Health

Enhancing health and well-being locally, nationally, and globally

Flooding Resources

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Updated on July 24, 2023

Many of our communities are affected by the statewide flooding from the Connecticut River after heavy rains in New York and Vermont. Flooding conditions continued after more rain arrived. UConn Extension has the following resources to support agricultural producers, consumers, residents, and others affected. You can also sign up for mobile weather alerts by visiting weather.gov and CT Alerts. Anyone in a Disaster area can use the Ready.gov disaster recovery resources.

Ask a Question

UConn Extension provides answers you can trust. Our educators can also connect with agricultural producers, residents, and businesses individually. Ask us a question.

Agricultural Producers

Agricultural lands in central and northwestern Connecticut have flooded. The examples below are courtesy of farms along the Connecticut River.

Soil and Water Testing

Soil testing can help determine the extent of damage and any soil remediation needed. Visit our soil lab online for more information.

Water testing is also advised in some situations. Visit our website for more resources on how to get water tested in Connecticut.

State and Federal Reporting

In an effort to better understand the scope of the situation, we are asking producers to share estimated losses with us through our online reporting tool. This data will be shared with USDA Farm Service Agency and UConn Extension. By filling out this information it will assist these entities in determining if a disaster declaration can be obtained. Your farm name and contact information is not required, but if you would like to be contacted, please share that.

If you have not done so, please also contact your local Farm Service Agency county office to report your damages as well as your insurance agent to report impacts for covered crops. USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including USDA resources specifically for producers impacted by flooding. For FSA programs eligibility, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.

Food Safety

UConn Extension is part of the Produce Safety Alliance, and there are guidelines for flooded farms. We also recommend reviewing our farm worker training video series (y en Español) as the principles will help guide farm recovery after a flood.

Equine

Equine owners also need to be cognizant of disaster preparation, especially floods, and we have specific recommendations for these situations as well as on preparing for equine disasters.

Residents

Our team offers the following advice on extreme flooding:

Recommendations include: avoid areas with extreme flooding, as little as six inches of water can cause problems, do not drive through flooded water, check weather forecasts, and sign up for mobile alerts.

Flooding and erosion also cause issues on beach properties. Our Sea Grant program has a checklist for coastal hazards.

There are emergency preparedness resources for all residents available at our Adapt CT program. Coastal homeowners and businesses can also use resources specifically made for their situation.

Food Safety

Flooding sometimes impacts homes and gardens too. We have the following resources to help in those situations:

Soil and Water Testing

Soil testing can help determine the extent of damage and any soil remediation needed. Visit our soil lab online for more information.

Water testing is also advised in some situations. Visit our website for more resources on how to get water tested in Connecticut.

Municipalities

We have programs to help municipalities with stormwater and flooding, including the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems) and the Adapt CT program for climate adaptation, including flooding in coastal and other communities. There are also fact sheets available:

Governmental Resources

Many state and national organizations have programs and resources that can help with extreme flooding:

Resources from Other Extension Systems

From the National Healthy Homes Project

Putting People First is the focus so they will protect their health during the cleanup and restoration process.

Thanks to the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) and Enterprise Community Partners, A Field Guide for Flooded Home Cleanup (also available in Spanish) has received a makeover. The widely-used guide was first developed nearly 15 years ago to teach safe mold removal practices in hurricane-damaged homes.

In addition, NCHH has a free online training course to educate homeowners and contractors in mold removal safety.

The Rebuild Healthy Homes Guide was developed to help homeowners, volunteers, and other workers to restore damaged homes in a way that puts people first. It includes how-to methods, tips, and improvement ideas for safe restoration that result in not just a livable dwelling, but a healthy home that offers even more than before.

Can the wildfire particles get into the soil and our food?

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Can the particles in the air currently from the Canadian wildfires get into the soil and then into our food being grown locally?

lettuce transplantsSmoke and ash from current Canadian wildfires have raised questions about the safety of produce growing on farms and gardens in Connecticut and beyond. While the number 1 concern from wildfire smoke is human health, chemicals found in the smoke don’t just stay in the air and can deposit onto plants and soils.

From a food safety perspective, there is generally low concern about the chemicals present on soils and produce. A study conducted in California examined 200 samples of greens (collard greens, lettuces, kale, and chard) that were exposed to wildfire smoke and ash. The study found no detectable levels of lead, arsenic, mercury, or chromium in any of the samples. However, it is still important to practice basic food safety measures, such as washing hands before handling produce and thoroughly washing produce before consumption.

When the smoke is light to moderate, it can actually enhance crop growth by diffusing light into the plant canopy. However, severe smoke that blocks sunlight can negatively impact photosynthesis and hinder plant growth and development.

Toxic gases present in smoke, such as nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone, can enter plants through their stomata and cause damage to plant tissues. Ozone, in particular, can burn or oxidize tissues in sensitive plants like cucumber, watermelons, beans, and potatoes. Exposure to wildfire smoke can affect the flavor of certain crops like wine grapes, giving them a smoky taste. The reduced photosynthesis and presence of toxic gases can increase plant stress and delay the physiological processes, resulting in delayed growth and harvest. Pollinator activity is also reduced due to smoke there by having a potential issue with crop pollination.

Smoke from wildfires can also have indirect effects on agriculture, creating a ripple effect throughout the farming process. The health concerns of farm workers due to the presence of smoke can hinder various farm activities, including crop scouting, fertilization, spraying, and other essential tasks. These disruptions have the potential to adversely impact crop production and overall agricultural output. Pollinator activity is also reduced due to smoke there by having a potential issue with crop pollination.

Answered by: Shuresh Ghimire, PhD, Vegetable Crops Assistant Extension Educator

Protecting Indoor Air from Wildfire Smoke

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wildfire smoke in New York City
The Empire State Building in New York City with wildfire smoke. Photo: Ahmer Kalam

Wildfire smoke can damage your lungs, heart, eyes, nose, throat and immune system. Smoke can enter homes and contaminate indoor air. Protect yourself by staying indoors and taking steps to reduce indoor air pollution. Here are tips on how to protect the air in your home.

Why is smoke harmful?

In a wildfire, the major contributor to smoke is fine particulate matter. Of particular concern are the

smallest particles, known as PM2.5. These particles are invisible to the eye. Because they are so small, they can travel deep into the lungs and be absorbed into the body. Larger particles, called PM10, are usually visible in the form of ash. When inhaled, small bits are trapped high in the lungs and typically can be coughed out. However, they can still cause irritation.

Who is at risk?

People sensitive to wildfire smoke include:

  • Children younger than 18
  • Adults 65 or older
  • Pregnant women
  • People with chronic health conditions such as heart or lung disease, asthma or diabetes
  • Anyone who is seriously ill
  • Outdoor workers
  • People of low socioeconomic status, including those who are homeless and those who have limited access to medical care

How does smoke enter homes?

Outdoor air can enter your home in several ways:

  • Open windows and doors
  • Bathroom or kitchen fans that vent to the outdoors
  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems with a fresh air intake
  • Small openings, joints and cracks, including those around closed windows and doors

Improve indoor air quality

Take steps to protect the air quality in your home and stay inside.

Keep smoke out of your home

  • Close windows and doors, but don’t block or tamper with
  • Minimize use of exhaust fans or range hoods that don’t vent outside.
  • If your window air conditioner or HVAC system has a fresh air option, turn it off or close the

Adapted from article by Glenda Hyde, Extension Family and Community Health faculty, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson and Wheeler counties, and associate professor of practice, Oregon State University. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em-9379-protecting-indoor-air-wildfire-smoke

WTNH Channel 8 airs story on CT shell recycling program

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Man sorts oysters on the coastWTNH Channel 8 news broadcast a story about Connecticut Sea Grant’s shell recycling initiative on its April 19 show. CTSG’s Tessa Getchis, aquaculture extension specialist, and Michael Gilman, shell recycling coordinator, were interviewed for the piece, titled “Connecticut oyster recycling program reinvigorates reefs.”

Watch the story here.

Summer Horseback Riding Classes with Animal Science Department

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Are you looking for activities to get you outside this Summer? Do you want more riding instruction to grow your skillset? The UConn Animal Science department is offering horseback riding classes to the public this summer and there is something for everyone! Learn more at the following link: s.uconn.edu/summer-riding

Lessons include Dressage, Hunt Seat, Polo, Trail, Western and more! Sessions begin May 8th and run through the end of August.

Infographic with a girl in a pink shirt on a horse advertising summer horseback riding lessons

Advancing Environmental & Climate Justice in CT

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Romina Flores Diaz, a political science student at UConn Hartford, and Mayra Rodríguez González, our urban and community forestry assistant extension educator, advanced UConn CAHNR’s strategic vision through their collaborative research on Resilient Cities, Racism, and Equity. At the Undergraduate Research Conference in Storrs, Romina presented an evidence-based approach to achieve environmental and climate justice in communities.

Achieving environmental and climate justice requires innovative strategies. What is the best approach?

  • Amplifying Community Voices
  • Promoting Inclusive Programming
  • Building Intergenerational Capacity
  • Centering Marginalized Identities
  • Promoting Equity In Management

Learn more about projects and efforts at s.uconn.edu/urban

Woman smiling with a research poster in the background
Romina Flores Diaz, Department of Political Science, University of Connecticut Hartford

UConn CAHNR is committed to improving quality of life and creating a sustainable future. Through scientific discovery, innovation, education, and community engagement the College has been working to achieve the set strategic initiatives: 

  • Ensuring a Vibrant and Sustainable Agricultural Industry and Food Supply
  • Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally
  • Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
  • Advancing Adaptation and Resilience in a Changing Climate
  • Fostering Sustainable Landscapes at the Urban-Rural Interface

Read more at: https://cahnr.uconn.edu/strategic-vision/

Free One-on-One Consultations for CT Farmers

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Hey Farmers! 

For those of you that are growing commercially, aka are a farm businesses, it’s time for you to sign up for a FREE consultations with some of the experts in the state surrounding a wide variety of topics!

Check it out here: https://newfarms.uconn.edu/consultations/

These are free one on one consultations for Connecticut Farmers, with specialists in certain fields of knowledge. These consultations are intended for those who have been farming for 10 years or less, but folks can apply if they have been farming for a longer period of time.

Sign up for an consultation with an expert on the topics of

  • Vegetable Production
  • Livestock (available in September)
  • Conservation and Land use
  • Urban Farming
  • Hemp production

The consultations will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis and are subject to the consultant’s availability. If all spots are filled, we will maintain a waiting list. Deadlines for sign ups are dependent on each consultant.

Here’s what some farmers had to say about how helpful the consultations are:

 “I appreciated that flexibility, being able to walk our fields with Joe who is full of both theoretical and practical knowledge, have him be able to notice things, comment on what he saw, that turned out to be really helpful for us. We changed our grazing plan for the rest of the season and it will impact the way we will graze this upcoming season as well.”

“We learned a lot about the history and how our land was formed. Particularly, we learned about the pingos (small ponds) we have in the woodland area. Also – taking a profile of the soil out and being able to touch/feel it and compare the colors was very memorable.”

“I like the one on one time that the farmer gets, especially for a newer farmer, who doesn’t have a mentor, having the time to pick someone’s brain was great.”

Please note: These consultations are intended for Commercial Farmers and Farm businesses. If you are homesteading, have a hobby farm, or simply love gardening, please access the UConn Home and Garden Education Center.

Again, sign up here: https://newfarms.uconn.edu/consultations/

Sesame in the News

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Article by Sharon Gray MPH, RD 

As of January 1, 2023, Sesame is now required to be labeled as an allergen on packaged foods, including dietary supplements. This has been the culmination of efforts for years among food allergy advocates. Sesame is now the country’s ninth major allergen, affecting approximately 1.6 million people (about the population of West Virginia) in the United States. Cases of Sesame allergy, some quite severe, have been rising in recent years along with a growing number of foods that contain the ingredient. Dr. Michael Pistiner, Director of Food Allergy, Education and Prevention at Mass General Hospital for Children believes one reason for the rise in sesame allergies is due to more people in the United States eating sesame- containing products (2019). 

Sesame can be found in obvious places like sesame seeds on bagels. But it is also an ingredient in many foods from ice cream, hummus to protein bars and can be added to sauces, dips and salad dressings and hidden in spices and flavorings. Because it is in a lot of foods as hidden ingredients, it is very hard to avoid. 

The Food Allergy, Safety, Treatment, Education and Reasearch (FASTER) Act became law in April 2021, requiring sesame to be listed on packaged foods beginning January 1, 2023. 

This federal law establishing Sesame labeling by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require food products that were already on their way to the store or in stock before 2023 to list sesame as an allergen. So, unlabeled packaged foods will still be on store shelves in the near future. However, the new federal law did go into effect on January 1, adding sesame to the list of allergens that must appear on food labels if present in the product. Unfortunately, the new labeling requirements are so strict that it costs less to add sesame to food products than to try and keep it out of those foods not meant to contain it. Some of the companies adding sesame to foods that didn’t contain it before include Olive Garden, Wendys, and Chick-fil-A and bread makers that stock grocery shelves and serve schools.  Bakers, especially, find it simpler and less expensive to add sesame to a food – than to try and keep it away from other foods or equipment with sesame.  

Although these actions don’t violate the law, the FDA does not support them. These moves have the unintended effect of the law making it more difficult for sesame allergic customers to find foods that are safe for them to consume. Sesame labeling has been required for years in Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. So, labeling can be done. It is of interest how many companies in the United States will comply with the new labeling law or simply add sesame to their list of ingredients to avoid the law. 

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/allergic-sesame-food-labels-now-must-list-sesame-allergen 

New Label Law has Unintended Effect:  Sesame in More Foods, J. Aleccia 12/21/22 apnews.com 

Here are two examples of how sesame would be labeled on a food package under the new law: 

example of sesame food label example of sesame food label

Free Poultry Seminar with UConn Extension

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Improving Poultry Production Using Natural Interventions

Wednesday, April 26, 2023 10:00-2:00

Tolland County Extension Center

24 Hyde Avenue, Vernon, CT 06066

Join UConn Extension and a team of experts for an informative presentation and discussion on poultry health and disease, the use of various additives in poultry production, and related topics.

Click here to register!

Registration is required by April 23 for the complimentary lunch provided.

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to sustainable poultry
• Basics of poultry health and disease
• Application of various natural compounds in production
• CT Poultry Association update
• Beneficial bacteria for poultry
• Q+A with the speakers and CT Department of Agriculture

Contact Heather.Goodman@uconn.edu with any questions.

 

AED & CPR Training for UConn Extension Volunteers in New London County

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people practicing CPR on mannequinsRecognizing the need to improve emergency preparedness among UConn Extension volunteers, the New London County Agricultural Extension Council, Inc. sponsored an AED & CPR training for 15 participants on March 22, 2023. This training was open to UConn Extension Master Gardeners and Composters, 4-H volunteers, and Extension Council members in New London County. Instructors from UConn Rescue, a student-led organization focused on emergency education, traveled to the New London County Extension Center in Norwich to facilitate this certification program. Topics covered included scene and situation assessment, steps to performing high quality CPR, utilizing an AED device for children and adults, and recognition and response to choking in all ages. 

Although the majority of participants indicated that they had been CPR certified in the past, significant improvements in knowledge as a result of this program were reported. Comparisons of group knowledge levels determined through pre- and post-test evaluation data indicated a 42.60% improvement in the ability to recognize when an individual requires CPR, with a 41.34% improvement in the understanding of how to perform CPR in such a scenario. There was a 58.60% improvement in knowledge associated with using an automated external defibrillator (AED) and 42.80% improvement in knowing when and how to provide assistance for a child or adult that is choking. A 40% improvement in emergency preparedness was also reported for this group. people practicing CPR on an infant

All respondents indicated that they would recommend this training to others. Participants noted that the location of this training made it easier to attend, and that they appreciated the hands-on approach facilitated by the UConn Rescue instructors. Inclusion of child and infant response procedures were also valued, as the majority of attendees were UConn 4-H volunteers in the county. 

Equipping Extension volunteers with knowledge and skills pertaining to first aid, CPR and AED use can help them to feel more prepared in the case of an emergency situation. Special thanks are given to the New London County Agricultural Extension Council, Inc. and UConn Rescue for their contributions to this training. 

 

Article by Sara Tomis