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Episode 4: ‘How can I reduce flooding in my neighborhood?’

We speak drop by a bar that regularly floods, get the latest science on climate-induced rainfall, and visit with a New Orleanian who decided to get her hands dirty and take some action.

When it rains, it pours. And when it pours, it floods. 

More and more, that appears to be the situation down South. In New Orleans, several big rain storms in recent years have turned streets into rivers and flooded homes and cars. 

This week on Life Raft: flooding. What can we do about it?

What If We Just…Made Our Houses Float? – Life Raft

With flood risk increasing and flood insurance rates likely following suit, it seems like there's got to be a better way to tackle the challenge. For example: could we make our homes float when the water comes? This week we talk to an architect who has devoted her professional life to that question, and we visit a Louisiana community where some people have decided that it makes more sense to temporarily float a house than to elevate it on stilts. — Want to help shape the future of Life Raft? We’re looking for feedback on our first season. Filling out this (super short) survey will really help us understand how we can best serve you. If you include your contact info, you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a prize from WWNO or WRKF. While we figure out what the future holds, we’d love to extend the biggest and warmest thank you to everyone who made this possible. Thanks, especially, to everyone for listening, and for submitting the questions that made this show possible. In the meantime, follow us on social media. We’re on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. And if you like what you hear from Life Raft, consider making a donation to WRKF or WWNO to help keep the show going! — Support for WWNO’s Coastal Desk comes from the Greater New Orleans Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation, and listeners like you.
  1. What If We Just…Made Our Houses Float?
  2. Could Flood Insurance Sink Us Before The Water Does?
  3. What Would It Take For Louisiana To Go Carbon Neutral By 2050?
  4. How Much Can We Blame The 2020 Hurricane Season On Climate Change?
  5. Bonus Episode: Confronting The Loss That Climate Change Promises

We speak drop by a bar that regularly floods, get the latest science on climate-induced rainfall, and visit with a New Orleanian who decided to get her hands dirty and take some action. 

Here are some great resources for how to help reduce flooding in your neighborhood:

  • This workbook from WaterWise Gulf South is a great how-to guide for getting started on your own green infrastructure. 
  • The Urban Conservancy has a program that reimburses New Orleanians for ripping up concrete in their yards. 
  • Healthy Community Services (run by Angela Chalk, who you heard in Episode 1) also does lots of work around green infrastructure in New Orleans.

P.S. Here’s the legendary photo of “Darryl.” 

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