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(09/16/24) BATON ROUGE, La. — If your home was damaged by Hurricane Francine, the tremendous work, expense and stress can mean a daunting and difficult ordeal ahead. But if you restore for more than before, you can return to a stronger, more resilient, comfortable and healthy home.
“Recovering from storm damage is incredibly difficult, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen your home for the future,” said Carol Friedland, director of the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Research and Education Center.
For those whose homes have sustained damage, LaHouse recommends rebuilding with resilience in mind:
—Upgrade to wind- and flood-resistant materials. Consider using stronger materials like hurricane straps, impact-resistant windows and flood-resistant flooring. These improvements can greatly reduce the likelihood of future damage.
—Follow the FORTIFIED building standards. This nationally recognized standard improves your home’s ability to withstand severe weather and can offer peace of mind for future storms.
—Consult a licensed contractor experienced in resilient building practices. Work with professionals who understand the unique challenges posed by Louisiana’s weather patterns and can help you make informed choices about upgrades.
—Take advantage of local and federal programs. There may be financial assistance or incentives available to support more resilient rebuilding, so explore all your options when planning repairs.
—Invest in high-quality windows, doors and garage doors. High winds and flying debris can break windows and push in or pull out a standard garage door or entry door, allowing pressure to build inside, push on the roof and surrounding walls and cause major structural damage to a home. If you live in a high wind zone and are replacing any windows, doors or garage doors, invest in wind- and impact-rated units. If you are not replacing them, consider adding easy-to-use windborne debris protections such as impact-rated shutters, screens and lightweight removable panels.
“By rebuilding with resilience in mind, homeowners can not only restore what was lost but also better prepare for the next storm,” Friedland said.
