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 Florence and Georgetown counties to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared towards do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Advisers will be available at two locations through Nov. 24. Hours and locations are as follows:

• Home Depot located at 12262 Highway 17 Bypass in Murrells Inlet (Friday and 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.)

• Lowe’s located at 1701 Freedom Blvd. in Florence (Friday and 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.)

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.