Disaster Resources - University of Illinois Extension


University of Illinois Extension Disaster Resources

Programming Suggestions

The Illinois Cooperative Extension Service provides educational programs and materials for professionals, volunteers, and the general public.

Before a Disaster, University of Illinois Extension can:

  1. Conduct or facilitate educational programs on disaster preparedness (Example: Family Protection Program, Disaster Preparedness Program)
  2. Provide information and resources for disaster preparedness directly to the public or through local businesses, agencies, or organizations (Example: Household Inventory)
  3. Make agencies and organizations involved with disaster management/recovery aware of University of Illinois Extension resources that could be used during emergencies or disasters (see After a Disaster, below)
  4. Participate in or facilitate collaborative efforts to enhance disaster preparedness in your community. Work with partner agencies and organizations might include efforts at community organization, volunteer training, conference planning.

After a Disaster, University of Illinois Extension can:

  1. Assist local emergency management/disaster recovery agencies and organizations by:

    • Suggesting ways in which University of Illinois Extension can complement recovery efforts
    • Offering the use of University of Illinois Extension facilities
  2. Provide practical information to disaster victims (Examples: Disaster Fact Sheets, When Disaster Strikes: What to do after an insured homeowners loss, Replacement Fact Sheets, Getting Through Tough Times)
    Depending on the stage of disaster recovery, distribution can be made through:
    • Hand delivery (door-to-door) to affected families or individuals
    • Through the Red Cross at shelters
    • Via city governments or your local Emergency Services and Disaster agency (ESDA) coordinator
    • News releases, radio and television PSAs
    The most timely information immediately following a disaster, especially in areas of power outages, will be information on food safety and health. Other important information would include fact sheets on cleanup, insurance, and financial recovery.
  3. Conduct or facilitate educational programs for the general public, professionals, and volunteers (Examples: disaster recovery, health and food safety, coping with stress and parenting, agricultural practices following flooding)
  4. Provide consultation and assistance in efforts to rebuild farms, businesses, and communities (Examples: assessing farm structure damage/plans to rebuild, community economic development)
  5. Assist in gathering information and conducting needs assessment

Updated: March 24, 1997

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