Flood risk assessment for residences at the neighborhood scale by owner/occupant type and first-floor height

Using Sandbags for Flood Protection

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.

Floodwalls

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.

Food and Water Safety after Flooding

When you return to your home, make sure you assess all food and food preparation areas and equipment carefully.

Handling Food and Water After a Storm or Flood

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)

Avoiding Home Repair Rip-offs

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)

Wet Floodproofing

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)

Using Generators for Electrical Power

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)

Operating a Chain Saw Safely

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)

Rising Above the Floods: Is this for you?

Elevation is the most reliable method of reducing damage from floods.

Dealing with Storm-damaged Trees In the Landscape

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)

Food Safety and You: Microbial Safety of Fresh Produce in Home Gardens After Flooding

Floodwaters commonly contain microbial contaminants and can directly affect public health.

Pesticide Storage Concerns During and After a Flood

Overview of steps that need to be taken if there is a flood in your pesticide storage unit.

Flood Wraps and Temporary Shields

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.

There's a Hurricane Forming...

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)

Using Pumps in Flood Protection

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.

Rising Above the Floods: Louisiana Floodplains

Elevating or moving slab-built structures has been practiced for many years in a handful of states.

Using Panels as Closures in Flood Protection

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)

Preventing Back-flow

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)

Mold Removal Guidelines for Your Home

This fact sheet provides basic steps for homeowners and volunteers to use in safely cleaning up mold in their homes and preventing its regrowth. It is focused on mold resulting from flooding but is applicable to other causes as well. (PDF Format Only)

There's a Hurricane Forming...

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)

A South Louisiana Guide to Living with Hurricanes

Much of the damage and loss of life associated with hurricanes can be prevented or reduced by planning, preparation and evacuation.

Rising Above the Floods

Repetitive flooding affects thousands of Louisiana homes and businesses. In this publication and its companion videotape, a procedure to demonstrate a non-invasive method to flood proofing is explained as it was demonstrated by a Michigan contractor. Special attention is given to adapting the technology for use in Louisiana’s floodplains. (PDF format only)