control, landscape and flood and wind resistance.

Civil engineers are concerned with the design, construction, and maintenance of an altered physical or natural man-made environment. For instance, civil engineers may design bridges, roads, dams, and buildings.

This article informs the consumer what a residential electrician does, what licenses are required, if any, in the state of Louisiana in order for the electrician to work on your home, how to verify any licenses, and how to become an electrician.

Louisiana law requires all real estate agents working in the state to have a license. Information on who has a license, how one can get a license, as well as information on filing a complaint can be found at the Louisiana Real Estate Commission's Web site.

Real estate agents facilitate the buying and selling of property, such as land and buildings. These agents serve as representatives/negotiators for buyers and sellers. Real estate agents can serve as a “buyer’s agent” or as a “seller’s agent.”

Lenders usually require a termite inspection and mechanical equipment inspection. A more complete inspection is a good idea. Getting a thorough inspection before you buy a home can save you thousands of dollars.

This checklist provides a list of items to look for when you inspect a new or existing house before you purchase the home.

Knowing what questions to ask can save you lots of money and help you find the best contractor to build your house. The Capital Region Builder's Association has provided the attached information to help you ask the right questions.

Structural engineering is a sub-specialty of civil engineering, but can also be a stand-alone degree. Structural engineers design the systems that ensure that buildings and other structures are safely supported and able to resist forces against them, such as hurricane winds.

A home inspector inspects the visible exterior and interior systems and components of a residential structure for condition, safety issues, and evidence of potential problems. It is important to note that a home inspection is different from an appraisal that determines market value, from a code-compliance inspection, and from a warranty evaluation.

An energy rater assesses a house to determine the home’s level of energy efficiency. This audit , called a rating.

The role of a residential landscape architect is varied and can be complex. In very broad terms, a residential landscape architect generally develops and provides design plans for a homeowner’s property that utilizes both landscape and hardscape (built structures or constructed elements such as patios or arbors) elements to provide beauty and function for the homeowner, as well as to solve any related issues.

The residential building inspector examines residential projects under construction to ensure they are being built according to the building codes adopted by the state and/or local municipality. In so doing, the building inspector helps protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Residential inspectors are typically employees of the local jurisdiction, but may be third-party providers.

An architect is a design professional who designs environments in which people live, work, and play.

River Stages and Forecasts - Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley

Improving the energy efficiency of your home is an important and responsible step. Being energy-efficient can save you up to one-third on your annual energy bills. In addition to the personal and monetary benefits, improved energy efficiency has a positive and lasting affect on the environment.

Many homes lost their historic designations in the efforts to clean up and rebuild after the devasting damages caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This article gives an overview historic preservation regulations, who the regulating agencies might be, what you need to preserve or restore, and where you can obtain information and guidance in the preservation, restoration, and repair of your home.

You can reduce your expected damage from hurricanes by taking some steps to prepare.

Almost everyone who lives in the 15 coastal parishes that...

Proper cleanup and disposal will prevent future health and injury risks and may save time and money. Debris removal will reduce the potential for nesting by rodents, snakes and insects, or at least keep those infestations in a concentrated area away from the home.

This discussion of different methods of counseling and different factors to use in finding a counselor can help the consumer make good choices in selecting a mental health professional service.

Since November 2005, home building and home restoration in Louisiana are subject to the provisions of the International Residential Code.

This article explains what the words "licensed, bonded, and insured" mean in the context of construction professionals. In explaining these terms, the article also states why hiring someone who is licensed, bonded, and insured is important.

Wind affects different homes in different ways, depending on their design, location and neighboring structures.

Resources used in gathering information about wind resistance.

An interior designer works on the interior and is specially trained in this area. Interior designers follow much of the same design steps and procedures as architects do, only the work of interior designers is specific to the interior.

Land surveyors determine legal property boundaries. They also establish subsurface mineral boundaries to determine the distribution of mineral rights.

This article describes what a plumber does and why you might need one; how a plumber gets licensed; and how the homeowner can verify the license.

As you attempt to restore your life and home after a storm, the availability of local companies and individuals to perform the necessary services will be limited. It often may be advisable to do temporary repairs and wait for local contractors who will be there to guarantee their work long after the storm is over.

If the recent hurricanes have landed trees on your property, Dr. Hallie Dozier of the LSU AgCenter cautions you to hire only Louisiana-licensed professional arborists remove the trees.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of an eco-friendly house in Louisiana.

“Should I repair or should I teardown?” “Should I rebuild here or should I rebuild somewhere else?”There are so many factors that play a part in answering these questions that it must seem overwhelming.

Making every day decisions is not always easy. It came be even more difficult to make a decision after a catastrophic event such as a hurricane, tornado, fire, flood windstorm. Some people may believe they don’t have any options. While there are always options, it’s not always easy for some people to decide what to do.

This page defines some terms used in home construction, repair and maintenance. It is not a comprehensive list but will provide a quick reference for homeowners who are unfamiliar with building terminology. Based on the Housing and Urban Development's 1996 Glossary, but expanded to include terms related to flood and wind resistance, energy, new technologies and architectural terms.

Living in a mobile homes is one option you can consider when planning for your future housing needs. In the past, mobile homes typically were considered starter homes. But today, many people are choosing to make mobile homes their permanent dwelling.

Mobile homes have been steadily growing in popularity as a temporary and permanent primary residence for many Louisiana residents. Mobile homes can provide years of comfortable and convenient living, while giving you the most for the dollar you spend on electricity. Using the following energy conservation tips will help you to make the least of your electric bill.

Homeowners in South Louisiana and elsewhere in the Gulf South who are building homes should add termite protection in the process. Combining termite protection with proper strapping for wind resistance and anchoring to prevent floatation present some challenges for maintaining the integrity of the barrier..

Factory built homes are nearly undetectable from the street and, often, people cannot recognize, from appearance alone, the difference between a factory built home and a site built home. In New Orleans, manufacturers have been dedicated to creating stock designs that are specific to the New Orleans region. The architectural style of a typical New Orleans “shotgun” style house has been adopted and modified to create new home styles that fit seamlessly in their environments.

For those who need fast, affordable and reliable solutions for their housing problems, modular homes might be the best solution. In contrast to what many people think, modular homes are quite different than manufactured or trailer homes. In fact, they are very similar to site-built homes.

"Factory-Built Home” is a generic term that refers to any home that has been predominately designed and constructed in a controlled factory or plant environment. Factory processes are extremely efficient with materials and, thus, are considered more environmentally friendly. In addition, the factory environment can provide a much greater degree of quality control, compared to on-site construction.

If you're thinking of rebuilding in a new location, and would consider moving to a new community, you can do some "long distance" research on the Internet, but visit the new community before making a decision.

Portal page for information about the advantages and disadvantages of site-built vs factory built homes or home components.

Many homes and other structures that were severely damaged in the Katrina and Rita hurricanes had been built on concrete slabs. The question that is on many homeowners’ minds is “Can I reuse the slab?” This answer will require homeowners to ask other questions that are explained in this article.

This section of the web includes information that will help Road Home participants get started planning their start-fresh, home building project.

Introductory segment from the LSU AgCenter "Ready for Rain" video with overview of flood damage reduction techniques.

Users must indicate acceptance of these terms prior to submitting ANY personal, company, service or project information to the Registry.

One of the hardest determinations you'll have to make when you decide to restore a damaged home is how much work needs to be done - and how much help you'll need.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of a house in Louisiana with healthy indoor air.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of a hazard-resistant house in Louisiana.

This "Hurricane Edition" is a guide to flood, wind and water resistance features you can see at the Louisiana House Home and Landscape Resource Center (LaHouse). It was developed during the summer of 2007 for use in mid-construction open houses. Pages will be updated when features become less visible as the house is completed.

Portal Page for house design and architecture as part of rebuilding housing stock in Louisiana.

Air sealing can be one of the most cost effective ways to reduce energy costs and increase comfort in your home. This fact sheet provides information on the most common places where air leaks in homes and how to fix these leaks.

Garages are great places for vehicular, seasonal, and recreational equipment. A well-organized garage space allows for extra storage capabilities. There are several great ways to fill your garage with ample storage while still maintaining room for vehicles, bikes, barbecue grills, and other large equipment if necessary.

Well-designed bedrooms and bathrooms help lead to happier and more positive attitudes. They are the usually the first and last places you visit in your day and should be designed to be relaxing and comfortable.

Kitchens, laundry areas and home offices are three types of workspace commonly found in the home environment. Despite many differences between the three, all should be designed for efficiency and productivity. Try to avoid spaces that are poorly lit, inconveniently located or overly cramped.

Use this score sheet to rate the efficiency of your kitchen – as it is now and with any planned modifications. It will help you design a more convenient and functional kitchen. Compare your “before” and “after” scores with the rating at the end of this fact sheet. (PDF Format Only)

A majority of home-buying and building decisions are made people are in the prime of life and health. Often, primary considerations are safety for children, budget, color, floor plan, neighborhood and school districts. In a society where people live longer and where many medical conditions are treatable, planning for future lifestyles and physical limitations can be very important. This article gives some suggestions on how to design for future accessibility.

A variety of costs -- not just the construction cost -- should be considered when planning a coastal home. Owners should be aware of these costs and consider how siting and design decisions will affect these costs. This information is part of FEMA's Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series (FEMA 499).

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has requirements for repairs, remodeling and additions. This fact sheet provides recommendations for exceeding those minimum requirements and it lists opportunities for retrofitting in coastal flood hazard areas. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction FEMA 499: Technical Fact Sheet 30.

In inland areas, experience has shown that floods damage areas of buildings not elevated above the flood level and destroy contents of those areas. In coastal areas, wave action causes even more damage, often destroying enclosed building areas below the flood level (and any building areas above the flood level that depend on the lower area for structural support). Source: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series: Fact Sheet 4.

Our predecessors in Louisiana avoided floods by vacating the floodplains during flood season or by building their homes on higher ground and, even then, on piers.

The durability of a coastal home relies on the types of materials used to construct it. Materials and construction methods should be resistant to flood and wind damage, driving rain, corrosion, moisture and decay. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction FEMA 499: Technical Fact Sheet 8.

Many factors affect and limit a home builder's or owner's ability to site coastal residential buildings. Building failures are often the result of poor siting. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction FEMA 499: Technical Fact Sheet 7.

Universal design means creating spaces that meet the needs of all people, young and old, abled and disabled. From the arrangement of the rooms to the choice of colors, many details go into the creation of accessible spaces. Some general guidelines are listed here.

As foam insulation becomes more popular, more an more products are making their way to the market. Often, the proper use of a foam insulation product is very specific, and spelled out in the building code. This page provides links to ICC-ES Evaluation Reports for several foam insulation products.

Energy efficiency can be improved by upgrading several systems on the home. There are a variety of incentive programs. This page provides links to building information and incentives for each of the home systems.

An accessible home incorporates adaptation and accommodation preparations and installations in living and work areas that can make a dwelling safe and functional to the residents for a lifetime. Making a home more accessible for life is a good investment on every level.

It is no secret that the bathroom is the site of many home accidents. Many people take measures to reduce the possibility of injuries—most notable by reducing “slipperiness” with higher friction mats, coatings and by attaching “safety tread” type materials. This is a good start, but, it is only the beginning.

A kitchen is often thought of as the “heart of the home.” For generations, families and friends have gathered in the kitchen to make and break bread and to engage in a wide range of social activities. Today, we live longer than our predecessors did and as a result, are less likely to be as dexterous as we once were and significantly less mobile.

Gerald Brennan was 84 years old when he observed, “Old age takes away from us what we have inherited and gives us what we have earned.” He was referring to those physical capacities we are born with, but, if some of the things we have earned over time such as our unique identities and our homes, then circumstances and old age may well take those away from us also.

Trees and shrubs can provide a valuable buffer zone that can reduce storm damage to homes and property. Trees can be classified as hurricane survivor trees or hurricane victim trees.

New homes in flood prone areas are protected from flood damage by building living space above expected flood levels. Learn more about elevated foundations and development regulations.

Knowing how the sun moves over your particular site will enable you to design more energy efficient and livable spaces.

Structured wiring, upgradeable packages and accessible installations can make a home adaptable to advances in telecommunications and automation without major renovation. Special baseboard and crown moldings designed to route cabling behind it are available. Plan ahead!

Universal design is design for life. The goal is safe and independent living for just about anyone, any age, any size and any ability. With thoughtful planning and product choices for a new home, universal design can be achieved at little or no extra cost.

Information in this section will help you maintain good indoor air quality in your Louisiana house by minimizing health hazards such as mold, dust mites, combustion pollutants and other common indoor air contaminants.

Use this list of guidelines to develop a convenient (family friendly and functional) kitchen plan.

Plan your home with dual purpose rooms and ample storage, room to maneuver, designed to grow with your family.

A functional, accessible and adaptable home will give you and your family room to breathe, room to work, room to play and the potential to expand. It will have adaptable spaces and systems for your changing needs, including advanced wiring so you can take advantage of today's technologies. If you employ universal design techniques, your home will be more visitable - perhaps fully accessible - by family and friends who have impaired mobility.

Landscapers have not been greatly affected by subterranean termites, but they are increasingly challenged by the Formosan subterranean termite. The actions of landscapers impact the risks of subterranean termites. Landscapers should educate themselves on this and other subterranean termites and alter their practices to reduce the risk of subterranean termites entering structures and to slow the spread of the Formosan subterranean termite.

Formosan subterranean termites are more aggressive and cause more damage than native subterranean termite species because of special biological attributes.

Adjusting certain elements of architecture, construction and landscaping can help in Integrated Pest Management.

Many homeowners who own a property built of wood have had problems with wood-destroying organisms. In United States, termites, and decay fungus cause more than $2 billion in damage to buildings every single year. In order to protect their home from these organisms, homeowners need to know what to look for, how to treat problems that arise, and how to keep their homes free of decay and termites.

Here is a checklist you can use to take steps to make your home termite-resistant.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of an energy-efficient house in Louisiana.

All families in Louisiana should have a family disaster plan. This article provides information about developing a disaster plan for your family.

Extensive damage from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike has caused many homeowners to build at higher elevations above ground, or to raise their existing homes to safer heights. Many people have, or will, turn to elevators, platform lifts or other mechanical systems as their primary means of accessing the elevated floor.

Experience has shown in inland areas floods damage areas of buildings not elevated above the flood level and destroy contents of those areas. In coastal areas, wave action causes even more damage. The NFIP requires participating communities to adopt a floodplain management ordinance that specifies minimum requirements for reducing flood losses. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series (FEMA 499) Technical Fact Sheet 4.

The 2005 and 2008 hurricane seasons left thousands of south Louisiana homeowners with a need to build homes with the floor above ground or to elevate their existing homes to safer heights. Stairs, or even ramps, are not the optimal solution for accessing the raised floor; they can pose a problem for the disabled, aging and many others.

The buoyant foundations, senior-design project at LSU has focused a spotlight on this technique. Buoyant foundations are not a legal alternative to elevation in flood hazard areas, and specifically violate the flood and wind anchoring requirements of the buidling code and/or flood ordinance. Homeowners should not pin their hopes on adopting this technique for building, rebuilding or restoring homes.

Much of the damage and loss of life associated with hurricanes can be prevented or reduced by planning, preparation and evacuation.

Much of the damage and loss of life associated with hurricanes can be prevented or reduced by planning, preparation and evacuation.

Ants range from mildly irritating to highly annoying. Knowing the species, its biology and potential control methods can help you manage them. This is a useful reference for pest management professionals, extension personnel and homeowners. A key to ants, color photographs, diagrams and a glossary are included. Spiral-bound copies are available for $12.50 each. To purchase using a major credit card, click on "order publication."

What to do to prevent problems with mildew and decay after storm waters receed..

Cleaning carpets and floors that have been damaged by floodwaters can be time-consuming, but care must be taken to facilitate repairs.

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.

When calm returns after the storm, it’s time to assess the damage and begin repairs. A number of factors should be considered, and the following information may be helpful.

Hiring a qualified contractor for mold remediation is not required, but is generally safer and more effective than a “do-it-yourself” approach.

Although it is uncommon in most homes, toxic mold, also known as black mold, has become a major issue for some home builders and homeowners in the United States. The effects have run the gamut from disposal to litigation. An understanding of the mold issue from these points of view can aid private companies, public policy makers and extension professionals in developing and disseminating unbiased, useful information to these and other groups.

A flood-damaged building requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold population explosion.

For an average person soil might just be nothing but dirt which you walk on and never pay attention. But for engineers it is a complex material that must be studied.

This publication outlines some of the options for design, operation and maintenance of ornamental ponds and discusses basic environmental requirements of fish and plants commonly grown in these ponds. 20 pages. Full color. (PDF Format Only)

When you’ve committed to adding landscaping to your home, walk or ride around to get some landscaping ideas from other homes. See what is being used in your community and what other people who have elevated their homes to a similar height have done with landscaping. general ideas about how to integrate an elevated first floor into a landscaped yard.

Once you've gotten past idea stage, you'll need to develop a budget, prep the yard, choose plants, put shovel in the ground, and be prepared to maintain your landscape.

Once you’ve decided to elevate your home, or moved into a home that is already elevated, there’s no reason to keep it stark and camp-like. Using creative landscaping, an elevated first floor can be hidden or enhanced, and the elevated home can even offer a new perspective. Window boxes and hanging plants on porches can help add another vertical layer of landscaping. This is a visual guide to landscaping your elevated home, and includes references to local resources.

When you’ve committed to adding landscaping to your home, walk or ride around to get some landscaping ideas from other homes. See what is being used in your community and what other people who have elevated their homes to a similar height have done with landscaping. general ideas about how to integrate an elevated first floor into a landscaped yard. Photos from around New Orleans.

A properly designed and operated irrigation system will ensure that the critical factor of soil moisture will be there to sustain healthy plant growth.

Soil salts affect turf mostly by withholding moisture from plant tissues. They may also compete for uptake of nutrient ions. Try these suggestions to manage a soil salinity situation.

There are four distinct components of establishing turfgrass: clearing and grading to provide the desired contours and good surface drainage, soil preparation, planting, and watering and maintenance.

A collage of storm spot images from hurricane debris.

Each year about 300 deaths and 175,000 serious injuries occur in the United States because people don't properly use ladders. This article lists some "Do's and Don'ts" for using a portable ladder.

Cleaning up wood debris after a hurricane or other severe wind storm can inadvertently spread one of Louisiana’s most destructive pests – the Formosan subterranean termite. The highest concentrations of this termite in the continental United States are in Lake Charles and New Orleans, cities flooded following Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.

Cleanup after a disaster can be a major problem. Debris from trees, shrubs and buildings may be everywhere. Even though extra resources may be provided, it may be some time before collection is possible. Debris removal will reduce the potential for nesting by rodents, snakes and insects, or it will, at least, keep those infestations in a concentrated area away from the home.

Attention is focused on floods right now with the rising Mississippi River. But hurricane season is right around the corner, officially starting on June 1. NOAA forecasts 12 to 18 named storms, and six to 10 could become hurricanes with winds 74 mph and more. Are you ready for a hurricane?

After a flood, you’ll be anxious to use your normal water supply – your private well. But, when floodwater covers your well, or neighboring wells, there’s a possibility the water in your well will become contaminated.

Lead is a naturally occurring blueish-gray metal. It is very abundant and mined in numerous counties around the world including the United States. The problem with lead is it is toxic. The human body has no use for lead, so even small amounts can be toxic. The most notable health effect of lead is in the mental development of young children.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of older homes damaged in Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike, are waiting to be rebuilt. Rising energy costs, the focus on reducing carbon emissions, and the green movement are driving energy-efficient building practices. This has put insulation, air sealing and weatherization high on the safer, stronger, smarter rebuilding list of desirable features.

Preserving and maintaining the great benefits of having an older home will take time, commitment, and money.

Restoration of a home may afford a good opportunity to change the way you use existing space in the home.

This part of the web site will present information related to clearing a demolition site or a new building site in preparation for building a home.

This fact sheet summarizes National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulatory requirements concerning coastal construction and provides recommendations for exceeding those requirements. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series (FEMA 499): Technical Fact Sheet 2.

View this sample contract to get an idea of the language your contract may include. Source: LouisianaRebuilds (http://www.louisianarebuilds.info/contractor)

Provided is a sample punch list of items that homeowners may want to use as part of developing a project punch list. If you and your contractor disagree about an item on the punch list, a good reference guide to help with your negotiations is National Association of Home Builders’ “Residential Construction Performance Guidelines”.

Information about selecting contractors based primarily on bids received from the contractors to do the work.

Portal page for section of the web that deals with contracts for construction work and change orders used to change what the contract says.

Portal Page for information on knowing when and how to pay contractors for homebuilding and home restoration work.

In this section we talk about drafting a bid specification that potential contractors can use to make offers to perform the work you need done.

There are risks and requirements involved in self-contracting. Building your own home almost never ends up costing less than you anticipated. There almost always will be extra costs associated with something that happens as a result of mistakes made, or unforeseen situations that require additional work. The risk can cost you more than what it is worth.

In this section we describe the construction process from getting bids, to contracting, to closing out the project.

Read the following articles on safety and take all necessary precautions when rebuilding your home.

Portal page for information about managing a construction project so building officials can and do inspect the work at appropriate times and with successful outcomes.

This section of the web provides information about designing the landscape to serve the needs of the homeowner, whether for children playing or moments of quiet reflection. Information also relates to landscape designs based on maintenance requirements and needs for shade or shielding from the wind.

Find out your relative flood risk today. Simply enter your property information and FEMA will show you the relative flood risk to your property.

There is no single V-zone certificate used on a nationwide basis. Local communities and/or states have developed their own certification procedures and documents. This fact sheet contains information that explains the certification requirements for structural design and construction in V zones. SOURCE: FEMA 499 Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series Technical Fact Sheet 5.

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.

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.

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.

As a homeowner, you need clear information about the options that are available to reduce flood damage to your home and straightforward guidance on selecting the option that is best for you. Quite often this is a difficult task. By knowing the basic questions to ask, you are guided toward the investment in retrofitting that is appropriate for you.

Homes in coastal areas must be designed and built to withstand higher loads and more extreme conditions. Homes in coastal areas will require more maintenance and more upkeep. Homes in coastal areas will cost more to design, construct, maintain, repair and insure. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series (FEMA 499) Technical Fact Sheet 1.

Definitions of terms used in flood protection.

In Louisiana, waters rise - from rain and tidal surge. It can happen anytime, anywhere, to anybody.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of a sustainable house in Louisiana.

The healthy and eco-friendly home is designed and built to protect both the indoor environment and the outdoor environment, by reducing indoor pollutants, conservation natural resources, managing waste and waste-water and using materials that reduce pollution in their fabrication and transportation to the site.

Seek out incentive programs that could help you create a high performance home. When you “build green,” you not only get a home that is earth friendly and healthy, you are doing your part to help our nation and preserve our way of life for the coming generations.

More does not always mean better. Learn the importance of building a house that is marketable, cost-efficient, and will keep its value for years to come.

Your ideal house will remain only a dream if it is not practical, cost-effective and reasonably easy to maintain. Build with locally available materials using labor-saving methods. Consider not just the purchase and installation cost of materials and systems, but also their life-cycle costs; lower operating costs off-set higher initial investments. Consider also the future marketability of your ideal home.

Low maintenance surfaces and products can enhance and add value to your home.

Portal to information about selection of building materials on the basis of aesthetics, strength and other performance characteristics.

Architectural details should shed rainwater away from the foundations, doors, windows and walls of your home. This article contains important information regarding moisture control on roof leak reduction and leads to information on hot-humid and mixed-humid climate wall assemblies, water-managed foundations, air & humidity control, plumbing, long-lasting materials & equipment, and product warranties.

Over the life of a product, more-durable and longer-lasting options are generally better investments. These options are also better environmentally because they reduce both solid waste and resource waste.

A drainage plane is the layer of water-resistant materials between the cladding and the framing that drains water to the exterior and keep leaks (at windows, doors and cladding) from wetting the framing and insulation. Layers must be lapped properly so water draining from higher points on the house is directed over (not behind) lower layers.

Portal page for the section on Housing Industry Professionals, including Real Estate, Insurance, Code Enforcement, Banking, Surveying, Design Professionals and Contractors.

Los riesgos eléctricos pueden causar quemaduras,choques eléctricos y electrocución (muerte). Fuente: La Occupational Safety and Health Administration de Estados Unidos (OSHA).

Generadores portátiles son usados con un motor de combustion interna para generar electricidad y están comunmente usados durante respuesta a desastres. Generadores portátiles pueden ser peligrosos si se usan incorrectamente. Fuente: La Occupational Safety and Health Administration de Estados Unidos (OSHA).

Use el equipo de protección personal que figuran aquí para protegerse en el trabajo. Fuente: OSHA

Las aguas de inundacion pueden estar contaminadas con efluentes de alcantarillado y restos de animales y humanos descompuestos. La desinfeccion de manos, ropa, herramientas/equipos y superficies en areas de trabajo, es critica en la prvencion de enfermedades. Fuente: OSHA

Las inundaciones pueden causar la interrupcion de los sistemas de purificacion de agua y eliminacion de aguas negras, el desbordamiento de depositos de desechos toxicos y el desprendimiento de productos quimicos previamente almacenados sobre tierra. Fuente: OSHA

Las cuatro causas más comunes de fatalidades en la construcción son: caídas, golpes, quedar atrapado/ pillado y electrocución. Fuente: OSHA.

Esta tarjeta contiene la información relativa a la protección de usted cae mientras está en el puesto de trabajo. Fuente: OSHA.

Inspeccione los andamios y las partes del andamio diariamente, antes de comenzar cada turno de trabajo y despúes de cualquier evento que pueda haber causado daño al andamio.

El plomo es un elemento peligroso encontrado en muchos lugares de construcción. La exposición a plomo proviene de inhalar humos y polvo, y el plomo puede ser ingerido cuando las manos están contaminadas con polvo de plomo. Los trabajadores pueden llevarse el plomo a sus casas en las ropas, piel, cabello, herramientas y vehículos. La exposición a plomo puede ocurrir en actividades de demolición, rescate, remoción, encapsulación renovación y limpieza. (Fuente: OSHA)

Muertes y lesiones serias pueden ocurrir si las grúas no son inspeccionadas y utilizadas correctamente. Muchas muertes pueden ocurrir cuando el aguilón de la grúa, el cable de carga o la carga contacta las líneas de energía eléctrica y descarga la electricidad hacia la tierra. Otros incidentes ocurren cuando los trabajadores son golpeados por la carga, son atrapados dentro del radio de movimiento de la grúa o fallan en montar/desmontar la grúa correctamente. Fuente: OSHA

La Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA) del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, la Oficina de Seguridad Nacional y Preparación para Emergencias de Louisiana, y el Fiscal General de Louisiana aconsejan a las víctimas de los huracanes Katrina y Rita sobre cómo evitar a los contratistas inescrupulosos y las personas que se hacen pasar como contratistas.

El hacer reclamaciones falsas a un inspector de FEMA es una ofensa procesable por ley bajo el Título 18 del Código de los Estados Unidos. Los casos potenciales de fraude o uso indebido son referidos al Departamento de Justicia de E.E.U.U. para ser procesados. Las penalidades por delitos graves pueden ser severas.

El mejor momento para adquirir seguro por inundación es ahora. Por lo general, la cobertura no comienza hasta 30 después de la fecha de adquisición.

Al prepararse para la temporada de huracanes que se avecina, los funcionarios federales exhortan a los residentes a que también preparen sus viviendas.

Las elevaciones aéreas incluyen plataformas aéreas auge-apoyadas, tales como recogedores de la cereza o carros del cubo. Las causas principales de fatalidades son caídas, electrocutions, y derrumbamientos u overs de la extremidad. Fuente: La Occupational Safety and Health Administration de Estados Unidos (OSHA).

El funcionamiento de una sierra de cadena es peligroso. Fuente: La Occupational Safety and Health Administration de Estados Unidos (OSHA).

El trabajo de la demolición implica muchos de los mismos peligros que se presentan durante otras actividades de la construcción. Sin embargo, la demolición también implica los peligros adicionales debido a una variedad de otros factores. Algunos de éstos incluyen: pintura conducir-basada, objetos agudos o que resaltan y material el asbesto-contener. Fuente: La Occupational Safety and Health Administration de Estados Unidos (OSHA).

Despues de un huracan, las comunidades tienen la oportunidad de planear y reconstruir el bosque urbano de tal manera que las futuras tormentas sean menos devastadoras. (Fuente: University of Florida Extension)

Una tormenta o cualquier otro desastre puede dejar árboles destruidos. Pueden quebrarse o dañarse las ramas principales, cortarse o ajarse el follaje o arrancarse o perforarse la corteza. Sin embargo, lo que a primera vista pueden parecer lesiones mortales no necesariamente resulta letal paraun árbol. Los árboles tienen una capacidad increíble para recuperarse de los daños ocasionados por tormentas. (Fuente: Texas Cooperative Extension Service)

Usted es responsable de la remoción de escombros de su propiedad. Para ello, se necesita un plan que trate las prioridades, técnicas de remoción y cuestiones de seguridad. (Fuente: Texas Cooperative Extension Service)

Portal Page for information about preparing yourself and your family financially for a home purchase or home restoration project.

Thie following steps should be taken to file an insurance claim for disaster damage to your home.

If you need furnishings and appliances but cannot afford the full purchase price up front, you can rent the item, rent with the intent to purchase, or purchase on a monthly installment plan. If your intent is to own the item, compare the cost of purchase when choosing one of these options.

The LSU AgCenter offers hurricane-resistant home improvement seminars for people who wish to build or restore their homes to make them more resistant to storm and flood damage. This video gives a brief description of material covered in the full 2-hour package. Long and short seminars and trainings can be scheduled on these topics to meet the needs of your group. For more information, e-mail rebuilding@agcenter.lsu.edu .

The best time to buy flood insurance is now. Coverage usually doesn't begin until 30 days after the purchase date.

After a disaster such as a hurricane, flood or fire, important papers may be destroyed, lost or damaged. Agencies, Web sites and procedures that can help you replace important papers are included in this fact sheet.

Almost 70% of Americans live from paycheck to paycheck, courting disaster if their income is suddenly reduced or stopped. Katrina and Rita took homes and jobs, leaving many with a need to save for rebuilding. Here are some strategies for saving for recovery.

There are many different types of mortgages a person can get when buying or building a home. Some people decide for themselves what type of mortgage best suits their needs. But, if you’d rather have a professional’s advice, you should consult a mortgage counselor. This article lists a few types of mortgages you may consider.

Debris can be hazardous. It often has sharp or rough edges. It may cause falls. Some debris may contain hazardous material such as asbestos, lead or fiberglass, or it may have been contaminated with chemicals or germs by the flood or storm.

If you have decided to restore your storm-damaged home, you’ve already determined that your neighbors are probably coming back, that public utilities will be restored (or you will provide your own), that you will have police, fire and medical services and that there will be jobs and schools. Other things to consider include new building regulations, cost estimates, debris removal, opportunities to upgrade systems and add space.

Lakeview, a coming-back community in Orleans parish - west of City Park and east of the 17th Street Canal, is the venue for an afternoon of presentations and real-world demonstrations of sustainable rebuilding and flood damage prevention. Plan to come to Lakeview Sunday, November 16th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. for formal workshops, information educational seminars around the neighborhood, and visits with professionals involved in rebuilding.

Grand Lake High School is the venue for a day of presentations and real-world demonstrations of sustainable rebuilding and flood damage prevention methods. Plan to come to Grand Lake May 16th for formal presentations, information educational seminars and demonstrations, and visits with professionals involved in recovery and rebuilding.

Finding a Contractor Using the LSU AgCenter Online Rebuilding Registry

This Online Learning Module provides instruction on how to create a personal account on the Online Rebuilding Registry.

Learn how to choose the right water heater for your home by choosing the best fuel type, size, first hour rating (FHR), energy efficiency, and assess the cost.

Charting your way to Home Ownership, "Reaching Your Goal through Financial Management"

Choosing the best method to insulate your home.

Determine whether a tankless water heater is right for your home.

Save Energy by Changing Bulbs Settings and Appliances

Charting your course to home ownership, "Navigating your way to a new home"

Raised Floors and the National Flood Plain Insurance Program (NFIP)

Raised Floor Construction, Materials for Sills, Joists, and Sub-flooring

Raised Floor Construction in Louisiana, Foundations

This modules deals with accessing the raised floor contruction home - whether you are handicapped or not

Raised Floor Construction, Soils Moisture and Termites

Information about meeting code for ventilation of raised floor construction homes.

Floor Insulation for Raised Home Construction Homes

Anchoring and Strapping a Raised Floor Structure

Understanding Heating and Air Conditioning - Taming the Dragon

Stopping Air Infiltration in Existing Homes through Caluking and Weatherstripping

History of Raised Floor Construction in Louisiana

This 2-day course will acquaint participants with FEMA’s Coastal Construction Manual and involve discussion of best practices for the design and construction of residential buildings built in coastal environments.

As we track the progress of reconstruction in hurricane recovery and as new products, systems and technoglogies come into the state, we will add to this section. Learn about current educational efforts that may be useful as you build, rebuild or restore your home - and tell us about innovations and educational opportunities we haven't heard about.

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Basic Moisture management in walls

Training workshops approved for CEUs for builders and building officials. Raised Floor Construction with a Touch of Green, 2010 opportunities and registration information.

List of mini seminars scheduled to be held at the Rebuilding Information Station in October.

Homeowners will get information on how to rebuild their homes to better stand up to hurricanes at a series of mini-seminars scheduled for the Rebuilding Information Station in September.

A series of mini-seminars has been scheduled for September at the Rebuilding Information Station (RIS) in New Orleans.

Homeowners will get information on how to rebuild their homes to better stand up to hurricanes at a series of mini-seminars scheduled for the Rebuilding Information Station in August.

The LSU AgCenter, in conjunction with the University of New Orleans’ Center for Hazards Assessment, Response and Technology (UNO_CHART), Tulane City Center and Louisiana Office of Community Development’s Road Home program, is hosting an open house for the Rebuilding Information Station (RIS) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 26.

The LSU AgCenter has scheduled seminars at the Iberia Parish library branch locations help people predict storm surges from hurricanes using flood maps.

Come to Hurricane Resistance Days at LaHouse from June 14-17, 2007. Tour LaHouse and hear short presentations on topics ranging from flood maps, flood insurance and storm-surge modeling, to choosing and working with a contractor, to making your home more flood, wind and water resistant.

During Hurricane Resistance Days at LaHouse, there will be tours and presentations.

The LSU AgCenter will hold Hurricane Resistance Days at its LaHouse model home site June 14-17.

These houses will be featured in the 2009 LSU AgCenter Cameron Parish Tour of Hurricane Resistant Homes held May 17.

Newly built-to-code houses that have already survived one hurricane will be featured in this year’s Cameron Parish Tour of Hurricane-resistant Homes.The tour will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 17.

The LSU AgCenter’s Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Unit joins the Vermilion Parish Police Jury to bring a free Community Rebuilding and Flood Protection Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Feb. 28 at Abbeville High School.

Abbeville High School is the venue for a day of presentations and real-world demonstrations of sustainable rebuilding and flood damage prevention methods. Plan to come to Abbeville February 28th for formal presentations, information educational seminars and demonstrations, and visits with professionals involved in recovery and rebuilding.

Lakeview, a coming-back community in Orleans parish - west of City Park and east of the 17th Street Canal, is the venue for an afternoon of presentations and real-world demonstrations of sustainable rebuilding and flood damage prevention. Plan to come to Lakeview Sunday, November 16th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. for formal workshops, information educational seminars around the neighborhood, and visits with professionals involved in rebuilding.

The LSU AgCenter, Tulane University City Center and UNO CHART are bringing free workshops for anyone involved in building or rebuilding a house. The workshops will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1.

Course participants will gain a an appreciation of the need for prescriptive foundation design guidance, an understanding of how to use the guidance found in FEMA 550, and the benefits of using this guidance to design and regulate residential construction in the Gulf Coast area. Most suited for engineers and local building officials involved in residential construction.

LSU AgCenter will offer a series of homebuilding seminars at this year’s French Food Festival Oct. 25-26.

This expo will help homeowners learn how to protect their homes from hurricanes and other storms. The event will provide information on the many options available for hurricane protection including retrofitting current structures for flood and wind resistance and energy efficiency.

Building professionals who are licensed or registered to operate in Louisiana can offer services used in building, remodeling or restoring homes.

Use the Registry to find state licensed or registered service providers who wish to work in your parish and who offer the services you need.

Learn about getting around in the Registry and about using this resource when building outside Louisiana.

Step-by-Step instructions for property owners to use the Registry to find a licensed contractor working in their parish and to rate a contractor.

The National Association of Home Builders offers several "Designations" for industry professionals who complete specialized training. Check this page and the NAHB on-line directory to find professionals with NAHB Designations.

A great deal of moisture can move from the ground into and through a foundation and floor system, which can lead to decay, mold under flooring and high indoor humidity. To prevent these problems, keep rainwater away from the foundation with a 5% slope (6 inches/10 feet) of the grade around the house, prevent materials from absorbing water, drain groundwater with underground drainage before it gets to the foundation and allow the moisture in a foundation to escape.

Homes in Flood Hazard Areas require special foundations to ensure stability. This article addresses foundation requirements for homes built in wave-action areas.

Homeowners can design their homes to be built so as to minimize damages caused by flooding. Learning as much information as possible before starting the building process is important. This article gives information on Flood Insurance Rate Maps, the National Flood Insurance Program, base flood elevations, and more.

Your goal for home design and construction is to create a house that meets your immediate and long-term needs for space, function and aesthetics; keeps you comforable and safe by managing heat and humidity; drains and dries when water gets in; and resists damage from floods, high winds, freezing conditions, flying debris and termites. Your home will be more marketable if it ahcieves these goals while being practical and convenient. Includes links to checklists

To overcome the forces that wind places on a building, construction of the walls with connectors and sheathing is important.

Preventing wind damage involves strengthening areas where things could come apart. The walls, roof and foundation must be strong, and the attachments between them must be strong and secure.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC)coverage to pay up to $30,000 for the cost of compliance with State or local floodplain managementlaws or ordinances (II1.D of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP)). In the event the requiredmitigation measures are not completed within two years from the date of the state's or community'sdeclaration of substantial damage and order that mitigation measures be taken, the ICC claim cannotbe paid a

With few exceptions, if you live in Louisiana you should have flood insurance. Flood damage is not covered under your homeowner's insurance policy. A flood without insurance is a terrible financial setback.

Since November 2005, home building and home restoration in Louisiana are subject to provisions of the State Uniform Construction Code, which is adpated from the International Residential Code. These codes contain provisions that address resistance to flood, wind and rain damage, termite infestation, and decay. Whether you are bound by code, or simply because you recognize these threats to durability, there are things you can do to reduce your vulnerability.

Integrated pest management (IPM) may be defined as the intelligent selection, integration and use of actions to manage a pest while attempting to achieve favorable economic, ecological and sociological consequences.

Building safer, stronger, smarter means your home is built to last. It will withstand the challenges of being in a hot-humid, rainy climate and resist damage from flood, wind, fire, and other natural hazards. It uses multiple methods to prevent destruction by Formosan subterranean termites and other damaging pests, and optimizes sun, shade, technologies and construction methods to provide indoor climate control with minimal consumption of energy. It is both durable and energy-efficient.

This article traces the origins of raised floor home construction back to its vernacular form and questions why we do not build this way anymore. It shows the architectural diffusion of this building style and then introduces the ranch, or slab on grade, house. The article explains why a shift in building practices was made in Louisiana, the pit-falls of having made such a change, and gives recommendations for the future.

Flood cleanup bucket service projects by organizations, churches and other faith-based groups can help families in cleaning up their home after a flood disaster. This article provides information about what should be included in a flood cleanup bucket.

Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage provides up to $30,000 toward the cost of elevating, relocating or demolishing a building that is being required to come into compliance with the community’s flood damage prevention ordinances because it has been substantially damaged by a flood.

Disasters can produce lots of stress in peoples' lives. This information provides steps supported by research that individuals can take to manage their stress.

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.

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.

Parents and children can work together and prepare for a disaster. Developing and having a Family Disaster Supply Kit ready in the event of a disaster is a proactive way to teach your children about family safety and may give your child some sense of comfort and control.

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.

A collection of phone numbers for Louisiana state agencies, parish emergency management and law enforcement offices in the southern parishes, and national disaster information centers.

If you have a problem with rising water, there are six approaches you can take to preventing damage in future floods: elevate the building, block the water in the yard, seal the building, use materials that water won't hurt, and elevate appliances and systems.