From the EDEN CHAIR
As this issue of the newsletter highlights some of EDEN’s flood resources, I am reminded of something I came to realize several years ago. For many of you this won’t be a surprise, but I started to draw parallels between river flooding, as opposed to flash flooding, and droughts. Both of the events tend to build over time and take an exceptional emotional toll because those affected are generally powerless to do anything to change the outcome. I contrast that with the tornado recovery in Gifford and Washington, IL which I have been observing since November 17. At a simplistic level, the tornado strikes, survivors are accounted for and the clean-up and rebuilding begins often in just a day or two. That’s not to say that there isn’t an emotional toll with the tornadoes. There certainly is the loss of cherished possessions, upheaval in your life and the frustration of dealing with the government and insurers; but it seems different. The light at the end of the proverbial tunnel is pretty much there from the start in a tornado. With river floods and droughts, it is rarely apparent that recovery is around the corner until the water starts to drop or there are several consecutive months of good rain. Regardless of our particular field of expertise, we all need to be aware of the emotional needs of those we are attempting to assist. EDEN has some resources in this area. We could always use more, so if you have some, get in touch. Here’s to a safe Spring for all.
In this Issue
A Note from the EDEN Flood NEILEven though there is some focus on flooding during the spring melt, flooding occurs during the entire year. It may be from a rapid snow melt following a heavy snow storm or a heavy rain event. The EDEN Flood NEIL is continuing to develop resources for both the EDEN and eXtension websites. An extensive cataloging of online resources has been completed and will be tagged on the EDEN website when its revision is completed. The eXtension flood site is being updated. These tasks will gain momentum this summer when the North Dakota State University Emergency Management graduate student will commit more time to the effort. Fortunately the current NOAA snow water map does not show areas with water levels that would be expected to contribute to significant spring flooding. The flooding potential map shows only scattered locations with a 50% probability or greater of moderate flooding and only a few locations with minor flooding at a 75% probability. Get specific information for your area by clicking on the NWS River Forecast Center for your area. EDEN NEIL Responds to DroughtThe drought that started for most of the U.S. in 2012 quietly rages on for more than one-third of the country in 2014. The National EDEN Issue Leadership team is still partnering with other national agencies and organizations to address drought issues. Drought ForumThe NEIL is co-sponsoring a monthly Adobe connect sessions with National VOAD providing a conference line for a show and tell on the latest drought situation. Extension and emergency managers and volunteers from as many as 15 states have participated in the forum. Drought ProgramThe EDEN homeland Security Project still has funds for a few communities to pilot the Community Capacity-Building Program for Drought Response. Drought MatrixLeaders from the NEIL are working with federal partners to develop a web-based tool for communities and the ag industry to better understand federal resources to prepare for our respond to drought. Contact Steve Cain for more information. Upcoming EventsMarch 7, 2014 March 20, 2014 April 4, 2014 April 25, 2014 May 2, 2014 May 30, 2014 Featured Disaster ResourcesEDEN Website
National Drought Mitigation CentereXtension Website
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