Between urban and rural tornadoes, April snow in western Nebraska, and flash-flooding conditions in several parts of the state, we’ve experienced a lot these past few weeks! I wanted to share a brief update about Nebraska Extension’s post-storm response.
Nebraska VOAD
I serve as Nebraska Extension’s point of contact to Nebraska Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NE VOAD). Through NE VOAD, I get real-time updates from NE VOAD partners, including local, state, and regional agencies and organizations. The information that is shared through this network provides situational awareness, which helps me and others in Nebraska Extension determine our level of response locally or through a larger, coordinated effort.
Nebraska EDEN
When there is important information to share, the Nebraska Extension Disaster Education Network (NE EDEN) is notified of developments and updates. If there is a need for a specific type of resource or for social media messages, they are notified. As NE EDEN continues to evolve, its group members will play an important role in ensuring the content on Extension websites is up-to-date and relevant.
Local Contact
Following a significant weather event, I make every effort to connect with local Extension staff to determine local needs and if they need support. With many events happening at once, occasionally I unintentionally miss a county. If your county or accountability region is affected and you have an update, please let me know. I mentioned “situational awareness” earlier in this update. Gaining information from Extension faculty and staff is vitally important—our statewide partners like NEMA and NE VOAD understand our connectedness in our counties and know we can provide valuable information.
ResponseNotes
This a tool for anyone in Nebraska Extension to use to share information about what’s going on locally. The information provided helps me and NE EDEN members provide updates to others. The information shared in ResponseNotes also helps me and NE EDEN prepare for the next incident by managing our web resources better. The link to the tool is go.unl.edu/responsenotes
Damage Assessment
This is for your information: According to Nebraska’s State Emergency Operations Plan (https://nema.nebraska.gov/sites/nema.nebraska.gov/files/doc/nebraska-seop.pdf), glossary, page xii, Nebraska Extension’s ag educators are a part of their County Emergency Boards: “County Emergency Board (CEB): A group comprised of representatives from three USDA agencies, Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Cooperative Extension Service (CES). The County Emergency Manager is also on the CEB.” This board conducts agricultural damage assessment activities, and FSA is the partner who processes assessments. Ag educators have been encouraged to connect with FSA and NRCS personnel in their accountability regions if they haven’t been in touch with them already.
As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
-- Ashley Mueller