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

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

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.

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's "LaHouse" is designed to stand up to hurricane-force winds, swarming insects and harmful humidity. This family-type home is designed to showcase innovations in home construction for Louisiana’s sub-tropical climate.

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.

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.

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.

We have begun and will continue to build upon this Online Training Center to assist the Louisiana and Gulf Region construction infrastructure with building science, best practices and building code-based information and continuing education.

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.

Here are brief descriptions of currently available building systems for exterior walls and roofs. Some of their major properties that relate to sustainable development are mentioned. A generalized assessment of how each building system integrates and balances the five criteria for Louisiana conditions.

This game of 20 questions can help you determine whether you and your family will be prepared if a hurricane comes your way, according to LSU AgCenter experts.

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

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.

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

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

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.

The Registry allows property owners to search for contractors by name or by the building services they provide. Property owners can contact their selected contractors anonymously through the registry, providing information about their rebuilding or restoration project, and ask if the contractor is interested. Contractors respond within the registry, indicating whether they are interested in pursuing a contract with the homeowner for the project.

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.

(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.

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.

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

Identification, biology and treatment of the elongate twig ant.

What to look for on termites and termite damage when buying a new home.

Use this checklist to explore and select components of a "high performance" home in the southern region -- one that provides the benefits of durability, energy efficiency, healthy indoor air, comfort, convenience and more.

A flood-damaged home requires special attention to avoid a population explosion of molds, other fungi, algae and bacteria, LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says.

Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of tasks.

The LaHouse Teaching Center and House are available for your next meeting. Facilities are FREE for LSU AgCenter educational and professional activities. LSU, government and commercial rates are comparable to similar campus venues. LaHouse is located outside of the LSU campus zoned parking plan, allowing for hassle-free parking for visitors. Handicapped-accessible and on-site bus parking are available.

The LaHouse team is thrilled and honored to welcome a contractor who will help to make the Louisiana House vision a reality. Roy Domangue of Wooden Creations has offered to contribute his services as the LaHouse home building contractor.

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.

The flood insurance policy provides limited coverage for expenses you incur trying to protect insured property from flood damage.

Guide to information about emergency measures you can use to protect property from flooding (rising water)

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.

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.

Hurricanes are divided into five categories to help recognize the threat they pose to structures and inhabitants of coastal and inland areas.

After taking a firsthand look at the needs of New Orleans, officials with investment banking firm Goldman Sachs decided to lend some helping hands plus cash to the recovery effort.

Lahouse has a 720 sqft. Teaching Center that is available for educational and professional meetings and activities.

Between 1990 and 2000, the number of teens, age 12 to 19 soared to 32 million, an increase of nearly 4.5 million. By 2010, the teen population is supposed to peak at 35 million. Today’s teens live in a time of sweeping technological advances, relative affluence and a flattening divorce rate. Because of the rate of change in today’s society, teens change and develop quickly.

It’s that time again, time for sharing germs and illnesses. October through the 1st of March is deemed flu season with the peak being the end of January and February. One question on a parent’s mind is, “Is it necessary to get my child vaccinated for the flu this year?”

This site provides information and links to other resources regarding influenza. Resources on this site address such questions as: How can we prevent the flu? What is H1N! flu? Is there an effective vaccine for H1N1 flu? Who is most at risk? What is the difference between pandemic influenza and seasonal outbreaks of the flu? What are the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control?

LSU AgCenter Extension Associate and former contractor, Bill Robinson presents "Air Sealing your Home for Better Energy-efficiency, Comfort and Durability." Join us in November for "The LaHouse Lunch Box" a FREE hour-long info packed class for homeowners.

Based on information from the Centers for Disease Control, this fact sheet provides details about the latest "swine flu" virus and ways you can try to protect yourself and others from it.

Explanation of flood insurance for disaster victims. Includes tips and help on filing insurance claims.

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

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

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)

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)

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 .

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.

This house, completed in May 2008, is one in a series of prototypes designed and built by Tulane University's URBANbuild. This house meets the new 3-feet advisory base flood elevation, and is built for 140 mph winds, which exceeds the wind-resistance requirements of the state uniform construction codes for this area.

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

Construction techniques used by Cameron Parish residents rebuilding their homes will be featured during a tour of homes on September 23, 2007, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This article covers the history to date of one homeowners' experience through Hurricane Katrina and the decision to rebuild - and rebuild 'green' - her home in Gentilly. This series will follow the reconstruction of her home to completion, detailing both challenges and successes experienced through the process.

(TV News For 11/21/05) Added safety measures can make a difference on a home when a storm threatens. The proof stands on a corner lot in a development in Plaquemines Parish.

Neighbors nicknamed Warren Lawrence’s home in Plaquemines Parish Fort St. Lawrence. Lawrence added special features to his home such as walls constructed of insulated concrete form. His home is outside of levee protection and vulnerable to storms.

Sportsman’s Paradise, in the northern part of the state, is a region well-known for its natural resources.

Plantation Country is in the southeast region of Louisiana, located between Cajun Country and the Greater New Orleans area.

Through the 19th and 20th centuries, New Orleans remained not only one of the most populous cities in the United States, but also one of its most important ports with its location at the mouth of the Mississippi River.

Crossroads is the region of central Louisiana that is north of the coastal regions and the area around Baton Rouge, but south of the northernmost portion of the state. This region has a long history of cultural exchange.

The region of Louisiana known as Cajun Country consists of two areas generally known as the Cajun Coast and the Cajun Prairie. The Cajun Coast is the Creole and Cajun-influenced area that lies along the Southwest coastal stretch of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Green Project is a nonprofit organization located in New Orleans that salvages, collects, and recycles building materials. Materials in usuable condition are then re-sold to the public at a fraction of retail costs. The Green Project also provides a recycling center for the public and takes cardboard, paper, aluminum cans, and household electronic waste.

This interactive map from The Times-Picayune shows rebuilding progress in New Orleans neighborhoods.

The SmartCode is a planning tool that promotes a sustainable urban pattern while protecting the ecologically and culturally valuable Louisiana landscape. Created with the input of Erath citizens, it is a set of standards that determines where development will occur and how it will be implemented. SOURCE: Louisiana Speaks louisianaspeaks.org

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.

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.

In addition to designing for flood damage reduction, here are several techniques you can use in building the home to reduce the potential for flood damage.

Replacing an air conditioning unit can be a daunting experience for some people. But, for those who know what to do, this task can be a chance to upgrade the existing unit and install more modern equipment that will prove worthwhile in both comfort and cost.

A great deal of solar heat gain on the west, east, southwest and southeast sides of a house can occur from the rising and setting sun. Cooling demand can be greatly reduced by providing shade structures, trees and shrubs on these sides of a house.

Uncle Sam and the State have encouraged taxpayers to invest in home improvements that use renewable sources of energy and make the home more energy efficient. The Federal legislation extend the 2006-2008 credits and amended the Federal Energy Act. These one-time tax credits still apply only to improvements to the taxpayer’s primary residence (not rental property). (Editor's Note: Stuart Broussard contributed to this report.)

You can save money and be environmentally-friendly at the same time by making your home an ENERGY STAR Home.

Air tries to equalize between higher and lower air pressure areas. If there is a pathway (a gap) and a pressure difference, air will move through that pathway - whether you want it to or not. Indoor air typically contains more types and higher concentrations of pollutants than outdoor air, even in industrialized areas. Read more about air basics.

This page summarizes the finding in geographic basics, air basics, heat basics and moiture basics, referring to your overall comfort and ability to take control of your investment - making your home all that it can be.

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

Green, or environmentally-friendly, building materials are available for you to use to build your house. Read this article to learn how technology has improved the performance and lowered the cost of framing, insulation, siding and roofing, as well as other environmentally-friendly building materials.

Use of renewable fuels, fuel cells, and photovoltaics can help homeowners achieve energy efficiency.

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

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.

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

A lawn can be as functional as it is beautiful if planned properly. Recommended varieties, degree of shade, planting and establishment and other site considerations are included.

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.

Best Management Practices in regard to proper planting techniques and mulch use in the home landscape.

One sure vestige of a hurricane or bad blow is a large, dead area of the lawn. It usually is located near curbside, or anwhere yard debris is piled up for many days. Some spots can be avoided by careful debris management; others are inevitable and will require restoration.

A collage of storm spot images from hurricane debris.

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

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.

Whether building a new roof or repairing an existing roof in south Louisiana, there are steps you can take to improve your roof's resistance to hurricane winds and driving rain. Here are the essentials for selecting and installing a roof and roofing components.

A video promotion of the Build Safer, Stronger, Smarter concepts for Louisiana.

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.

In high-wind areas, special hardware is used for most framing connections. Proper use of connection hardware is important for insuring your home can withstand high winds. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series: Fact Sheet 17.

Light gauge steel framing promises many short term and long term benefits to the homeowner. Although widely used in commercial construction, steel framing is not as common in south Louisiana’s residential construction market as wood framing. Yet it should be considered in rebuilding as many of the strengths of steel framing are well suited to the climate and threats of Louisiana’s coastal regions.

Floodwalls and levees are self-supporting barriers to floodwater. They keep the building dry and protect it from, unequal water pressure on building walls, erosion at the foundation and damage by floating debris.

Most people live in cities and suburban areas. These areas are characterized by acres of hard surfaces -- roads, rooftops and parking lots. In contrast to forests and fields, which allow rainwater to soak in, these impermeable surfaces force more and more rainwater to run off. By using paving surfaces that allow rainwater to soak into the ground, you can reduce excessive rainwater runoff and help prevent erosion.

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

The surge of salt water brought inland by a hurricane can cause a lot of damage to turfgrasses on lawns, golf courses, sod farms, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and leisure-recreation sites. Here are suggestions to help turf managers overcome saltwater damage to turf.

Houses built on slabs can be raised above flood level with a technique brought to Louisiana in the mid-1990s and proven on five homes in the Amite River Basin.

Elevation provides the best protection for flood damage, short of relocating the house to an area that is less prone to flooding. Raising a structure does not remove it from the special flood hazard area (SFHA); therefore, it does not exempt the owner or the mortgage company from flood insurance mandates.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

An image gallery of Louisiana Vernacular House Styles

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.

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 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.

"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.

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.

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.

It’s been almost two years since Hurricane Katrina hit the southern coast of Louisiana and Mississippi. Some of the flooded homes have been rebuilt, or are in the process of being rebuilt. The important question is “How good are we rebuilding?”

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.

Before you enter a damaged building use extreme caution and wear sturdy work boots and gloves for your protection. Here are some precautions to take.

Many snakes, like other residents in the path of a major storm, have been displaced and left homeless. As a result, it is commonplace to find these animals seeking shelter and food in areas close to people.

Structures damaged by the storm are particularly attractive and provide easy access for rodents. The unwelcome pests can damage property and, in extreme cases, pose a potential health problem.

Preliminary repairs are meant to keep damage from getting worse. Any temporary structural repairs that can be made will require some creativity since there’s likely to be a shortage of materials.

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.

After a major storm or flood, you must assume that all water sources are contaminated until proved safe. Food that has been contaminated by floodwaters should also be handled carefully.

Floodwater may be contaminated. Includes information on health and safety concerns, using caution with floodwater and other safety tips.

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.

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.

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.

It's best to get professional cleaners to work on carpets and floors, but this may not be possible. In any case, begin cleanup as soon as possible.

Appliances made wet by floodwaters or by rainwater after roofs were damaged will need extreme care before reuse. This care will be important to protecting the life of the appliance and your safety.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

With this year’s hurricane season starting, LSU AgCenter experts say stocking up on supplies now makes sense.

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

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).

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 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).

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.

LaHouse Resource Center is a Gulf Region Healthy Homes Training Center partner of the National Healthy Homes Training Center and Network. Lessons taught at the Center promote practical and cost-effective methods for making homes healthier.

Come out and bring your family and friends to hear and see the featured speakers and exhibitors, including: bankers, credit unions, United Way, insurance experts, mortgage companies, Fannie Mae, Finance Authority of New Orleans, city officials, Road Home Advisors & FEMA Mitigation & Rental staff will be onsite to provide assistance.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Homeowners can learn how to revitalize their lawns and gardens by attending these horticulture programs.

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

After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Global Green USA made a dedicated commitment to sustainable building in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. As part of that commitment, Global Green, in partnership with Brad Pitt, sponsored an international design competition during the summer of 2006. The result is a zero energy affordable housing development in the Holy Cross Neighborhood of the Lower 9th Ward.

Capital Region Builders Association featured this Model Home on in Prarieville, in the 2007 Parade of Homes. This home is designed and built to meet code requirements for 120 mph wind speeds and the energy efficiency requirements of the International Residential Code.

New Orleans area musicians and residents are coming back to the city and living in new houses being built by the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity.

Everett and Carol Brugier’s house in Pirates Cove in Slidell suffered only minor damage after Hurricane Katrina Struck, thanks to several special hurricane-resistant features built into it.

Residents between Lake Borgne and the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet are aware of the potentially disastrous weather they face during the Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 through Nov. 30 each year. St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Jack Stephens built his home to withstand the flooding and high winds of the fiercest hurricane he could imagine.

Making false statements to a FEMA inspector is a prosecutable offense under Title 18 of the United States Code. Potential cases of fraud or misuse are referred to the U.S. Justice Department for prosecution. Penalties for felony offenses can be severe.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and the Louisiana Attorney General are offering advice to victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on how to avoid unscrupulous contractors and people posing as contractors.

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.

Video clips from June 2007 that were intended to be a guide for people who were interested in moving back home but need to know what the situation "on the ground" was. Links to the NOLA Bound web site.

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

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.

In preparing for the upcoming hurricane season, federal officials urge coastal residens to prepare their dwellings, too.

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.

Maps developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that show where flooding may occur, and in what depths, in the New Orleans and Plaquemines areas during future hurricanes.

Definitions of terms used in flood protection.

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.

The location of water entry is often difficult to see, and the damage to substrate and structural members beyond the exterior wall cladding frequently cannot be detected by visual inspection. A successful moisture barrier system will limit water infiltration into unwanted areas and allow drainage and drying of wetted building materials. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Contruction FEMA 499: Technical Fact Sheet 9.

To illustrate the concept of load paths and highlight important connections in a wind uplift load path. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction FEMA 499: Technical Fact Sheet 10.

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!

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.

Demolition work involves many of the same hazards that arise during other construction activities. However, demolition also involves additional hazards due to a variety of other factors. Some of these include: lead-based paint, sharp or protruding objects and asbestos-containing material. Source: The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Operating a chain saw is inherently hazardous. Potential injuries can be minimized by using proper personal protective equipment and safe operating procedures.

Operating a chain saw is dangerous. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed this "Quick Card" as a reference guide for workers.

Aerial lifts include boom-supported aerial platforms, such as cherry pickers or bucket trucks. The major causes of fatalities are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip overs. Source: The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Damage to roofs is the most common damage resulting from wind storms, and we can take actions to minimize future damage.

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.

After hurricanes Katrina and Rita, some homeowners are rebuilding to a higher elevation, either by choice, or because they are required to elevate. Elevating or rebuilding above base flood level will minimize the flood risk, but foundations that aren’t designed and built properly may result in other problems.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Pictures of the Model Code Home on display in the Oaks on the Bluff subdivision in Prarieville.

More images from Model Code Home.

Now that the International Residential Codes have gone into effect, residents of South Louisiana and the entire Gulf Coast need to build their homes to withstand the forces of nature. An IRC Code Model Home on display in Prarieville, located at 36459 Oak Park Drive (Lot 10) in Oaks on the Bluff. This home is designed and built to meet the new code requirements and the 120 mph wind provision code.

Flood Insurance Rate Maps, or FIRMs, are used to determine flood insurance rates and premiums. This fact sheet explains the use of FIRMs. SOURCE: FEMA 499: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series Technical Fact Sheet 3.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

LaHouse is a showcase for best practices and code-plus construction. Its flood and wind resistance features meet or exceed the criteria of the "Fortified...for Safer Living" program of the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Many of the water-resistance techniques are best construction practices; some are required by code.

LaHouse showcases four types of construction: Standard 2 x 4 Framing, Advanced 2 x 6 Framing, Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPS) and Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF).

LaHouse has a flood protection level 3 feet above Base Flood Elevation, using three elevated foundations on the house and dry-floodproofingon the non-residential building (garage/classroom). Wind and moisture protection are also addressed.

The roofs at LaHouse are predominantly hip-style for greatest wind resistance. Both metal and simulated clay tile are demonstrated with high-wind installation.

Walls at LaHouse are wind and water resistant. Sheathing and hardware contribute to shear, lateral and uplift resistance. Layering and taping of housewraps and flashings provide resistance to water and moisture penetration. Drainage planes exclude water that penerates exterior finishes.

Windows and doors at LaHouse are selected and sized to meet the cojde-specified design pressure rating for a 130 mph wind zone. Where windows and doors are not impact rated units, they are protected by shutter, panels or screens. Windows and doors are flashed so water drains to the outside, not into the wall cavity.

LaHouse has several features for flood and wind and water resistance that are not captured in the building component descriptions. These include a Safe Room, Dry Floodproofing, anchoring of the flat roof of the breezeway, porct protection and closets, ground sloping away from the foundation, back-flow protection and elevated utility systems.

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.

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 4-H’ers are doing their part to help victims of Hurricane Katrina find at least some bits of relief and sparks of hope.

6"x9", 32 pages, full color. Cost: $7 plus tax (shipping included). You can order this book through our online store, by using the Order Publication link below. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards accepted.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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 LSU AgCenter rebuilding group and its partners in the Road Home rebuilding project 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.

The Rebuilding Information Station was an outreach center at the New Orleans Lakefront, set up to assist homeowners in managing the rebuilding of their hurricane damaged homes through information, education and outreach. Partners in the Station were the LSU AgCenter, University of New Orleans Center for Hazards Assessment, Response and Technology, Tulane City Center and The Road Home program. it closed August 31, 2009.

The Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council has developed a Web site filled with valuable information concerning the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code.

As many Louisiana residents struggle to rebuild their homes and their lives in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, homeowners, builders and code officials need help building safer, stronger homes that will resist hurricane damage. They also need help understanding and implementing the newly adopted residential building code. The Capital Region Builders Association (CRBA) has been at the forefront of educational efforts, offering a series of code workshops and model homes.

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.

You probably can’t avoid the stress coming in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but there are ways you can try to manage its effects, according to LSU AgCenter family and child development specialist Dr. Becky White.

LaHouse Resource Center is now a Gulf Coast Region Healthy Homes training partner of the National Healthy Homes Training Center and Network -- a partnership that brings together public health and housing practitioners to promote practical and cost-effective methods for making homes healthier. It also serves as a forum for exchanging information on new research and best practices. The seminars our Gulf Region Healthy Homes Training Center will offer include: - Essentials for Healthy Home Pr

Plastic sheeting is a versatile flood barrier. Using plastic sheeting in a sandbag levee improves the levee’s performance significantly.

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.

Overview of Federal and Louisiana tax credits for home energy efficiency

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.

11"x17", full color, 30 double-sided durable posters and implementation guide. Cost: $40 plus tax (shipping included). You can order this kit through our online store, by using the Order Publication link below. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards accepted.

Order your Character Critters materials through the LSU AgCenter store using a credit card or electronic check by clicking on the "order publication" link below. You can also print a copy of the order form for mail orders.

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.

After any disaster, children are most afraid that the event will recur, that they or someone they love will be hurt or killed, that they may be separated from those they love and be left alone. Here are strategies to help caregivers help affected children.

Trying times can test family and community resiliency. Having our families and communities around us for support can go a long way in helping recover from disaster, emotionally as well as physically.

We all have days when we feel anxious or “stressed out.” On days like that, it’s good for you to take some time out for yourself. Use these suggestions to de-stress.

Television, movies, video games all increasingly vie for our children's time. But they rarely allow children the luxury of burning some of their pent-up energy. Parents can make a big difference in the amount of physical activity children experience.

Effective parenting is perhaps the most important and lasting contribution individuals give to our society. There are six broad concepts for parents to consider when raising children. The concepts include nurturance, understanding, guidance, motivation, advocation and self-care for parents.

Ten tips for parents to help in guiding or disciplining your child.

Mardi Gras is a time with lots of colorful beads and other throws that children like. Here are some tips to help keep kids safe during Mardi Gras parades.

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

Is your child ready to be home alone? Prepare him or her with safety tips. Try a trial run first to be sure he or she is prepared to spend time alone as long as he or she is old enough to do so.

A radiant barrier under the roof decking (foil side down) can block 95% of the roof’s radiant heat. This is most beneficial when attic insulation levels are R-19 or less, or when the air conditioner or ducts are located in the attic. Radient barriers are also useful in walls that take intense sun.

Some types of insulation systems offer additional benefits, in addition to their R-value, that can make a real difference in overall energy-efficiency. These properties should be factored into your cost-benefit comparison.

It is important to keep a variety of factors in mind as you attempt to cope with job loss. This document provides tips and strategies for coping.

Working families may pay anywhere from 10 percent to 15 percent of their total family income on child care, and experts say the cost frequently is related to the quality of services you and your children receive.

Although children are certainly important, they can’t substitute for relationships with other adults. Everyone, including single parents, needs and benefits from having a circle of close friends. Ten important tips for parents included.

Each of us wonders whether our children are developing appropriately and if they’re achieving as they should. These are guidelines on what to expect from your child at age four. Remember that these are only guidelines. Child development is not age-specific.

A key to children doing well in school is for parents to be involved in their education. That involvement can take many forms ranging from providing meaningful learning experiences at home to volunteering at school activities.

Want tips on parenting? Contact your parish office of the LSU AgCenter

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.

One reality of today's society is that many divorced people - particularly fathers - are faced with the task of making the most out of the limited time they get to spend with their children.

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

Information on stress and parenting, feeling good about yourself, taking control and taking care of yourself.

Flooding affects everyone in Louisiana, if for no other reason than the reality that management of flood risk and response to flood events consumes public resources (tax dollars).

Two key qualities of strong families are that they spend positive time together and share fun and laughter. What better way to combine these qualities than by playing with your children?

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

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

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

Houses typically have three lines. Understanding what these lines are and how they work is important in understanding how the plumbing works in your house.

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

What your goals should include in this region...

Today, it is possible and practical to have it all...

The goal is to integrate and balance the following criteria...

This guide serves as your comprehensive planning and analysis tool...

Seek out incentives that help you create a high performance home...

Important things to remember about the gulf region.

Find the water vapor balance...

Lighting can account for 15% of a home's yearly electric bill...

Educating homeowners and builders on building system options

The most important messeges to take from this guide...

When conditions change, so do building materials...

Comfort is more than merely air temperature...

Air equalizes between higher and lower pressure areas- whether you want it to or not...

In a warm climate, reducing solar heat gain (and air leakage) through a window is even more important than a high insulating value.

Use an old garden glove to create finger puppets that will add life to your Character Critters story experience.

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

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

Look for ENERGY STAR appliances and compare Energy Guide labels...

ENERGYSTAR labels are more efficient and cost effective...

Before making building plans, be aware of the building code requirements for your location.

Central HVAC equipment distributes the air through out the house by a system called “duct work.” When this system is properly designed, air distribution is even and a uniform temperature is maintained. Proper duct work design can allow for the correct sizing of systems, thus increasing savings.

Homes should create a continuous air barrier system that surrounds all conditioned space...

In the Gulf Region, this means reducing summer heat gain....

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

Does your home measure up?

How to cut costs and conserve our supplies of water.

Reducing the amount of waste produced when building and living in homes can make a big difference in the number, longevity and cost of needed landfills.

Homes should create a continuous air barrier system that surrounds all conditioned space...

The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating ability...

Create a sustainable environments by preserving the natural state of your site.

Choose environmentally-friendly products to avoid pollution and the depletion of natural resources.

Go beyond just building green.....

Get off the grid and use renewable energy sources to power your home.

Details count when it comes to protecting your house from moisture.

In hot, humid climates, walls should be built to keep moisture out.

Air infiltration is a major source of moisture migration into a home...

Over the life of a product, more durable and longer-lasting options are usually a better option....

Create a continuous drainage plane to keep moisture moving away properly.

A great deal of moisture can move from the ground into and through a foundation and floor system...

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

Prevent sewerage from backing up into your home...

Build for Wall Strength....

The materials you use and the the products you choose,can help to make your home resistant to flood damage.

Avoid flood damage with the right design.

Imagine turning your house upside down and shaking it....

It's a good investment to go beyond minimum code requirements...

Size matters when designing for wind load...

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

Living in south Louisiana, we know that getting ready for the storm means stocking batteries, candles, water, canned goods and first aid supplies. We also need to think about the landscapes that surround our homes or businesses and how they can provide a buffer zone that can reduce storm damage.

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

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

Designed safe rooms can protect you from more than just a storm...

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

Cleaning up wood debris after a hurricane or other severe windstorm can spread one of Louisiana’s most destructive pests – the Formosan subterranean termite.

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.

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

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 trustworthiness.

Fun Character Critter coloring sheets along with interactive drawing pages.

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

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.

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.

Use this complete checklist to explore all the components and features of a sustainable home in Louisiana, or refer to each section seperately in the links below.

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

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

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

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

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

Read this article to find out which windows to install in your home to help save on energy costs.

When the outside humidity is not high in spring and fall, a home designed with good cross ventilation can be comfortable without air conditioning.

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

Citrus trees that survived hurricane damage may have lost significant amounts of foliage. These trees could experience a strong flush as they start their own healing process. This is very important because new foliage will provide nutrients needed for winter survival and faster tree recovery. Producers must implement practices to protect from additional leaf loss which can be caused by the citrus leafminer.

Loading equipment onto a truck or trailer usually requires the use of loading ramps. There are some safety issues involved in using ramps.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In a hot-humid climate, moisture flows from outside to inside most of the year. In a mixed-humid climate, moisture flow changes direction in cooling and heating seasons. Using the proper wall assembly in your home is important for controlling moisture.

Construction gaps and resulting air leakage can increase heating and cooling costs, create comfort and moisture problems, draw in pollutants, reduce fire safety and serve as an entry for rodents and insects. Homes should have a continuous air barrier system that surrounds all conditioned space — a combination of materials linked and sealed together to create a tight building envelope with little air leakage.

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.

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.

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.

A place to "shop" for floodproofing products, contractors and professional services and to see examples of floodproofed properties.

Even trees that are selected for hurricane resistance can have a hard time adjusting to worst-case scenarios. Proper tree maintenance and handling can improve their survival in severe storms.

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

The Mayne's house in the Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans had never flooded before and they did not anticipate any problems as Hurricane Katrina approached Louisiana in late summer 2005. Rather than trying to clean and repair the old house, they knew they had to build new. The new house is engineered and built to withstand 130 mph winds and only water resistant materials are used beneath the elevated living space.

In recent years, residents living along the northern Gulf of Mexico have been reminded of the role of the private/public partnership in navigating the very long road to recovery from disaster. In many cases these partnerships have been exemplified by governmental entities working with, and even funding, non-profit agencies to support and effect the recovery.

Windows make a connection to the outside world, light and views. But, they also can be passages for heat, cold, wind and moisture. Correctly installed, they can bring years of pleasure and comfort to your home.

Windows provide light and ventilation to our homes.They also play a significant role in meeting building and energy codes. In this segment you will learn the all-important installation details necessary to prevent water damage, meet energy requirements, and promote efficient window operation.

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

Landscaping practices may increase the risk of subterranean termites attacking a structure and of spreading formosan subterranean termites. Concepts on reducing the risks of termites during landscaping are presented.

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

Create a continuous drianage plane to keep moisture moving away properly.

Consider choosing windows and doors designed to withstand high wind and impact from flying debris.

Use multiple methods to make your home resistant to termites and other wood-destroying insects.

The goal is safe and independent living for just about anyone.

Every source of combustion in the home vented to the outdoors...

The devastation following a natural disaster provides increased opportunities for identity thieves. Learn how to protect yourself.

What homeowners can do if they are having difficulty paying their mortgage following a disaster.

Following hurricanes or flooding, consumers must be aware that an increased number of vehicles have been adversely affected by water damage.

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.

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

Don't let your own home make you sick...

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.

Avoid using chemicals in your home that are potentially harmful to the environment.

Ensure the integrity of the water quality in your home and reduce the amount of contaminents carried by storwater off your home site.

Biological air pollutants affect the health of more people than any other indoor pollutant...

Breathe easy inside...

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

Building systems that integrate and balance the five criteria for a sustainable, high-performance home...

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

River Stages and Forecasts - Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley

The secret to mildew prevention is two words -- clean and dry. The solution to mildew problems is --- disinfect and dry.

Suggestions for preventing the spread of Formosan subterranean termites.

The LSU AgCenter has developed a resource that parents and teachers can use with young children to teach them about good character. The resource features six cute critters and the lessons they learn about personal character.

Learn how to inspect and treat your home for Formosan subterranean termites.

Are you in the market for child care? Do you want to find just the right setting for your child, but you don't know enough about the all options to choose one? It may be time for some expert advice.

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.

Some unscrupulous lenders are using misinformation and high-pressure tactics to prey on vulnerable homeowners. There is no clear-cut definition of a predatory loan, but LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker says that it is the result of a lender misleading, tricking and sometimes coercing someone into taking out a home loan at excessive costs and without regard to the homeowner’s ability to repay.

LaHouse has reopened its doors to the public four days per week.

Some unscrupulous lenders are using misinformation and high-pressure tactics to prey on vulnerable homeowners. There is no clear-cut definition of a predatory loan, but LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker says that it is the result of a lender misleading, tricking and sometimes coercing someone into taking out a home loan at excessive costs and without regard to the homeowner’s ability to repay.

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.

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

Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to talk to your children about hurricanes. Everyone will be able to cope better if you get children involved in your plans and preparations.

Sulfur compounds, including sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and carbon disulfide, can form and be released into the air from some imported wallboard installed across the humid south between 2004 and 2008, causing corrosion of copper, silver and other metals in home components such as air conditioners, exposed wiring, plumbing and electronics, thus raising serious safety, economic and health issues.

The hurricanes of 2005 demonstrated what works and what doesn’t for the home-building industry, a prominent building expert said recently during a series of seminars across southern Louisiana presented by the LSU AgCenter.

Sound stewardship of urban and community trees includes employing the services of arborists to help maintain their health and vitality. This article provides the homeowner tips on finding and hiring a tree care professional for your residential tree care needs.

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

LaHouse Office: 225-578-7913, LaHouse Main number: 225-578-2378, LaHouse Fax number: 225-578-9228, Address: LSU Campus-Gourrier Avenue between Nicholson Drive and River Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803.

Almost everyone who lives in the 15 coastal parishes that are the focus of the LaMP effort should purchase some form of flood insurance.

Child-care programs have sick child policies in place for the safety and protection of the children they serve.

It is important to ask about all the policies a child-care center may have in place, and if they are fulfilling all requirements mandated by state law.

Infants and toddlers need environments that are welcoming and responsive.

Information on different methods and techniques for dealing with and preventing termites. The goal of termite Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to prevent or stop injury caused by termites. There are several options for treating an existing structure for termites.

When Hurricane Katrina approached the Gulf Coast in August of 2005, the Iberts took it in stride. The house on St. Andrew Street in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans had been in the Ibert family since 1901 and had been standing virtually unscathed since the 1800s. But, when their home was destroyed by fires that spread throughout the city, the Iberts rebuilt using fireproof and termite-resistant Aerated, Autoclaved Concrete (AAC) for the foundation and exterior walls of the home.

It is in the building code-- all homes should have a weather-resistant envelope covering the entire exterior. The weather barrier is made up of several individual materials: housewrap or building paper (the WRB), flashings, sealants and tapes. When installed properly, these materials combine to protect the building from rain-induced moisture damage. If the WBR is sealed to block air flow it also contributes significantly to improving the home’s energy efficiency.

A combination of qualities and skills is required for children to be ready for school. These qualities and skills include social and emotional maturity, language skills, good health and physical well-being, problem-solving abilities, creative thinking skills and general knowledge about the world.

Reasonable precautions will not only help to prevent the spread of the flu but may also save lives in vulnerable populations such as the elderly.

Talking to your child about a flu outbreak or any hazard is helpful in preventing fear and in reducing the risk of infecting others.

(Radio News 05/04/09) In order to be successful parents, individuals shouldn’t neglect themselves. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Becky White says parenting is especially challenging in today’s society and that parents need to take breaks to care for themselves. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Literacy activities are an important part of any early childhood curriculum, stresses LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe, who says introducing children to literacy occurs in many ways.

Nutrition plays an important role in a child’s physical and mental growth, as well as his or her future health, stresses LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

It’s critical for child-care providers to choose wisely because the right toy can stimulate child development.

Building blocks can serve as a major foundation in helping children to learn important skills, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Gioe explains that child-care and early childhood educational programs most often arrange their classrooms into a series of "learning centers," and she says the area involving blocks is one of the most important.

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.

Caring for children can be an exciting and rewarding field, but it’s also a huge responsibility, so an LSU AgCenter child-care associate says there are many factors to consider before starting a child-care business.

(Distributed 04/27/09) You can’t get swine flu from eating pork or pork products, says an LSU AgCenter extension nutritionist. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence that a person can get swine flu from touching raw pork or from eating pork that has been properly prepared, says Beth Reames.

Remember the five steps of handwashing to prevent the spread of infection.

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

After a disaster, you could find yourself without a job and needing a source of income. The Louisiana Department of Labor provides unemployment and disaster assistance programs to provide temporary financial assistance to workers who are unemployed due to a disaster.

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

After a disaster, many poeple are surprised to find out what their homeowner's insurance policy does and does not cover. Important tips are offered.

A sudden reduction in family income due to a disaster can be financially and emotionally traumatic. Hardships can be reduced by taking positive action.

If the structure in which you live is damaged by a disaster, your landlord has a legal obligation to make needed repairs so the premises are useable. A summary of post-disaster repair, rent, lease, and personal property information is provided.

Tips to restore flood or water damaged books, documents and papers after a disaster.

Tips to ensure your good credit is not harmed in the wake of a disaster.

Most disaster checklists include recommendations to keep a three-day food supply on hand for each person, but just exactly what does that mean? LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames has some of the answers.

In 2003, FEMA began modernizing its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), updating flood risk information and creating maps in digital form. This process in Louisiana was fast-tracked following the 2005 hurricane season. To support community involvement in the transition to new maps, web sites have been developed that display the existing FIRMs, advisory information, and the preliminary Digital FIRMs. This page describes those support systems in Louisiana.

There's a hurricane forming. It's time to pull out your family disaster plan. What's that? You don't have one? See how many of these questions you can answer with a "yes."

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

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.

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

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.

Understanding Heating and Air Conditioning - Taming the Dragon

Property owners are choosing to achieve the desired flood protection elevation by borrowing dirt from part of their property to make a building pad. The widespread adoption of moving earth on site for home construction is resulting in many properties being left with unsafe and unsightly borrows pits. There are several things you can do to create a pond rather than a pit.

Protecting the window openings of a house is probably one of the most important steps a person can take to protect their family and belongings. When a hurricane hits, high winds and pounding rains are the result. High winds can cause objects such as roof tiles, branches, garbage cans and so on to become projectiles. When this happens, the outer envelope – the separation between the interior and the exterior environments of a building is at risk.

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.

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.

Just as homeowners should take steps to protect windows on their dwellings, they also should take steps to protect the doors. Doors also can serve as an entry point for rain and other debris blown by winds. A blown-in entry door and/or garage door can create uplift forces strong enough to blow a roof off a house.

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.

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

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.

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.

One of the challenges with above-grade construction is insulating the raised floor. For new construction, the building code requires R-13 insulation. The challenge in Louisiana is to get the required insulation value without creating moisture problems. Pros and cons of the four most common options (fiberglass, closed-cell spray foam, open-cell spray foam, and foam board) are explored.

With so many homes being build above ground, and with many of those homes being in flood hazard areas where the water table is likely to be high, it's easy to run into moisture problems with the floor. The problem may be from humidity rising up from the ground, or it may be from flooring being installed when the subfloor or the flooring is too wet. A moisture meter can help you tell how wet wood is.

Doors, like windows, create structural openings in the frame of the house - and openings in the weather-resistive envelope. The proper installation of doors can affect the door's performance in a nubmer of areas: energy efficiency (air leakage), rot and other rain damage, and the ability of the house to withstand high winds.

Stopping Air Infiltration in Existing Homes through Caluking and Weatherstripping

Anchoring and Strapping a Raised Floor Structure

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.

Basic Moisture management in walls

One thing many people have in common with their neighbor(s) is a belief and pride in their personal independence. It can be very hard for some people to ask for assistance. As the events of the last part of the first decade of the 21st century have shown us, sometimes we all need a little help.

The URBANbuild program gives students hands-on experience building a structure while also making a productive contribution to the recovery of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

Save Energy by Changing Bulbs Settings and Appliances

Floor Insulation for Raised Home Construction Homes

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ornamental grasses are an often overlooked group of herbaceous perennials that thrive in the Louisiana climate and will grow beautifully with minimal effort. It’s time to get beyond lawn grasses and take a look at this other category of grassy plants. You’ll really appreciate what they can add to your landscape.

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

Emergency generators are popular after disasters. They can help save food in freezers and refrigerators, but they can be dangerous if not used properly.

Finding a Contractor Using the LSU AgCenter Online Rebuilding Registry

Rent-to-own purchase contracts are popular. Their appeal is great, but if your goal is to own the item, those low weekly payments can add up to a high total cost.

Some lawns were lost to the flood waters and some were only hurt in spots. Dead areas will have to be replanted, or a weed patch will result. Some forethought before planting may save time, effort and money.

Homeowners have shared with Extension some of the common misconceptions about flood insurance that caused them to suffer financial losses greater than they expected.

You may not be able to prevent hurricanes and storms that interrupt your routine or destroy your home, but you can make plans to keep them from disrupting everything, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

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

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.

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.

R-value and other characteristics of various insulation materials.

Steps to rid your refrigerator and freezer of noxious odors after a power outage.

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.

Choosing the best method to insulate your home.

Thousands of older and historic homes in New Orleans were affected by Hurricane Katrina and the flooding that followed. But that does not mean that every material with mold on it needs to be discarded

An explanation of cooling mechanisms and effective alternatives to air conditioning.

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

Not all jobs can be done safely with a ladder or by one person with a ladder. Serious falls are common; every year about 300 deaths and 175,000 serious injuries occur in the United States. Read this article for safety tips when using a ladder.

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

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

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

Raised Floor Construction, Soils Moisture and Termites

History of Raised Floor Construction in Louisiana

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

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

Raised Floor Construction in Louisiana, Foundations

The new master site plan creates a portrait of the vision for Louisiana House – Home and Landscape Resource Center. It shows the long-range plan for its seven-acre site on Gourier Lane, west of Nicholson Drive and adjacent to the LSU golf course and shop.

Imagine walking through beautifully landscaped grounds and seeing a brick paver with your name permanently engraved on it.

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

Here is a comparative summary of available building systems that sufficiently integrate and balance the five criteria for a sustainable Louisiana house and have particular advantages in specific conditions.

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.

In Louisiana's hot, humid climate, it is most important to minimize solar heat gain in the summer. How you orient the home in relation to the sun can make a big difference in your heating and cooling bill. Other goals include maximizing passive solar heat gain in the winter, capturing mild season breezes, and landscaping to best solar effect. In addition, solar orientation can be important if you're planning to use solar heat and lighting or to convert solar energy to electrical energy.

The purpose of a safe room is to provide a space where you and your family can survive a tornado or hurricane with little or no injury. It is only safe when used wisely.

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.

A back-flow valve in the common sewer line should allow sewer water to flow from the house to the sewer system, but prevent flow toward the house. To provide best protection from a flooded sewer system, the valve should provide a good seal and operate automatically.

A passive solar home is designed to admit and store energy from the sun in winter for solar heating.

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

As New Orleans rebuilds, it is important to retain the nature of its traditional fabric which are the neighborhoods and streets, routes of public transportation, green spaces. We must also build with improvement of people’s lives in the neighborhoods in mind.

Reducing the amount of waste produced when building and living in homes can make a big difference in the number, longevity and cost of needed landfills. One way to reduce construction waste is to design modules that have dimentions in increments of two feet, since many building materials come in sizes that are multiples of two feet.

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

To assist in making decisions about quality child care, parents can look for certain personal traits when selecting a caregiver for their child.

A look at how early care providers' education levels affect the overall quality of child care.