Enhancing Disaster Preparedness Across the Oklahoma State University Extension System
Agricultural Economics & Community Development
Amy Hagerman
Asc Prof - Ag and Food Policy
Stillwater
Abstract
In Extension, preparedness efforts are often outward-facing, focusing on the preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery of our clientele. How frequently do we take stock of our internal preparedness within our Extension systems? This presentation will overview what OSU Extension's Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) has been doing to prepare our staff and offices better. High-level information and a specific program will be provided on how OSU Extension (1) assessed and improved current internal readiness efforts (2) better-prepared Educators for their role in response and (3) improved support of Educators after a disaster occurs.
First, the results of an online assessment evaluation filled out by 60% of county offices in late 2024 - early 2025 will be shared. The survey found that every county had experienced at least one damaging weather disaster in the preceding 12 months. Common damaging weather disasters (aside from drought) were damaging winds (61% of offices) and tornadoes (50% of offices). Only 33% of Extension offices had a dedicated tornado shelter highlighting an opportunity to improve preparedness and protect the well being of staff. The most common way county offices engaged in response and recovery was by distributing factsheets (43%), answering technical questions (41%), newsletters (37%), and accepting donations or managing donation centers (24%). Responses to this survey are still being collected and lessons learned from Educators on how to better be prepared and support clientele will be shared with the audience.
As a result of the survey, an in-service on managing donations and setting up donation centers after a tornado or wildfire has been developed. Donation center management requires 1) developing a relationship with the county and city emergency manager, 2) having a plan for drop off, pick up, and tracking that can be mobilized and demobilized effectively, and 3) knowing what to take and what not to take. The content and handouts of this training will be shared with the audience. The goal of the presentation is to share OSU Extension's experiences so that other Extension systems can improve their personal and office readiness.
Authors: Amy Hagerman, Donna Patterson
-
Amy Hagerman Asc Prof - Ag and Food Policy, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, 74078
-
Donna Patterson County Extension Director - Rogers County, Oklahoma State University Extension, Oklahoma, 74017