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.
In the wake of a natural disaster, homeowners who may have also lost income often face the daunting challenge of making monthly mortgage payments on badly damaged, perhaps destroyed residences. Find out what to do if you can't pay your mortgage. Includes information on SBA loans and mortgage and disaster insurance. (PDF Format Only)
If you protect a building with a floodwall, sealant, plastic wrap or any other barrier, you will need to pump water during floods.
You can keep shallow flood water out of a slab-on-grade home using plastic sheeting supported by the wall of the building or on special stands away from the wall. This is an emergency protection measure that is more effective than using sandbags, but does require advance preparation.
Food pantries supplement the diets of people across the country. To ensure that all pantry clientele receive safe food, pantries must follow proper food handlin
Sandbags can be used to fill gaps in a permanent flood protection system, to raise an existing levee or to build a complete emergency levee.This publication contains information on filling and stacking sandbags and on using them for short walls and full levees.
A floodwall is a self-supporting barrier to floodwater. It may look like a garden wall or privacy fence, but it has more internal reinforcing and a more substantial foundation. This heavier construction keeps the wall from tipping or sliding. The foundation also blocks seepage of water under the wall. This publication includes information on the cost, considerations and construction of floodwalls.
When you return to your home, make sure you assess all food and food preparation areas and equipment carefully.
Elevating or moving slab-built structures has been practiced for many years in a handful of states.
When you do not have enough money to cover your family’s basic living expenses and pay all your creditors, you face some difficult financial decisions.
After a major storm or flood, you must assume that all water sources are contaminated until proved safe. Food that has been contaminated by floodwater also should be handled carefully. Information includeshow to disinfect water, flooded foods that should be discarded and foods that are safe to use. (PDF Format Only)
Hurricane Katrina was devastating to Louisiana’s dairy producers. However, advanced planning can help producers minimize the loss of animal lives and the health problems associated with all disasters. (PDF format only)
Meeting the most basic nutrient requirements needed for survival should be the goal when feeding cattle following a disaster. Feeding basics, feeding water-damaged hay or feed and salvaging flood-damaged hay and feeds included.
Well in advance of a potential disaster, producers should evaluate their herd health programs with their veterinarian. Horses that undergo evacuation either before or after a disaster will be stressed and are likely to be commingled with other horses and livestock. (PDF Format Only)
It’s time to pull out your family disaster plan. Even if you don’t have one, there are still things you can do!
Each year, hundreds of thousands of consumers complain to their state attorneys general about home repair ripoffs. The National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators, in fact, says home repairs are second only to car repairs on the nation’s complaint list. (PDF format only)
Citrus is the most popular fruit tree grown commercially and in home backyards in Louisiana.
Artichokes are a member of the Asteraceae family. Artichokes prefer warm temperatures and thrive in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 and higher.
Chris Mensman has raised funds for scholarships and helped support his daughter’s school-based club. Now he’s serving on the Louisiana 4-H Foundation board.
4-H is a tradition in Paige Hamilton’s family. In a recent interview, she discussed why the program has meant so much to her family.
"Sportsman’s Paradise” is one of the many nicknames for our great state.
The Louisiana 4-H Wetland Ambassadors Team acts as ambassadors for wetlands while developing professional and leadership skills.
Members of the Louisiana 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology Board and the Wetland Ambassadors Team learned about water testing.
DNA Discovery, a cutting-edge science curriculum created by Acadia Parish 4-H agents, puts students in the lab with scientists.
In early 2019, Louisiana 4-H began exploring the creation of a livestock ambassador program to advocate for agriculture.
4-H'ers make their mark on the world. Here's a look at a blacksmith, livestock participant, club president and mask makers.
A safe and supportive school setting for children to learn respect and experience cognitive, social and emotional growth.
Madison Parish 4-H Agent Trey Newsome is actively working to combat unhealthy habits in northeast Louisiana through education.
Volunteers generously craft high-quality educational programs, serve as program leaders, maintain advisory positions and more.
Through her four decades serving Louisiana 4-H, Ann Keene has served in many capacities.
Named as a 2020 Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame inductee from St. James Parish, Denise Hymel has been serving 4-H for over 50 years.
Maurice Gipson, Beattra Wilson and Paul Coreil embody leadership.
4-H professionals have been flexible in meeting the needs of 4-H youth.
The phrase “wet floodproofing” may sound like a contradiction, but it is the label used to refer to a collection of methods intended to reduce damage to a building when flooding occurs. This publication explains how wet floodproofing lets water into the building but protects the structure, contents and building systems independently. (PDF format only)
Emergency generators become popular after disasters. They can help save food in freezers and refrigerators, but they also may be dangerous if not used properly. Follow these tips for using your generator safely. (PDF format only)
Chainsaws are popular tools for both homeowners and professionals because they have so many uses – tree trimming, cutting firewood, cleaning up after storms, etc. Although chainsaws are handy, they are potentially dangerous and must be used carefully to avoid serious injury. Information on protective equipment, kickback, fuel safety and cutting is included. (PDF Format Only)
Elevation is the most reliable method of reducing damage from floods.
Storms can bring high winds, heavy rains and lightning strikes that cause trees to lose branches, split, break and uproot. Find out what to do after a storm and before the next storm approaches. (PDF Format Only)
Hiring a qualified contractor for mold remediation is not required but generally is safer and more effective than a "do-it-yourself" approach because of the use of specialized equipment. In either case, you should carefully follow safety precautions to reduce exposure to mold. This publication provides guidance on safe and effective mold remediation practices and how to select a qualified remediation professional.
Guidelines to help you safely and effectively clean and restore your damaged home.
Are you thinking about adding a solar energy system to your home to generate electricity? If so, this consumer guide will help you explore various options, ask important questions and make a well-informed decision. (PDF Format Only)
Coconut oil is making its way into kitchens and diets in part because of its purported health benefits. Because of this, coconut oil warrants a closer look.
While food pantries share the common goal of addressing food insecurity in communities, they can vary widely in terms of operation, food and services provided,
Background information including biology, sampling methods, and control methods for the cotton bollworm in Louisiana row crops.
Timely information about forestry and wildlife management for forest landowners.
Spring gardening tips for homeowners in Southwest Louisiana.
Spring gardening tips for homeowners in Southeast Louisiana.
Spring gardening tips for homeowners in Northwest Louisiana.
Spring gardening tips for homeowners in Northeast Louisiana.
Spring gardening tips for homeowners in Central Louisiana.
Mushrooms grown fresh for you in Louisiana.
This resource is for any organization, business or school seeking to help increase consumption and enjoyment of local agricultural products in Louisiana.
2020 National Survey
Scientists with the LSU AgCenter annually evaluate cotton varieties at four locations that represent Louisiana’s cotton-producing regions.
The purpose of these trials is to provide Louisiana growers, seedsmen, county agents and consultants with performance data for commercial grain sorghum hybrids.
A guide for vendors to learn how to properly accept payments for food by SNAP clients.
Description, life cycle and ecology and forensic entomology of the American carrion beetle.
Description, life cycle, ecological significance and pest status, and control of the giant golden orbweaver.
Description, life cycle, ecological significance and pest status, and monitoring and damage prevention.
Description, life cycle and ecological significance and pest status, and management of the cat flea.
Description, life cycle, ecological significance and pest status, and control of the bald-faced hornet.
Description, life history and ecological significance of the sugarcane borer red-tailed braconid.
Prepared by LSU AgCenter cooperating personnel from Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station researchers and by the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service.
The performance of corn hybrids is evaluated annually in official hybrid trials (OHTs) by LSU AgCenter researchers.
Decisions on variety selection are some of the earliest and most critical you will make. This will help you decide what's best for your growing conditions.
The primary goal of a school garden is to allow the students to grow plants from start to finish.
Winter gardening tips for Southwest Louisiana
Winter gardening tips for Southeast Louisiana homeowners.
Winter gardening tips for Northwest Louisiana homeowners.
Winter gardening tips for homeowners in Northeast Louisiana.
Winter gardening tips for homeowners in Central Louisiana.
Lichens are fascinating organisms. They are composed of two different organisms – a fungal partner and a photosynthetic partner in a symbiotic relationship.
In tough times it is especially important to find ways to substitute time, skills and effort for spending.
Grocery shopping can be a real challenge, especially if you are on a limited budget. However, food is a flexible budget expense that can be reduced.
Understanding what you are feeling can help you to begin to cope. Grief is a human response and is inescapable. Understanding the stages of grief, giving in to them and going through them, are keys to getting past the disaster and moving forward.
Saving money at the grocery store could be a challenge, but it could also be fun! It feels good to save money and to stretch those grocery dollars.
We are all feeling the crunch on our monthly budget these days. Being thrifty is important when we need to watch our food dollars.