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Before rivers rise from spring flooding, there are actions you can take to be sure water doesn’t cause problems in your home, according to a FEMA news release.
Rising temperatures and a warmer Gulf of Mexico could mean more moisture in the air and more weather systems like the one in Aug. 2016 that devastated parts of southern Louisiana causing millions of dollars in damage.
FEMA says there are ways to protect the life you have built. Disaster preparedness decreases losses that happen over and over, financial hardship and death. FEMA urges home owners to consider mitigation options.
What you need to know:
—Mitigation reduces a property’s risk. It allows residents to return home more quickly, with less damage, after the next storm. While it may cost more to begin with, mitigation pays off in the long run. In fact, estimates are that on average for every dollar spent on mitigation, you save six from future losses.
Some actions to take before the next big storm include:
—Elevate (move up higher) or flood-proof your washer, dryer, water heater and HVAC systems. If possible, move these appliances from ground floor level.
—Relocate electrical outlets to three feet above the floor.
—Elevate the exterior air conditioning compressor 2-3 feet.
—Purchase flood insurance by calling your insurance company or local independent agent who can write flood insurance directly with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Visit FloodSmart.gov or call the NFIP at 877-336-2627 for information.
Go to www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program to learn more about any property’s flood risks, estimate an NFIP premium or locate an insurance agent who sells flood insurance. Visit www.ready.gov/floods for flood information and safety tips.
Speak to a Community Education and Outreach specialist by calling: 833-FEMA-4-US or 833-336-2487 or visit the web page for publications that can serve as guides for recovery: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lamit/ or https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-es-mit/ for Spanish.
These specialists provide information on how to repair and rebuild safer and stronger after a disaster. Specialists are available as well by email at FEMA-LAMit@fema.dhs.gov.
For information on Louisiana mitigation planning visit: https://getagameplan.org/make-a-plan/mitigation-plan/.

DEAR ABBY: I am a senior male. I understand I may have some beliefs that others find old-fashioned. However, I consciously try to be tolerant of others’ feelings and beliefs. That said, my problem is with my younger brother, who is a homosexual. I have always tried to ignore that side of his life and, consequently, we have always had a good relationship. He lives in another state, so we only talk on the telephone.
A couple of months ago while we were talking, the subject of sexuality came up, and I told him I find the fact that he is gay “disgusting.” I know it was a poor choice of words. I merely meant to say that I, myself, am and always have been totally heterosexual. I have never had any sexual interest in members of my own sex. I never meant my comment to be judgmental of my brother or anyone else.
I left several messages apologizing for anything I said that he found objectionable. Now, when I try to contact him, he doesn’t answer my phone calls.
Abby, I miss my brother. I truly love him, and I don’t want to lose all contact with him. If you have any advice for me, please give it to me. I’m desperate and can think of nothing I might be able to do to restore our relationship.
Please help me.
FEELS LIKE A FOOL IN WASHINGTON

DEAR FEELS LIKE: I have never understood why so many straight people spend so much time obsessing about what gay people might be doing behind closed doors. THAT, to me, is disgusting.
I’ll be frank. After what you said to your brother, he would have to be a saint to forgive you. He is doing what emotionally healthy people do, erasing a negative influence from his life.
You can continue trying to apologize by penning a heartfelt letter of apology and remorse, promising to never use those words again, and sending it to your brother. But if he continues to be unreceptive, you will have to live with it.

DEAR ABBY: I met a man online seven months ago. We hit it off right away. I checked to make sure he wasn’t a “catfisher” and everything checked out. We talk on the phone at least twice a day, Facebook Messenger and video chat. He sent me a card for my birthday along with some money.
I have developed strong feelings for him, and he has told me he loves me. He has told me many times he wants to meet, but we couldn’t do it because of the pandemic. He’s a jewelry designer trying to get his business back up before he loses it. He’s afraid to lose everything.
I don’t know what to do. Should I keep waiting or just stay friends with him? We really care about each other, but circumstances prevent us from meeting.
BROKENHEARTED IN NEW YORK

DEAR BROKENHEARTED: Because “circumstances” prevent you from meeting this man in person, try HARD to regain your balance and stay friends. Although you think you know him, until you finally meet in person, you really don’t. Even if you confirmed he works in jewelry design, he may still be hiding something from you.
Often when a significant other keeps making excuses not to meet, there’s a good reason for it and not always what you want to hear.
***
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

October 21, 1940 – April 1, 2021

Maureen Agnes Ardeneaux, 80, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her niece’s home in Bayou Vista. The youngest daughter of Oscar & Melissa Ardeneaux of Centerville, Maureen lived most of her adult life in New Orleans, where she worked as a dispatcher for an oil company.

Everyone’s favorite aunt, Maureen is survived by her sister, Greta Ross; nieces, Elaine Rodriguez, Bridget Auenson Burnett, and Cindy Ross Broussard; nephews, Roland Barrilleaux, Mickey Barrilleaux, Kenneth Auenson, John Ross, and Kevin Ross; and her close friends of many years, June Chauvin, and Rosalie and Archie Lovell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar Ardeneaux and Melissa LeBlanc Ardeneaux; her sisters, Burnie Mae Barrilleaux and Vera Auenson; and her nephew, Dwayne Ross.

Maureen’s niece Bridget extends her heartfelt gratitude to the nurses at Kindred at Home for the loving care given to her aunt. Special thanks and love to her caregivers - Wanda Thompson and Hayley Prestenbach, for their loving devotion to her aunt.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Centerville, Louisiana, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Following the Mass, she will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum. Fr. Paul Oredipe will conduct the services.

Family and friends may view the obituary online by visiting www.iberts.com and are encouraged to share their condolences, cherished memories, love, and support for the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert's Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538, (337) 828-5426.

Infrastructure and other projects, reimbursement of COVID expenses and banking some money aside are plans for the city of Patterson for its approximately $2.14 million that it will receive in American Rescue Plan Act money.
Patterson Mayor Rodney Grogan said the city has targeted finishing the pavilion and restroom at Morey Park as well as infrastructure projects like road and drainage work to use funding for. The city will complete work in its other parks, and it also will pay off its leases on police vehicles and other city equipment.
COVID-related reimbursement to the city’s budget will be expenses for things such as masks, cleaning supplies and pay for sick employees. That will make up about $60,000 to $75,000 of the money, too.
The city also lost $7,500 to $9,000 monthly because St. Mary Galvanizing in Bayou Vista relocated to Port Allen.
“That was our fuel revenue,” Grogan said.
That lost revenue will be replenished with this money as well as a greatly reduced stream of income during the past year from video poker.
At one point, that revenue dropped from $9,000 per month to $300.
“That was because of the closing of the bars and so forth,” Grogan said.
The city also will put away $1 million in savings. Grogan anticipates in a year or two when money is not being distributed like now and jobs are taking time to return, there will be “some hard times.” Therefore, the city will have funding to help in those times.
In Berwick, Mayor Duval Arthur has a list of 18 projects that the money potentially could be used for if approved.
The city is due to receive about $1.63 million in funding, which he said will be split between this year and next year. He said the city has until 2024 to use the money.
“We don’t want to just take that money and burn it up on toys and stuff like that,” he said. “We have no intention of doing that.”
The money will be used for water and sewer projects as well as assisting citizens in need.
“That money is actually a grace of God, and we want to use it in a way that will help people instead of just spending money,” he said.
On the parish level, St. Mary is due to receive about $9.57 million.
Parish President David Hanagriff said much of that funding will be targeting infrastructure.
“Now, the plan calls out for water and sewer, specifically,” Hanagriff said. “It doesn’t address other issues as far as roads and other types of infrastructure, so we’re trying to formulate and find out and see exactly what we can spend it on and where it’s at before we actually put projects in front of the council to vote on right now.”
However, infrastructure is the plan for most or all of the money, he said.
St. Mary Parish Schools Superintendent Teresa Bagwell said that the board is expected to receive funding, but she is not sure how much yet.
“Given the nature of the funds as a one-time allocation, we will be working with a team of stakeholders to determine how to best utilize stimulus funds for students,” Bagwell said. “It is our goal that the funds can be used to gain longevity of instructional supports as we are fully aware of the cuts to the state’s MFP that may continue into upcoming school years.”