Sept. 27, 8:00 AM EST
The National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) has issued an advisory stating that Helene subsided to a Tropical Storm. The Gulf Coast of Florida was severely impacted by storm surge, flooding and high winds, and many throughout the state are without power. Many roads are closed to traffic. UF/IFAS Extension is assessing the damage caused by Helene.
UF/IFAS Extension has compiled an up-to-date collection of resources covering virtually every aspect of disaster preparation and recovery.
UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation and Recovery
The UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation and Recovery website (https://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu) has useful information for homeowners, businesses, nurseries, marinas, ranches, farms, and communities. The website is updated frequently, and new hurricane-related blogs are posted almost daily. It’s a good place to go for last-minute preparations and to stay up on the latest hurricane information.
Florida EDEN
The Florida Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) (https://piecenter.com/resources/fl-eden/) is another great place to go for information. Florida EDEN is part of a nationwide effort of state Cooperative Extension Services to reduce the impact of disasters through research-based information.
You can subscribe to the EDEN newsletter to get current information and updates as the situation changes: https://bit.ly/fledennews.
Information First Responders
Throughout Florida, Extension personnel act as information first-responders—we’re boots on the ground who go into situations where there is an immediate need for timely and accurate information. This is especially true in the case of natural disasters. During times of emergency, many Extension agents serve on their county’s Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), doing 12+ hour shifts tracking storm conditions and answering needs for help. We’re also representatives of the Florida State Agricultural Response Team (SART), helping to monitor the water quality in wells and rounding up livestock that have strayed over ruined fencing.
After the storm has cleared, many agents are out assessing the damage to communities, farms, and ranchlands so that those affected can get assistance and apply for emergency aid.
As we continue to monitor Helene, we urge you to be prepared too, and to remember that if you need help in an emergency, Extension is there for you.
To contact the UF/IFAS Extension office near you, visit: extension.ifas.ufl.edu
Note that due to county emergency plans, some Extension offices may be closed during regular business hours.
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