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- Disaster Information Resources Series
| Crops and Livestock Disaster Information Resources Series |
| Family and Home Disaster Information Resources Series |
| Food and Health Disaster Information Resources Series |
With every hurricane season, it is never too early to prepare your pantry for what a storm might bring.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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)
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)
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)
