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(05/22/25) Hurricane season is once again upon us, and the LSU AgCenter has recommendations to mitigate potential danger and losses to yards, homes and animals.
(04/30/25) Hurricane Preparedness Week is a reminder for Louisiana residents to review their emergency plans and prepare their families.
Hurricane Francine made landfall in the southeastern portion of Louisiana on September 11, 2024.
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA and the Southern Extension Risk Management Education Center.
It is important to clean out your sprayer to prevent any unwanted pesticides being applied to your plants.
(10/02/24) LaHouse has been awarded $1.5 million from the National Science Foundation to develop a software prototype aimed at reducing flood risk in the state.
(09/16/24) If your home was damaged by Hurricane Francine, LaHouse has tips to build back with resilience in mind.
(09/09/24) With Tropical Storm Francine projected to make landfall as a hurricane later this week, the LaHouse Research and Education Center has safety tips.
(08/29/24) September marks National Preparedness Month, and LaHouse is here to help.
The 2023 growing and production season will likely go down as one of the driest and hottest seasons ever experienced.
This report provides preliminary estimates of the cumulative adverse effects to Louisiana's Agricultural Sector resulting from drought conditions.
A resilient home can be quickly restored at minimal cost to a healthy, comfortable home after a disaster. Take control with these resilient home improvements.
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.
Steps to take to file an insurance claim following a disaster.
A flood-damaged building requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold population explosion.
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.
Disinfecting a well can sometimes be done by the well owner; however, for some wells it can be difficult to get the disinfectant into the well or other parts of the system that need disinfecting. If professional help is not available for cleaning the well, follow these procedures.
FEMA released a Levees Brochure during the Spring 2011 Floods, explaining NFIP coverage behind levees, for protective measures and the waiting period. This page is copied directly from that brochure and includes a PDF of the original document as an attachment.
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)
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.
If your home’s roof was ever damaged by a storm, it doesn't have to happen again! This describes roofing products and installation methods that can survive.
Frequently asked questions about flooded home restoration, and science based answers to help owners and contractors make informed decisions.
Floodwaters commonly contain microbial contaminants and can directly affect public health.
Keep your home safe and secure with these five "S" home improvement projects that can prevent costly hurricane damages.
(05/26/20) The 2020 hurricane season could bring new challenges as Louisiana residents also navigate the realities of COVID-19.
(05/22/20) The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will begin on June 1 and now is the time to prepare your yard, gardens and landscapes for bad weather.
Jefferson Davis 4-H A-Team planned a wind and rain proofing project for the school board building during a one-week summer camp.
The LSU AgCenter is introducing hazard mitigation planning as an opportunity in the 4-H Youth Development program.
Vermilion Parish formed the first A-Team. This is the story of what they learned, the mitigation project they proposed, and some of their accomplishments and adventures.
St. John the Baptist Freshman Success Academy designs safe rooom for pairish emergency operations center.
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?
(06/06/17) Hurricane season started June 1, and while Louisiana doesn’t often see storms this early in the season, it is important to be prepared.
If your family has a plan for what you’d do in case of a hurricane or other disaster, now is the time to pull it out and review it. If you don’t, there’s still time to write your plan, LSU AgCenter disaster preparedness specialist Pat Skinner says.
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
Overview of steps that need to be taken if there is a flood in your pesticide storage unit.
(05/19/16) With hurricane season set to begin soon, it’s a good idea for Louisiana residents to make preparations for possible storm damage and recovery.
The flood insurance policy provides limited coverage for expenses you incur trying to protect insured property from flood damage.
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.
After Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana on August 29, 2005, the AgCenter quickly began to assess the damage caused to the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries. Since those initial estimates, the AgCenter has refined its projections and now pegs the total economic impact due to losses in revenue and additional production costs at slightly over $1.0 billion.
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.
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.
Whenever a disaster strikes, volunteers are often the first to respond. Because the needs vary with each disaster, volunteers must be flexible in responding to a disaster. This document helps prepare volunteers to work with disaster victims as well as meet the needs that arise as a result of the disaster.
The LSU AgCenter soon will begin comprehensive tests for salt contamination in areas of Vermilion Parish hit by Hurricane Rita’s storm surge, but officials this week said the problem may not be as bad as originally feared.
Certain insect problems increase dramatically after flooding, windstorms and other disasters, according to entomologists with the LSU AgCenter.
When disaster strikes, people everywhere want to help those individuals in need. To ensure that this compassion and generosity are put to good use, it’s important to know what stages victims go through disaster recovery.
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.
Cattle, goats, horses, pigs and sheep surviving Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita are vulnerable to several diseases, including infectious diseases and toxicities, according to a veterinarian with the LSU AgCenter.
Farmers attending workshops in Acadia and Calcasieu parishes Tuesday (Oct. 25) learned about assistance for dealing with hardships caused by two hurricanes that struck the state this summer. Similar sessions, organized by the LSU AgCenter, were planned for New Iberia, Hammond and Raceland over the next few days.
St. John 4-H A-Team
Photos from Vermilion 4-H Youth Mitigation project.
The basic steps to make sure your well water is safe is have your water tested at a certified lab, find out if those test results indicate a health risk and if there is a health risk, what needs to be done.
It’s time to pull out your family disaster plan. Even if you don’t have one, there are still things you can do!
This article provides information about wooden ladder safety.
In this table-top, hands-on activity children will become aware of the importance of elevation to prevent flood damage.
Elevating or moving slab-built structures has been practiced for many years in a handful of states.
The secret to mildew prevention is two words -- clean and dry.
Most floodproofing systems have openings that need to be closed and watertight during a flood. A panel closure is any flat, firm sheet material used to block one of these openings.This publication includes information about using panel closures. (PDF format only)
In most areas of Louisiana, the sewer system and rain drainage system are separate. It is not unusual, however, for floodwater to infiltrate the sewer system, causing it to back up into homes. This publication includes information explaining how you can use valves, plugs, caps and seepage barriers in flood protection. (PDF format only)
Aftera Disaster - Lesson Plan for youth Educators sometimes feel unprepared when new students arrive as a result of disaster they experience, and current students sometimes have difficulty feeling empathy for the new transfer students. This lesson plan can be used with groups of youth in junior high and high school who need guidance in dealing with a change in their social environment, i.e., their school, following a disaster or even after positive changes in their life situation.
AgCenter employees pitch in at the Baton Rouge River Center, which is housing 6,000 refugees from Hurricane Katrina.
Disasters can produce lots of stress in peoples' lives. This information provides steps supported by research that individuals can take to manage their stress.
Parents can help their children to cope with disasters. There are actions parents can take that will help. This information features tips that parents can use during and following a disaster.
All families in Louisiana should have a family disaster plan. This article provides information about developing a disaster plan for your family.
Flood cleanup bucket service projects by organizations, churches and other faith-based groups can help families in cleaning up their home after a flood disaster. This article provides information about what should be included in a flood cleanup bucket.
Vital preparation steps include developing an evacuation plan, preparing an emergency supply kit and preparing your home for the impending disaster.
From 15 to 40 percent of businesses fail following a natural or manmade disaster. Getting your business back in operation after a disaster often depends on emergency planning done today. A commitment to planning will help support employees, customers, the local community, the local economy and even our nation. It also protects your business investment and gives your operation a better chance for survival.
Information about preparing a child's evacuation to-go kit in anticipation of a disaster and possible family evacuation. Parents can help their child be a part of the preparation to evacuate prior to an approaching disaster and assemble this critically important material.
Talk with your family about any impending disaster. Family support and preparation can be key to successful readiness and future recovery.
Your home is one of the largest financial and emotional investments you are likely to make. Advanced planning and preparation can reduce flood damage to your home and belongings in times of disaster.
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.
The LSUAgCenter Flood Maps portal displays Flood Insurance Rate Maps, used for rating flood insurance and as a basis for regulating development in identified flood hazard areas. The portal can be useful in estimating your risk when flooding is anticipated. This page tells you how and explains what you can and cannot do with the information provided on the portal.
Louisiana faces serious flood threats during tropical storms and hurricanes from a combination of surge and inland rain. This site directs you to information you can use to understand how predicted flood levels may impact you, how you can reduce flood damage and how you can recover and rebuild once the floodwaters recede.
Louisiana faces serious flood threats during tropical storms and hurricanes from a combination of surge and inland rain. This site directs you to information you can use to understand how predicted flood levels may impact you, how you can reduce flood damage and how you can recover and rebuild once the floodwaters recede.
Spring floods came early to Louisiana with a mid-March record rainfall in Acadiana. This site directs you to information you can use to understand how predicted flood levels may impact you, how you can reduce flood damage and how you can recover and rebuild once the floodwaters recede.
Louisiana faces serious flood threats during tropical storms and hurricanes from a combination of surge and inland rain. This site directs you to information you can use to understand how predicted flood levels may impact you, how you can reduce flood damage and how you can recover and rebuild once the floodwaters recede.
Louisiana is facing serious flood threats, primarily on the Mississippi River but affecting many streams that flow to and from it. As the flood crest moves down the Mississippi River, levees are being challenged, spillways are being opened, and people are evacuating. This site directs you to information you can use to understand how predicted flood levels may impact you, how you can reduce flood damage and how you can recover and rebuild once the floodwaters recede.
Louisiana faces serious flood threats during tropical storms and hurricanes from a combination of surge and inland rain. This site directs you to information you can use to understand how predicted flood levels may impact you, how you can reduce flood damage and how you can recover and rebuild once the floodwaters recede.
On Tuesday, January 25, 2011, The League of Women Voters of St. Tammany coordinated a panel from the LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Sea Grant and the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program at LSU to talk about Climate Change and what that means to Louisiana.
It’s not necessary to buy all the equipment you need for your lawn and garden – especially for short-term use like storm cleanup.
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.
