Weather-related hazards

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Drought and excessive heat can push you, your home and the environment beyond normal limits. MU Extension helps you deal with drought and heat and prepare for wildfires.

June 2012 Weather and Its Impacts on Missouri

One of the worst droughts in nearly 25 years was impacting Missouri by the end of June and agricultural crops were feeling the stress from lack of rain and sweltering temperatures. Read more

Heat, drought put Missouri in danger of wildfires

Drought and record-high temperatures have placed parts of Missouri under a fire weather watch, which the National Weather Service issues when forecasters are expecting ideal conditions for extensive wildfires. Read more

You can help prevent wildfires

Find out what you can do to prevent and control wildfires. The Missouri Department of Conservation offers tools and tips to help you protect lives, property and our natural resources. Read more

MU Extension creates Facebook page for drought in Missouri

University of Missouri Extension has created an open community page on Facebook for organizations and individuals to share information related to drought, extreme heat and wildfires in Missouri. Read more

eXtension Wildfire Information Network

Wildfires can start suddenly. Don’t be caught unprepared. eXtension offers ideas on preparing your home and evacuation routes, what to do if you’re trapped, and how to manage when you return home after a fire. Read more

Be prepared with your own disaster supplies kit

When disaster strikes, you are concerned with the safety of yourself and your family. It is not the time to figure out what supplies you need. Plan ahead and create your own disaster supply kit today. Read more

Water your foundation to prevent cracking

In addition to watering your lawn and trees, it’s a good idea to water your home’s foundation, said a University of Missouri housing and environmental specialist. Dry, shifting ground can crack foundations. Read more

Watering your lawn in drought conditions

Are you wondering whether or not you should water your lawn during drought conditions? Find out how you can conserve water and help your lawn in MU Extensions Home Watering Guide. Read more

Drought can bring on nitrate poisoning in farm animals

Nitrate is a normal part of our environment. But drought conditions can cause the nitrogen cycle of plants, water and air to become out of balance. Farm animals eating forage or drinking water with excessive levels of nitrate can be poisoned. Read more

 

News

  • Thursday, June 13, 2013
    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.–Recent tornadoes have wreaked havoc on communities throughout the Midwest, stretching emergency services thin. Each year, the Missouri Summer Fire School helps first responders prepare for the many challenges they might face in the aftermath of natural disasters and other emergencies.
    Media available: photo; video
  • Monday, May 20, 2013
    COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has an extensive collection of resources and links to help individuals, families and communities prepare for and recover from weather-related emergencies and other disasters:
  • Thursday, April 25, 2013
    COLUMBIA, Mo.– While security experts and law enforcement personnel are determined to make sure events like the Boston Marathon bombing never happen again, emergency preparedness and personal safety begin with the individual, says a University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist.
  • Wednesday, April 24, 2013
    University of Missouri Extension has an extensive collection of resources and links to help individuals, families and communities prepare for and recover from floods and other disasters. Go to www.extension.missouri.edu/flood.
  • Friday, January 11, 2013
    COLUMBIA, Mo.– Thirty-one Missouri counties are among almost 600 counties across the U.S. that have been designated by the USDA as primary natural disaster areas due to drought and heat. Farm operators in these counties are eligible for low-interest emergency loans from USDA.
    Media available: video
  • Tuesday, January 8, 2013
    COLUMBIA, Mo.– Producers can take steps to reduce the impact of drought, should we face another shortage of rainfall in 2013, says a University of Missouri plant scientist.
  • Thursday, August 9, 2012
    COLUMBIA, Mo. – The livestock industry is taking a direct hit by this summer’s drought, and that will impact consumers’ wallets next year, says a University of Missouri agricultural economist.
    Media available: video
  • Wednesday, August 8, 2012
    NOVELTY, Mo. – Zac Erwin stood by a drought-stunted field of Sudangrass as he talked to wagon-loads of field day visitors at the MU Greenley Research Center, Aug. 7.
  • Friday, August 3, 2012
    COLUMBIA – Soybeans that won’t make a seed crop offer potential high-quality forage for beef and dairy producers. The decision to cut beans for hay won’t be easy, say University of Missouri Extension specialists.
  • Thursday, August 2, 2012
    COLUMBIA, Mo – Some heat-stressed cows are delivering premature calves, ahead of normal fall-calving season.
  • Wednesday, June 29, 2011
    TRENTON, Mo.– University of Missouri Extension has prepared a checklist of measures people can take to reduce the impact of floodwater on their homes.
  • Thursday, June 16, 2011
    JOPLIN, Mo. – Harold Noirfalise used to curse the big steel box in the garage of his Joplin home. It was there when he and his wife, Brenda, bought the house a couple years ago. The box shared space with a pickup, a car and a workshop where he built radio-controlled model airplanes, making for a crowded garage.
    Media available: photos; video
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