Highlightsof Extension TYI NG RESEARCH TO REAL LI F E COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, H EALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES UConn EDEN UConn EDEN is part of the nationwide EDEN system located at all the land-grant institu- tions, and is based-on four strategic goals: 1. Enhance the abilities of individuals, families, organizations, agencies, busi- nesses, and institutions to prepare for, prevent, mitigate, and recover from disasters and emergencies. 2. Serve as a statewide resource for university research-based disaster outreach education. 3. Strengthen Extension’s capacity and commitment to address disaster and emergency preparedness issues. 4. Strengthen Extension’s capacity to pro- vide research-based disaster education and scholarship. UConn Extension Educators from diverse disciplines respond to four program areas: • agricultural disasters and security; • humans health and emergency pre- paredness, including food safety; • community preparedness and resiliency; and • workplace emergency preparedness. “Prepare your family now so they will feel in control when severe weather arises ... Have emergency kits as well as a plan for communi- cating if you are separated.” In Connecticut, focus groups met in four coastal communities—East Lyme, Old Lyme, Groton and Stonington. A diverse group of community representatives participated—fire marshals, emergency and health managers, social services, school and library personnel, housing and senior center directors and beach association members. Their knowledge about local residents and resources is guiding the team to reach audiences with functional needs; people living alone without family nearby; people with limited English proficiency; part-time residents or visitors; the large and mobile military service population; seniors and families. Juliana Barrett is assisting communities with finding new ways to reach both their year round residents and transient popula- tions who might be on vacation for a weekend or a couple of weeks. By develop- ing flyers for rental units with pertinent information, she hopes to engage people in what to do and where to go should an emergency occur. “Prepare your family now so they will feel in control when severe weather arises,” affirms Faye Griffiths-Smith. “Have emergency kits as well as a plan for communicating if you are separated. A pre-determined place you will go can make dealing with a stressful situation more manageable. Review these plans and your emergency supplies periodically.” Karen Filchak recommends, “Think about and prepare for situations where property may be damaged, lost or destroyed. Do you have insurance informa- tion for repairs, records to prove ownership of a vehicle that floated away or documents to prove the value of the contents of your home? Having the appropriate documents and financial information will help in recovery from the impacts of a destruc- tive event.” Food and water safety and provisions is a health issue during and after storms. The UConn Extension Food Safety website has publications on: pre-storm shopping, whether you should keep or discard food during a power outage and what to do if garden produce becomes flooded. Interior and exterior household preparation may limit loss and can impact your health and comfort during storms. The UConn EDEN website contains pet friendly advice about necessary pet provisions whether staying at home or away. “Livestock typically are housed in their barns during storms,” indicates Joyce Meader. “Keep barns in good structural condition so they will protect animals and keep them safe.” “It is never too early to begin planning for the possibility of a disaster,” advocates Jenifer Nadeau. “Hopefully you never have to experience one, but being prepared is half the battle.” A microchipping clinic is being offered this fall as an additional way to help identify horses. 2016 HIGHLIGHTS OF EXTENSION 13 TOOLS & TRAINING Large photo, left, courtesy of Connecticut National Guard.