News Release Distributed 06/17/13
BATON ROUGE, La. – With the 2013 hurricane season officially underway, the LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse Home and Landscape Resource Center will showcase hurricane and flood-hardy features for both new and existing homes on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The open house will focus on home improvements that protect a homeowner’s investment and minimize potential damage from high winds, flooding and other natural hazards, according the LSU AgCenter housing specialist Claudette Reichel.
Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the demonstration home, explore the home’s library and speak with AgCenter housing specialists.
Notable building features on display at LaHouse include roofing systems that can withstand hurricanes, building systems fortified to 130-mph wind resistance and window storm shutters that are both attractive and impact-rated.
Visitors will see ways to strengthen existing homes, methods and materials that create a “wash and wear” house and a low-cost storm shelter closet.
LaHouse demonstrates hundreds of resilient building and design features for both new construction and remodeling.
The recent Oklahoma tornadoes and a highly active hurricane season predicted for 2013 have raised awareness of home safety features, Reichel said.
“A durable, resilient home that withstands natural hazards like hurricanes and floods, saves money, time, the ordeal of making repairs and potentially your health,” Reichel said. “Hazard-resistant homes help not only communities and the nation by reducing disaster costs but also help the environment by reducing waste.”
LaHouse Resource Center is located off Nicholson Drive at 2858 Gourrier Ave. across from Alex Box Baseball Stadium in Baton Rouge.
LaHouse requests a donation of $5 per adult to help support its educational programming and exhibits.
Further information about the open house and LaHouse Resource Center is available here or by calling 225-578-7913.
Tobie Blanchard