News Release Distributed 05/10/11

If you’re thinking about taking steps to protect your home from floodwater or evacuating in the face of rising rivers, the LSU AgCenter website is a source of information you can use.

“We have links to many sites that provide information people need to make decisions,” said AgCenter disaster specialist Pat Skinner. “The short address is LSUAgCenter.com/floods.”

The website includes links to the Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers inundation maps and LSU AgCenter interactive maps that show ground elevation for any spot in Louisiana, Skinner said.

“The site also has a link to ‘Flood Maps,’ which shows Flood Insurance Rate Maps that identify flood-prone areas,” she said.

Beyond immediate information, the website also includes links to a variety of sources for tips and advice for preparing for flood situations. Particularly useful links are:

– Preventing Flood Damage includes emergency and permanent methods, with videos.
Links take you to sites that show how you can protect your building from shallow flooding 3 feet deep or less.

– Are you Ready? Provides advice on grabbing essential documents; stocking up on food, water and medicines; making a family disaster plan; talking to the children; and other steps to take to get ready for evacuating or living primitively at home following high water.

– Preparedness for Livestock  includes fact sheets for beef, dairy, goat, sheep and horse producers as well as information on horse-boarding facilities.