Winter weather resources from MU Extension
Editors: University of Missouri Extension has compiled a list of websites, extension publications, news releases and other online resources for coping before, during and after winter storms. MU Extension news releases
Severe-weather resources from MU Extension
News releases, videos, publications and more. Publications In-depth information is available from these MU Extension publications, which are available for free download. (To access publications, use the links below or go extension.missouri.edu/publications/ and search by publication number.)
3 keys to emergency preparedness
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.Whether it’s an explosion, flooding or a tornado, Eric Evans says there are three basic things people need to be prepared for any emergency:…
Heat-related information from MU Extension
With dangerously high temperatures in much of Missouri, here are some relevant news releases and publications from University of Missouri Extension. MU Extension news releases
Creating an Emergency Kit
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Greene County 4-H is partnering with the Greene County Office of Emergency Management to help youth and families get prepared for emergencies, and to get more youth interested in public safety careers. Teaching youth about emergency preparedness is important for several reasons according to Willa Williams, the new 4-H youth specialist in Greene County and also the Missouri 4-H youth preparedness program manager.
After the deluge
ROCK PORT, Mo. – Historic flooding along the Missouri River in 2019 has left many still repairing damage this fall.Cold, snowy weather in early 2019 set the stage for significant flooding in northwestern Missouri as spring approached, said University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Pat Guinan.
Develop a family crisis plan
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The best time to prepare for an emergency is when there is no emergency, says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist. National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is held annually in September and is a good time to develop a crisis plan, says Funkenbusch.
Lessons learned during 2007 ice storm can help deal with stress of sheltering in place
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- If experience is a great teacher, then the 2007 ice storm that hit southwest Missouri taught us some valuable lessons. The storm left many families stranded indoors for a week or more without electricity and other modern conveniences.
Be prepared for the next big storm
BETHANY, Mo. – Be prepared for the next big storm BEFORE it happens in your area.“That means having a safe place, with a supply of food, water and other items ready to use when and where you may need them,” says University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist Janet Hackert.“If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor,” she says. “Stay away from windows.”
Talking smoke detectors wake sleeping children better than shrill, beeping alarm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The piercing 85-decibel alarm from smoke detectors will wake most adults with a start, but small children might sleep right through them.That’s why parents might want to consider an alarm that talks to their children in case of a fire, said Karen Funkenbusch, a University of Missouri safety specialist.
Tips for safe snow shoveling
MARSHFIELD, Mo. –Before you grab that snow shovel to clear your sidewalk or driveway, stop to go over some safety tips, said a University of Missouri Extension natural resource engineering specialist. “Snow shoveling is not the exercise to use to start getting in shape,” said Bob Schultheis. “Exercise experts say shoveling heavy snow requires as much energy as running nine miles per hour.”
Elderly at special risk during frigid weather
COLUMBIA, Mo. –Frigid weather across the Midwest puts the elderly at special risk, said a University of Missouri Extension safety specialist. “Elderly in poorly heated homes or those of low income may unknowingly keep temperatures in a dangerous range in attempts to lower their heating bills.” said Karen Funkenbusch.
Ice dams on the roof can damage your home
MARSHFIELD, Mo. – Unwanted icicles hanging from the roof are a warning sign of ice dams, which can inflict considerable interior and exterior damage to your home.According to Bob Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension natural resource engineering specialist, nonuniform roof temperatures cause ice dams.“In the winter, when warm air inside the house leaks into the unheated attic, it creates warm areas on the roof,” Schultheis said.
MU expert recommends precautions to avoid frozen pipes
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Temperatures hovering near zero could mean problems with frozen water lines. Homeowners should take precautions to prevent pipes from freezing and know to how to thaw frozen pipes safely, according to University of Missouri Extension experts.
Winter power outages can lead to generator concerns
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Severe winter weather can bring widespread power outages, which means many Missouri families might be firing up their generators. University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist Eric Evans urges people to use common sense when using a generator.
Heatstroke can kill quickly in hot cars
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When the news has another tragic story about a child accidentally left in a hot car, parents might believe they could never make a mistake like that. “It’s not just negligent parents or indifferent caregivers. When juggling the demands of work, parenting and daily life, it’s easier than you might think to make a simple but fatal mistake,” says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety…
Ice melters may harm nearby trees
COLUMBIA, Mo.- Homeowners should be careful when using ice melters close to trees this winter, said a University of Missouri Extension forester. "Nearly all ice melters are salts," said Hank Stelzer. They work by lowering the freezing point of water to well below 32 degrees.
MU Extension expert recommends replacing older smoke detectors
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Even if you regularly check the batteries and test your home smoke detectors, you may not be alerted if a fire breaks out.Residential fires accounted for 83 percent of fire deaths in the United States during 2011-2013. Deaths are twice as high in homes without smoke alarms or with nonworking alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
How to replace lost documents after a disaster or loss
CARTHAGE, Mo. –Replacing important family documents after a tornado or flood can be a time consuming and costly exercise in frustration, according to Janet LaFon, family financial education specialist for University of Missouri Extension.“If a disaster recently destroyed your important papers there are ways to get new documents. The process can take a while, and there may be fees involved, but obtaining replacement copies is possible…
Disaster-readiness resources from MU Extension
University of Missouri Extension has resources to help you and your family prepare for and recover from disasters.
First aid for leaky basements
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If your basement sprung a leak during recent intense rainfalls, you’re not alone.
Property loss from disasters may be tax deductible
Related video: Coping with disaster, youtube.com/watch?v=q6_ugKGvd_MCOLUMBIA, Mo. – Disaster victims may recoup some of their uninsured losses from natural disasters, said former University of Missouri Extension consumer and family economics specialist Brenda Procter. Uncompensated property losses in presidentially declared disaster areas are tax deductible.
Be prepared for flooded roads
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.– Flooding is a potential threat in many parts of Missouri. And even if your house is not in a flood plain, you may drive through one on your way home.
Use shock chlorination to disinfect contaminated wells
BLOOMFIELD, Mo. – Heavy rains and rising rivers may flood wells. “Wells could be contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites that can make you ill,” said Van Ayers, a former University of Missouri Extension agriculture and rural development specialist.Water from a flooded well should not be used for drinking or food preparation until the well and plumbing system have been disinfected and the water has been tested for safety.