Wind and surge effects from Irene along our Atlantic coast, while significant, were generally less than expected.  The high-population centers were spared. Inland rain, however, has been, and continues to be, the responsible for the greatest destruction and loss of life - with the most devastating effects being felt in New Jersey, Vermont and New York. 

The principal impacts of Hurricane Irene were felt miles from the coast, where torrential rains fell on already-saturated soils and in the hills. The graphic here is the last we captured in a long series of similar images that document why forecasters said the major impact of Irene would be  inland flooding.

 The green and yellow overlay, with hints of orange, is the radar image. 

EDEN responded to Irene first by tracking its progress on the 2011 Hurricane Season page and later creating this page and section to capture the recovery and Extension's involvement. Throughout the event EDEN web management sent periodic updates to delegates. Once the storm had passed, EDEN created an event name in the Response Notes system and encouraged delegates to share their response and recovery situation, needs and activities.

EDEN/eXtension Hosted a conference call Friday, September 2, at 1:00 EDT for EDEN POCs in the affected states who wished to learn more about resources available for recovering from floods. The call was led by Ken Hellevang. Vermont participants indicated they have used EDEN resources extensively. The Vermont website links to many useful tools offered directly by delegates or through the EDEN and eXtension sites. Identified issues were  corn, hay and soybean crops, and produce (primarily a concern of commercial producers).  

Comparisons have been made between Irene's potential impact on the upper Atlantic coast and the catastrophic effects of Katrina and Rita along the northern Gulf Coast. On August 26, Louisiana Extension reminded EDEN that helpful information may be found in its 2007 Journal of Extension Article, True Colors Shining Through: Cooperative Extension Strengths in Time of Disaster. The message was rebroadcast through Extension social media and EDEN Chair, Virginia Morgan established contact with EDEN POCs in states in Irene's path.

JOE Article Abstract and Lessons Learned
Responding to the destruction brought to Louisiana by hurricanes Katrina and Rita proved extraordinarily challenging for the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service (LCES). Responding to and recovering from such widespread destruction also provided valuable insights into the vital services that state Cooperative Extension Services have the capability to provide. In this Commentary, we share just a few of the insights we gained from surviving these disasters and provide some "lessons learned" that we hope you will find valuable as you consider the essential roles you play in your communities.

Lessons Learned from Katrina and Rita

1. Have a plan to account for personnel in times of disaster.
   
2. Be prepared to print publications (or have inventory) that can meet immediate needs post-disaster.
   
3. Be prepared to lose communication technology: have contingency plans, use satellite phone technology, and bring in mobile Internet connectivity that can run on generated power.
   
4. Have emergency fuel stocks in place for travel and portable generator power needed to re-establish connectivity in disaster areas.
   
5. Have a list of emergency contact information available for all personnel.
   
6. Have an emergency housing and business re-establishment plan.
   
7. Be prepared to set up emergency livestock rescue operations.
   
8. Be prepared to deal with animal carcass disposal.
   
9. Be prepared to deal with rescued companion animals (primarily cats and dogs) following a flood event.
   
10. Have a pre-established volunteer management plan in place.
    
11. Have in place a plan to accept, manage, and fairly allocate donations.
    
12. Be prepared to put in place a system for accepting and fairly allocating internal organizational financial donations.
    
13. Be patient, and be prepared to take risks and empower employees to get the job done on the ground with minimal interference--but with willingness and offer to help in any way necessary.
    
14. Collaborate with other entities for disaster management, considering how the organizations should work together for maximum assistance.
    
15. Recognize that disasters can provide a valuable "teachable moment." Providing information to people in crisis can help them learn and move forward as they pick up the pieces.

Recovery and learning continues. One notable, relevant advance has been establshing a practice of offering its state 4-H youth camp as an evacuation shelter for extension and research personnel and their families.