Nebraska Extension in Dakota County

The one-year anniversary tornado outbreaks and the 2024 Arbor Day tornadoes is quickly approaching, we're reminded how quickly emergencies impact our communities and disrupt lives.

Resources to support you and your communities:

• Fit and Healthy Kids - Natural Disasters. 
  The Early Childhood team has resources for families, providers, and communities to support children during and after severe weather events. Thanks to Linda Reddish for sharing this information with me and I've provided resources below.
• Hail Know. 
  We can't prevent hail but there are resources available to help producers make timely decisions following a severe storm. 
• Disaster Education. 
  All-hazards resources are available and there is no log-in required for the Employee Resources (at this time).
• Disaster Anniversaries.

2024 was one for the record books in Nebraska. No matter what the event, the anniversaries of an event can reactivate thoughts and feelings from the actual event. Learn more about common disaster anniversary reaction.

Also, many of Nebraska Extension's program focus teams have resources available that may be helpful following extreme weather events. Be sure to check out those website and reach out to team members for more information.

If you have questions, please reach out to any member of the Nebraska EDEN team. We are here for you!

Resources to Help Young Children and Youth Cope with Weather Emergencies

For support during weather emergencies, the Nebraska Extension Early Childhood team offers resources specifically designed to help families and childcare providers during weather emergencies.

Extension professionals, early childhood educators, and related support services can utilize these materials to navigate weather-related crises effectively. The materials are available in English and Spanish, and the content is age-appropriate, offering simple explanations for young children.

• Social Media Content Age-appropriate explanations delivered via social media and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) to help children affected by weather disasters. These resources are available in English and Spanish. https://go.unl.edu/natural-disasters-child
• Helping Young Children Cope: This handout offers simple language to help understand and support children as they process these difficult emotions after a disaster. https://go.unl.edu/natural-disasters-child-1

Remember, young children and youth react differently to stressful events. Following a disaster, it's common for young children to experience emotions as they cope with the impact.

 They may feel:

• Grief: Sadness for losses, changes in their environment, or what feels familiar.
• Fear and Anxiety: Worry about safety, future events, or separation from loved ones.
• Confusion: Difficulty understanding what happened and what comes next.
• Anger and Frustration: Feeling upset about the disruption and loss of control.
• Insecurity: A diminished sense of safety and predictability.

 What can you do? Stay calm and present, as children can sense the stress of their caregivers around them. Actively listen and validate their feelings, offering comfort. Maintain routines, use simple language, and allow them to express themselves; limit media content and seek help if worried.

We hope these resources and fostering communication, families, educators, and caregivers can support young children and youth as they navigate the challenges brought on by weather emergencies. Additional questions regarding this resource can be emailed to earlychildhood@unl.edu.

Nebraska Extension and Northeast Community College will be co-hosting the 3^rd Nebraska Agriculture and Spray Drone Conference on August 21^st and 22^nd, 2025 at Norfolk, NE.

This year’s theme will be “Entrepreneurship Opportunities with Drones”.  The conference will focus on how to start a drone business and types of drone services.  A business expo will also be held during the conferences.

Please save the date and more information on the conference, presenters, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, and registration will be coming in May.

If you have any questions, please contact Dirk Charlson at dirk.charlson@unl.edu or call/text 402-460-0742.