This has been a long hard winter season for all of us. Now spring is proving to be tough too! Depending on how quickly our snow melts we have the potential to see some flooding in the area.
NDSU Extension Service has information online on dealing with a flood at (www.ag.ndsu.edu/disaster/flood.html) that can help people prepare their farms, ranches and homes for a flood and deal with this spring's snow melt.
The Web site has information on topics such as sandbagging, standby generators, sump pumps, protecting livestock, coping with stress and evacuation. The information covers preparing for a flood, dealing with the flood, and cleaning up after a flood. The web site also includes information for those dealing with water seepage in their basements, including steps we can take to prevent it.
The flood Web page provides up-to-date, research-based information for homeowners, farmers, ranchers and anyone else who wants help in protecting themselves, their families and their property.
NDSU Extension Service is also emailing information articles on flood related topics on a regular basis this spring. If you would like to receive those information articles by email you may call our Ward County Extension office at 857-6444 or contact your county's NDSU Extension office. We would be happy to add you to our email list.
Your County Extension office also has printed materials on flood and water-related topics available in our offices so you can access them online or stop in our offices and pick up copies.
Thinking ahead is very important if floodwater will be threatening your property this spring. You need to plan how you will protect your property. You also need to have plans in place in case you lose electrical power or have to evacuate. Planning will help you and your family keep from panicking and having to make last-minute decisions.
This has been a stressful winter and spring so let's take care of yourselves and our families. Taking steps to manage and reduce personal stress will help us to keep our perspective and health as we deal with flooding conditions or other weather related concerns. Summer will come and we will be mowing our lawns, planting our gardens and barbequing outdoors. I can't wait!!
Lori Scharmer is an Extension Agent with NDSU Extension Service in Ward County.