Released Feb. 15, 2008
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Disaster relief, recovery and rebuilding aid is as close as a 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 http://www.aragriculture.org/disaster/ to learn more.
For more information on extension's disaster recovery programs, contact your county extension office, or visit http://www.uaex.edu. The extension service is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/february2008/0215tornadorecovery.htm
Contact: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207, ljames@uaex.edu
