disaster education

What can I do to stay safe during a hurricane? 

trees across power lines
Lake Charles, LA September 25, 2005 – Hurricane Rita blew down trees and power poles all across the city, blocking roads and leaving the city without electricity. Photo by Greg Henshall / FEMA

Hurricanes cause high winds and flooding, and it’s important to know the signs for either situation and take proper precautions. The signs of extreme winds include seeing and hearing wind gusts, trees swaying, sheets of rain or snow, and thunder and lightning. You should seek shelter inside, avoid being outside, avoid down wires, and stay away from trees and potential falling limbs when you identify high winds. 

Roadways and walkways can become flooded during a hurricane. Extreme rain and swift moving water cause life threatening situations including being stranded, swept away and drowning. Pay attention to weather service alerts well in advance of a hurricane. Follow evacuation routes or move to higher ground. Never drive or walk-through flooded areas, standing water, or swift moving water.  

Proper preparation, identification of hurricanes, and appropriate action can reduce the impact of disasters and emergencies. For resources on preparing for and staying safe during storms visit eden.uconn.edu.

UConn EDEN

immersion suits
Trainer Ed Dennehy from Fishing Partnership Support Services watches as fishermen practice entering the water in their immersion suits properly. Photo: Nancy Balcom.

UConn EDEN is part of the nationwide EDEN system located at all the land-grant institutions, and is based-on four strategic goals:

(1) Enhance the abilities of individuals, families, organizations, agencies, businesses, and institutions 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 provide research-based disaster education and scholarship.

 

 

UConn Extension Educators from diverse disciplines respond to four program areas:

  • agricultural disasters and security
  • human health and emergency preparedness
  • community preparedness and resiliency
  • workplace emergency preparedness