Disaster Preparedness

Ready for Anything

From flooding and hail to hurricanes and drought, Connecticut has seen firsthand the toll disasters can take on farms, families, and communities. The old saying, “it’s not if, but when,” holds true: disasters will happen, and preparation is the best defense. Disaster preparedness builds resilience by reducing damage and speeding recovery. As natural disasters in the Northeast become more frequent and intense, proactive planning is more critical than ever.

UConn Extension, through the national Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), brings research-based knowledge to Connecticut farms, families, and municipalities. Extension efforts span farm resilience planning, food safety during power outages, preparedness checklists for households, and stormwater and shoreline management for towns. Across the state, Extension educators identify gaps in preparedness and partner with communities to fill them.

“UConn Extension’s ability to connect people throughout the state with the university’s expertise means we’re uniquely positioned to help people prepare and recover from severe weather events through our research-based education programs and services,” says Amy Harder, associate dean for extension.

Preparedness protects lives and property, reduces economic losses, and strengthens community resilience. Research shows that planning ahead lowers injury and property damage, minimizes disruption, and cuts recovery costs. While preparing for the unknown isn’t always top of mind, it creates adaptive strategies that make individuals and communities stronger. Programs and resources are available for farms, residents, and communities and includes fact sheets, videos for on-demand learning, guides, and workshops and community events. Seasonal checklists accompany the fact sheets guiding farm preparedness and mitigation.

Recommendations include creating emergency plans, building emergency kits, staying informed, preparing homes and property, engaging with community resources, and considering vulnerable populations, including those with limited mobility and housing security issues. On the municipal level, efforts include stormwater management, coastal living shorelines, and forestry practices that improve resilience.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility. By planning ahead and using available resources, farms, families, and communities can take the first steps toward resilience—and recover faster when the next disaster strikes.

Explore the resources available at s.uconn.edu/eden.