4-H A-Team Jeff Davis

LSU AgCenter, All

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Ten 4-H members in Jefferson Davis Parish were recruited to participate in hazard mitigation learning activities as well as a service-learning project during a week in July. The service-learning project was to identify and evaluate a potential mitigation project at a local public facility and develop a plan to adapt the facility to better withstand high winds and present to funding decision-makers and other interested audiences.

Jefferson Davis 4-H members involved in the youth hazard adaptation project (A -Team) visited the Jefferson Davis School Board building and conducted a vulnerability assessment. From their assessment, they concluded the scope of the project was to replace all window units with impact-resistant glass and hurricane glazing where appropriate. Also replacement of exterior doors with storm-rated (or metal) units. Wind damage due to hurricanes is listed in the official parish hazard mitigation plan as a potential hazard and high priority mitigation. Based on current market value of materials and labors, the student-led cost estimation for the project was $71,070.

The students learned new skills from hands-on field trips to the parish school board, conducting vulnerability assessments and installing an elevation benchmark. Topics included during the week long mitigation project were: the basics of mitigation planning, building permitting, GIS mapping, storm surge, sea level rise, flood mapping, flood insurance, and proposal writing.

Participating 4-H’ers were: Dylan Benson, Lauren Broussard, Caleb Deshotel, Elizabeth Johnson, Brett Landry, Bryley Murray, Hannah Pettijohn, Logan Tietje, Cutter Tonn, Kyleigh Trahan

The project was funded by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) Statewide Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Project “Get a Gameplan”.