Family

Prepare an evacuation to-go kit for your child (Distributed 08/29/08) Adults are urged to assemble a “grab-and-go” box of important papers in case of a hurricane evacuation. How about making a “to-go kit” for your child? Assembling a few treasured items can help your child in times of disaster, according to LSU AgCenter family development professor Dr. Rebecca White. Manage post-hurricane stress (Distributed 09/07/08) You probably can’t avoid the stress coming in the wake of Hurricane Gustav, but you can manage it, says LSU AgCenter family and consumer sciences specialist Becky White. Parents as Partners As you and your child join the 4-H program, you’ll want to make the most of the experience. The success of your 4-H club and the kind of experience your child depends greatly upon your parental involvement. 4-H has so much to offer your child through educational programs, contests and special events. Through active participation in 4-H, your child will develop skills that will last a lifetime. Waiting? Have Some Family Fun Times Time is a rare commodity. Most busy families never seem to have enough of it. Here are some suggestions to help you spend time with your children while waiting. Understanding and Working with Teens This guide discusses the common physical, mental, social and emotional characteristics for high school youth. Keep in mind that no two children develop according to the same schedule and the transitions are gradual. By accepting youth at their current developmental stage and offering challenging growth opportunities to help them make the transition into the next stage. Help your child recover from fearfulness following hurricanes (Distributed 09/07/08) A child may continue to be fearful following a hurricane because of the uncertainty of the future. “A child can mix up real fear and make-believe fear. This is OK, and a parent or other care-giver can help in many ways,” says LSU AgCenter family and consumer sciences specialist Becky White. more...

Hazards and Threats

NOAA Extreme Weather 2008 Information Sheet A collection of phone numbers for Louisiana state agencies, parish emergency management and law enforcement offices in the southern parishes, and national disaster information centers. Have The Right Answers Before Storm; Take ‘Hurricane Quiz’ Now This game of 20 questions can help you determine whether you and your family will be prepared if a hurricane comes your way, according to LSU AgCenter experts. Disaster Wallet Card If an evacuation or other emergency separates family and friends, you’ll want to find each other. Fill out a card for each close friend and relative. Carry it with you wherever you go. Disaster Information Resources Series These publications are designed to help Louisiana residents recover from floods, storms, extended power outages and other stressful, dangerous events. more...

Home

The LSU AgCenter's Louisiana House - Resource Center The LSU AgCenter's "LaHouse" is designed to stand up to hurricane-force winds, swarming insects and harmful humidity. This family-type home is designed to showcase innovations in home construction for Louisiana’s sub-tropical climate. Rebuilding & Restoration Web site for Design and Construction information. LaHouse Docent Training Series of 4 classroom and walk-through “high performance home” training classes to prepare master volunteers and staff to conduct educational tours of LaHouse sustainable design and construction features and benefits, answer consumer inquiries, participate in educational events or other activites that extend the LaHouse vision of shaping future homes. Ready for Rain: Introduction to Floodproofing Introductory segment from the LSU AgCenter "Ready for Rain" video with overview of flood damage reduction techniques. LaHouse: Open House Schedule LaHouse has reopened its doors for free previews... Consumers - How to Use the Registry Step-by-Step instructions for property owners to use the Registry to find a licensed contractor working in their parish and to rate a contractor. more...

Personal Finance

Some Hurricane Survivors Face Tough Mortgage Decisions Recent hurricanes may have obliterated your house, your job and likely even the property values in your area – leaving you with the feeling that the only things still intact are your mortgage and other debts. Tips to Help You Get Out of Debt If your bills are piling up, you can't make all of your payments on time and you're thinking about paying one credit card balance with a cash advance from another, LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says it's time to organize your credit payments and develop a plan for reducing your bills. Bill-paying Responsibility Looms For Teens Leaving The Nest Independent spending decisions quickly become an everyday routine for college students, but that independence assumes a financial freedom that most young adults are not prepared to handle, according to LSU AgCenter family economics specialist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Financial tips offered for marital harmony (Distributed 01/15/08) The church and reception hall are reserved, the dress is selected, the invitations are addressed, the photographer and caterer are ready. You might even have your new residence “ready-to-go.” more...