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| Storm Recovery Guide |
With every hurricane season, it is never too early to prepare your pantry for what a storm might bring.
Provides resources for preparation for and response to a foreign animal disease outbreak in the United States.
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.
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 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.
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)
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.
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.
Good nutrition and routine physical activity help keep you healthy and minimize the impact of stress to your body.
Frequently asked questions about flooded home restoration, and science based answers to help owners and contractors make informed decisions.
Although cattle can survive for days without food, a supply of clean, fresh water is essential to keep animals alive following a disaster. Rules of thumb for calculating necessary trough space also included.
Because of their relatively small size compared to cattle and horses, mass evacuation of goats and sheep is possible if plans are made weeks in advance of a potential disaster.
Cattle, goats, horses, pigs and sheep surviving hurricanes or other disasters are vulnerable to several diseases, including infectious diseases and toxicities. (PDF Format Only)
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)
If you’re ready to make improvements or need to make repairs to your home’s exterior, why not make hurricane-ready upgrades to the exterior?
Squash and pumpkins are among the most popular and productive warm- season vegetables in Louisiana.
Biosecurity plans control the introduction and spread of disease by evaluating and addressing the primary routes of disease transmission. An effective biosecurity plan will control several diseases at one time. (PDF Format Only)
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused tidal surges and concerns about salt deposition in soil. The unprecedented flooding inundated almost 40,000 acres of sugarcane in the state’s coastal parishes. (PDF Format Only)
A flood-damaged home needs special care to remove mold safely and effectively.This fact sheet provides do-it-yourself mold cleanup steps.Pub 2949-B
This guide provides details on creating a home that keeps comfort affordable with high energy efficiency; is protected from mold, termites, storms, floods and other hazards; is healthy, safe and convenient for a lifetime; is a smart investment that pays dividends; and protects our environment for future generations. Cost: $15 plus tax and shipping. You can order this 88-page, spiral-bound book through our online store by using the Order Publication link below.
Overview of steps that need to be taken if there is a flood in your pesticide storage unit.
Plastic sheeting is a versatile flood barrier. Using plastic sheeting in a sandbag levee improves the levee’s performance significantly. This publication includes information on several ways to use plastic sheeting correctly.
It’s time to pull out your family disaster plan. Even if you don’t have one, there are still things you can do! Find tips on what to do when preparing for a hurricane and Emergency Management Office telephone numbers for selected Louisiana parishes (most affected by hurricanes and tropical storms). It is designed to print on legal-sized paper. (PDF Format Only)
If you protect a building with a floodwall, sealant, plastic wrap or any other barrier, you will need to pump water during floods. This publication includes information and tips for designing and constructing your flood protection system when using pumps.
Your new home can be safeguarded by using preservative-treated wood and following an integrated pest management program at the time of construction. (PDF format only)
When the family faces reduced income, take immediate action to stop all excess spending.
Losing a job can be emotional, stressful and financially devastating. It does not matter if you are male or female, married or single, young or old, experiencing job loss is very difficult for individuals and families. Use these financial survival tips for tough times.
A budget, or spending plan, is a tool to help families gain an understanding of their money during both good times and challenging times.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about seafood from the Gulf and the oil spill
Humor doesn’t just help the medicine go down; it can often be the medicine! Have you ever found yourself in a really sad situation yet you are laughing so hard you are almost crying? Here are some tips for using humor as a coping strategy.
During these tough economic times, many families are concerned about rising food costs. Here are some tips on how to stretch your food dollars through meal planning.
Children learn their responses to loss and how they will cope from their families. Following a disaster, children's views view of the world as a safe and predictable place is temporarily lost. They may be afraid another crisis is likely to occur and that they or their family will be injured or killed. It helps to remind children they are safe.
When you can’t find your way out of a crisis, turning to family and reconnecting to them can sometimes be the best strategy for managing anxiety.
Topics Include: What’s in Your Problem-solving “Tackle Box”?, Knee Deep in Debt? What Can You Do? and Don’t Skip Breakfast. (English and Vietnamese Versions)
Topics Include: How Strong Louisiana Families Survive Disaster, Exercise Has Many Benefits, Good Nutrition for Women and Dealing with Debt Collectors. (English and Vietnamese Versions)
Topics Include: How to Talk to Creditors and Don’t Let Your Anger Control You. (English and Vietnamese Versions)
Topics Include: Elderly Need Help Coping After Disaster, Keep Food Safe to Eat, Do You Have Negative Information on Your Credit Report? and Build an Emergency Fund. (English and Vietnamese Versions)
Topics Include: How Do You Know If Your Child Is Experiencing Stress?, Deciding Which Bills to Pay First and Foods for Young Children. (English and Vietnamese Versions)
Topics Include: Tips for Surviving a Layoff, Strategies for Preventing Domestic Violence During Times of Stress and Achieving and Maintaining a Healthy Weight. (English and Vietnamese Versions)
The capacity of forage plants to grow satisfactorily in salty conditions depends on several interrelated factors, including the plant’s physiological condition, growth stage and rooting habits. (PDF format only)
Complete English publication translated to Vietnamese.
Storm shutters are an important type of window opening protection for Louisiana homes. An alternative to shutters is impact-resistant glass windows. In high winds, loss of a window can result in severe structural damage, including roof damage. (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!
Water-inflated tubing is a relatively new and effective emergency method of closing a gap, temporarily raising the height of an existing levee or putting a barrier around a building. This publication includes information on using and constructing water-inflated barriers. (PDF format only)
In times of crisis, volunteers may be essential in supporting the work of medical and mental health providers. Ethically, it is essential that helpers understand and act within the limits of their knowledge and skill base.
One of the coping strategies families identify as helpful for returning back to “normalcy” after a crisis or disaster is a return to family traditions. Family traditions and rituals have been shown to help strengthen families – both the individual members and the family as a whole – in good times and in bad.
When you are on the go, eating healthy isn’t always easy. Learning to make the best food choices with limited time is key to a healthy lifestyle.
Elevating or moving slab-built structures has been practiced for many years in a handful of states.
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, from scouring at the foundation and from impacts by floating debris. This publication includes information about constructing a private levee. (PDF Format Only)
This presentation outlines the AgCenter's response to Hurricane Katrina. The strategic plan illustrates how the AgCenter will address the needs of the Louisiana storm victims through volunteers, education and outreach.
Rising energy prices, floods and hurricanes happen, but they don’t have to bust your budget.
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.
A flood-damaged home needs special care to remove mold safely and effectively. Mold begins to grow on materials that stay wet longer than two or three days. The longer mold grows, the greater the health hazard it is and the harder it is to control. (PDF Format Only)
Topics include Be Safe: Stay Healthy After Disaster, Surviving and Recovering from a Power Outage, Restoring Storm-damaged Buildings, Salvaging Water-damaged Belongings, Lawn and Garden Losses, Financial Recovery and Risk Management. (PDF Format Only)
