The North Dakota State University Extension Service plans to host a Flood Recovery Series in Bismarck. This four-part educational program will be held at Bismarck State College, in the National Energy Center for Excellence Auditorium (Room 304) on August 16, 18, 23 and 25 from 7-9 p.m. each evening.
“The flooding of the Missouri River has wreaked havoc on the well-being of those in its path,” said Megan Myrdal, NDSU Extension Agent in Burleigh County. “This series is intended to provide affected individuals with objective, research-based information on critical, timely flood-related topics.”
Each evening session will address a different subject matter and will feature state specialists from North Dakota State University, as well as local authorities to address residents’ needs.
A discussion on how to deal with flooded trees and lawns will begin the series on August 16. Presenters Joe Zeleznik, Ph.D., NDSU Extension Forester and Thomas Kalb, Ph.D., NDSU Extension Horticulture Specialist, will educate attendees on how to care for flooded landscapes, gardens and trees when the waters subside.
Cleaning a flooded home will be addressed on August 18. Ken Hellevang, Ph.D., P.E., NDSU Extension Engineer will present a session on the best practices for cleaning and restoring a flooded home. Dr. Hellevang serves as the chair of the national Extension Disaster Education Network Flood Team and is the NDSU Extension Service resource person for flood related structures and mold topics.
Because flooding does not only damage property, stress and emotional health will be the matter of discussion on August 23, presented by Dr. Kit O'Neill. Dr. O’Neill is a clinical psychologist and has been an instructor specializing in mental health issues relating to disasters for the past 17 years. She has been a responder for the American Red Cross and has served on over 10 national Red Cross disaster operations, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and North Dakota floods (1997, 2009, 2010, 2011). Her interactive presentation will give participants tools and strategies to cope more effectively with flood-related stress.
Finally, the series will conclude with a discussion on financial recovery in the wake of disaster. Lori Scharmer, M.S., NDSU Extension Agent in Ward County, will discuss the Recovery After Disaster: Family Financial Toolkit – a free, online resource to help flood victims learn key strategies, identify resources and explore options related to financial recovery. Scharmer was involved in the development of this toolkit, as NDSU Extension Service partnered with the University of Minnesota Extension to create this important tool.
All classes are free and open to the public but phone-in registration is required. Please call the Burleigh County Extension Office at 221-6865 to register.