In the News - February 2008
Extension service can provide help for disaster relief, recovery, rebuilding
LITTLE ROCK - Disaster relief, recovery and rebuilding aid is as close as
local office of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
"Many people already know the extension service as the primary source for
agriculture, gardening, 4-H and family and consumer issues," said Dr. Deborah
Tootle, associate professor of community development with the extension service.
"We can also play a significant role in helping Arkansans facing the long
recovery following a disaster."
Immediately after the Feb. 5 tornadoes, extension agents were traveling their
counties, checking on clients and offering to help any way they could. 4-H'ers
in counties around the state were busy collecting water and assembling comfort
kits filled with toiletries to help those affected by the twisters.
The disaster recovery process typically proceeds through three major stages:
relief, recovery and rebuilding, Tootle said. The relief stage characterizes the
immediate aftermath of a disaster and consists of the emergency activities of
first responders and other short-term responses designed to address immediate
needs. The recovery stage covers that period of time in which the community
clears debris and restores every day services. During the rebuilding stage,
communities focus on the long-term redevelopment of local infrastructures,
resources and the economy.
Extension can provide program and technical assistance to follow up on relief
work and services to help communities cope and begin the long-term disaster
recovery and rebuilding processes.
Services and outreach include:
- Access to government contractors for debris removal, hazardous material
remediation and disposal of animal carcasses. Contact the Arkansas
Procurement Assistance Center (APAC) at 501-337-5355. APAC can also steer
tornado victims toward the appropriate emergency management and Federal
Surplus Property offices for assistance and information on FEMA trailers.
- Educational programming for local officials and community members in
understanding and coping with the impacts of the disaster.
- Developing and implementing plans for future disaster resiliency and
community rebuilding.
- Assistance in strengthening local leadership capacity for addressing
impacts of disaster and community rebuilding.
- Identifying and implementing new strategies for local economic
development.
- Programming to help local businesses develop and implement disaster
plans.
The extension service also has information online for disaster preparedness
and recovery for homeowners, producers and families. Visit
www.aragriculture.org/disaster/ to learn more.
For more information on extension's disaster recovery programs, contact your
county extension office, or visit www.uaex.edu.
The extension service is part of the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture.
February 15, 20088
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialists
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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