COLUMBIA, S.C. – As South Carolinians rebuild and repair after the recent historic floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand in Berkeley and Richland counties at in-store information centers to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Also on hand will be FEMA’s disaster survivors assistance teams to answer questions and provide guidance on federal help available until further notice.

Advisers will be available at two locations today through Oct. 27. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Berkeley County: Home Depot located at 190 Marymeade Drive in Summerville

Richland County: Lowe’s located at 7441 Two Notch Road in Columbia

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage. More information about strengthening property can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation.

For more information on South Carolina recovery, visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4241, Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion4 and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website scemd.org.