News Release Distributed 06/17/14
BATON ROUGE, La. – How to protect your home during hurricane season will be the focus of the Summer Saturday Open House at the LaHouse Home and Landscape Center on July 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visitors will take guided tours through the demonstration house and learn ways to minimize property damage from high winds, flooding and other hazards, according to Claudette Reichel, LSU AgCenter housing specialist.
AgCenter staff will demonstrate a flood map website, which can help Louisiana residents determine their property’s flood and wind zones, base flood elevation, building requirements and ground elevation. In addition, the LSU Construction Management department will share their findings of cost-benefit comparisons of hazard resistant features.
“It’s far better to make changes to a home before storms hit,” Reichel said. “A resilient home that withstands hurricanes and floods saves money, time, the ordeal of making repairs, and potentially, your health. Resilient homes are not only a huge benefit to the owner, they also help America by reducing public disaster costs and help the environment by reducing waste.”
Resilient home features on display at LaHouse include roofing systems that can withstand hurricanes, building systems fortified to 130 mph wind resistance, window storm shutters that are both attractive and impact rated, and a low-cost storm shelter closet. Visitors will also have the opportunity to speak with AgCenter housing specialists, browse through free publications, and tour the demonstration home’s other exhibits.
LaHouse is located at 2858 Gourrier Ave. across from the LSU Alex Box Baseball Stadium. A suggested donation of $5 per adult is requested to help support its educational programming and exhibits. Further information is available at www.LSUAgCenter.com/LaHouse or by calling 225-578-7913.
Linda Foster Benedict