Geographic Considerations

The Virtual Mall was developed by and for Louisiana, a state with extensive flooding problems. The descriptions of floodproofing techniques are intended for the Louisiana audience, where

• flooding is usually slow moving and shallow,
• soils typically have large clay content, 
• the climate is predominantly hot and humid, and where,
• because of climate, moisture in walls condenses on the interior surface and ideally dries to the inside of the building (unlike buildings in northern climates). 

While the initial content and descriptions are for Louisiana, the mall contains products, contractors, installations and services from across the nation and other countries. Eventually, the descriptions of floodproofing techniques may be expanded to reflect conditions in other parts of the country and world.

Although the Virtual Mall was developed as an educational program to serve the flood victims of Louisiana, as a web-based program it will undoubtedly be used by others - not only outside Louisiana, but also outside the country. If, after reading the Shoppers' and Providers' Guides, you have questions about the intent or appropriate use of this website, please contact the Mall Manager.

To find out whether the techniques are appropriate for use in your part of the country, check with your state Cooperative Extension Service. Extension is active in disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery in many states. To find disaster educators in your state, visit the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) website. 

Quite often, floodproofing occurs within the context of disaster recovery. The Natural Hazards Center is now poised to refer inquirers to researchers and/or practitioners who have expertise and/or practical experience in different facets of sustainable recovery from disaster.  Individuals, groups, or local governments who need information about sustainable recovery, advice, on-site assistance, or simply moral support can query the Hazards Center with a phone call: (303) 492-5787 or an e-mail message:  wanda.headley@colorado.edu. 

Finding you're way around the Mall

Floodproofing information in the mall is organized by floodproofing technique or, in the case of professional services, by the type of service. Within each of the techniques rooms you should find first a brief description of the techniques covered in that room. From that description page you should have three choices - products used for applying that floodproofing techniques, contractors who have experience with that technique, and properties on which that techniques has been applied.

The links to product, contractor and property listings show the number of listings you will see if you follow the link. The listings are presented in abbreviated form; to expand a listing of interest, click on the "+" sign next to its name. In most cases, there are links to the provider's website where you can find more information about the listed item. Other contact information is presented.

The links to professional service listings - for mitigation consultants and engineers - distinguish three types of consulting service and two types of engineering service. You will also have the ability to retrieve listing that show only those professionals who have indicated they work directly with homeowners.

The properties listings will usually be provided by the local official in the community where the property is located, a manufacturer whose product is demonstrated on the property, or someone involved in the floodproofing as a contractor or funding agency. They may have been provided by the property owner.  Through this part of the Mall we hope to document the successes of preventing flood damage using various techniques.

As we open the Mall there are very few listings, and therefore little need to provide the capability to refine searches within these rooms. We plan to do that as the need develops. Let us know if you feel the need.