The likelihood of a natural disaster occurring in Alabama is high. Hurricanes, floods, droughts, and winter storms are possible. In addition to what we see from nature, we also can expect some man-made disasters in Alabama. Among the list of potential man-made disasters are wildfires and accidents involving hazardous materials and chemical stockpiles.

Disasters come in many forms and may happen when we least expect them. But you can be prepared. This site has many resources intended to help you prepare for disasters such as those listed above. Spending a few hours in preparation for a disaster can make recovery easier and may even save lives – your own and those of loved ones – not to mention companion animals and possessions.

H1N1 Flu information

Flu.gov -- Know What to Do About the Flu 

Alabama Department of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Quick Card

  How to Protect Yourself in the Workplace during a Pandemic

  Spanish version

World Health Organization

EDEN Topic Pages

  Pandemic Influenza In addition to current status, this page includes a link to important information about fraudulent H1N1 medications and products.

eXtension

Auburn University Pandemic Flu

Ready Tip

October is Fire Safety Awareness Month

It is beginning to feel like fall. The temperature has dropped and I’ve started to think about putting away shorts and unpacking sweaters, and storing outdoor furniture and finding the fireplace tools. It’s also time to think about and practice fire safety, especially fire safety at home. Why? Nearly 3,000 people die in residential fires every year in this country. Many of those deaths could have been prevented.

Install smoke alarms.

About two-thirds of deaths caused by residential fires occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.  They should be installed on every level of your home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms. Be sure they are installed and maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions. If you have smoke alarms older than 10 years, replace them. Installing and maintaining smoke alarms can significantly reduce your risk of dying from a home fire.

Make an escape plan.

It can take less than 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a major fire.  Escape plans help you use every second to get out of the house. Plan two ways to get out of each room. If one way is blocked by flames or smoke, you will need a second way out.  Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed. Schedule time every month to practice your escape plan.

Practice fire safety.

Did you know that fires commonly start in bedrooms? These fires may be caused by overloading extension cords or by using portable space heaters too close to combustibles. Bedroom fires are also caused by children who play with matches and careless smoking by adults.

The kitchen is another room in which you should practice fire safety. Prevent cooking fires by  attending to your cooking; keep your sleeves (as well as curtains, towels and pot holders) away from heat sources, turn pan handles inward, and clean cooking surfaces to prevent food and grease build-up.

For more information on these and other fire safety tips, visit fireSafety.GOV . In addition, you will find fun learning activities and games for children.

More Ready Tips

Safety News & Notes (Florida AgSafe)

Summertime and the living is—HOT—especially for outside workers.

Summer is also hurricane season.

Hurricane Preparedness

Alabama State Agriculture Response Team has information on disaster preparedness for your pets and large animals

Hurricane Preparedness Publications: Before and After a Storm (ACES pubs, .pdf format)

Hurricanes (Sea Grant documents)

Hurricane Preparedness tips from the National Hurricane Center

Reducing Damage in Future Storms Issue Page (EDEN, hurricane-resistant building tips)

Heat

Coping with Hot Work Environments (Extensión en Español publication, available in English and Spanish)

Heat Stress: Hazards and Possible Solutions (A collection of fact sheets on the U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA Web site)

Heat Stress Card (OSHA publication)

Heat Stress Card (OSHA publication, Spanish version)

Skin Cancer: Protect Yourself (ACES brochure)

Sports Nutrition for Young Adults: Hydration (ACES publication)

Sun Safe (ACES brochure)

Your Dog in Your Community (ACES publication)

eXtension resources

Learning Opportunities

EDEN Offers Pandemic Preparedness for Businesses

and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness for Faith-Based Organizations

Disaster Kits are for all seasons. What does it take to build a kit?

Disaster Relief Web Site

DisasterAsisstance.gov was launched December 31, 2008 with links to 17 U.S. Government agencies providing disaster assistance.  You can apply for assistance with a single, online application. This website is intended to speed the application process and allow you to check the progress of your application online.

January 2009 Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak

Peanut Butter Product Recalls -- U.S. Food and Drug Administration Site is updated as new information is received.