Webinar: AgriAbility Webinar Series

Emergency Preparedness for Farmers, Ranchers and other Rural Residents with Disabilities

Farmers/ranchers, family members, and other rural residents with disabilities are especially vulnerable to emergencies and disasters because of restricted physical abilities and greater physical isolation from neighbors and emergency services. This webinar will provide an overview of this broad topic and serve as part of a larger, ongoing dialog on emergency preparedness for this population group.

Join the National AgrAbility Project for this free webinar that explores such topics as:

• Developing emergency preparedness plans and support networks
• Sheltering and other aspects of dealing with severe weather
• Fire emergencies in homes, out-buildings, and machinery
• Mental health and stress issues in emergencies
• Other resources available for emergency management

Our Presenters:

Gail Deboy holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, farmed for 27 years, and is Project Engineer for the National AgrAbility Project. He was also an EMT for ten years, worked for Purdue University's Homeland Security Program, and wrote curriculum materials for Purdue's Agrosecurity course.

Steve Wettschurack is currently the Certified Farm Accident Rescue Instructor at Purdue University. His background includes 35 years of volunteer fire department service, 25 years as an EMT, and 13 years as Director of Homeland Security in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, where he developed county-wide disaster and preparedness plans and served on the preparedness and planning group for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

A question & answer period will follow the presentation.

To participate in this free webinar, email agrability@agrability.org by February 18 and simply put the word "Webinar" in the subject line. Instructions for accessing the session will be sent to registrants by February 22. Feel free to pass on this invitation to others you believe may be interested. Contact AgrAbility at 800-825-4264 if you have questions.