News

Aug 30, 2011

Seek help with financial difficulties following Hurricane Irene

There are sources of assistance for families dealing with costly storm damage to their homes. Know where to look for help and know your rights should you find yourself faced with home foreclosure in the aftermath of the storm. 

Aug 30, 2011

Produce grown in flooded gardens poses food safety risks

Produce grown in gardens that were submerged by floodwaters during or after Hurricane Irene can pose a health risk. A new food safety info sheet from North Carolina Extension explains the risks and what you can do to avoid getting sick. 

Aug 30, 2011

Post-storm power losses and flooding can lead to unsafe food

Hurricane Irene left many people across North Carolina without power – and with questions about food safety. When the power goes out, food that’s supposed to be kept cool in the refrigerator or freezer can grow harmful bacteria. Because unsafe food may not appear to be or smell spoiled, North Carolina Cooperative Extension offers post-storm food safety guidelines. 

Aug 30, 2011

Flood-damaged homes need special care to prevent and remove mold

Mold can cause health problems, so people who live in homes that were flooded during Hurricane Irene should act quickly and carefully to prevent or remove mold. North Carolina Cooperative Extension provides recommendations for helping homeowners faced with mold problems. 

Aug 30, 2011

Export boom

One area of economic good news appears to be the export market. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden describes what’s going on. 

Aug 29, 2011

Dealing with stress in the wake of the storm

Families who weather particularly bad storms such as Hurricane Irene are likely to experience stress. Recognizing the signs and taking steps to cope with them are key to reducing the impact, say North Carolina Cooperative Extension agents and specialists. 

Aug 29, 2011

Farmers with weather losses can get answers to tax questions online

The recent heavy weather from hurricane Irene that has affected many parts of the Eastern United States has caused damage to agriculture, rural and coastal businesses. In many cases the damage to farms, rural businesses and private homes qualifies as a casualty loss due to the unexpected damage. A resource to help individuals and clients of professional tax preparers relative to casualty losses and other tax issues is available from the website RuralTax.org. 

Aug 29, 2011

Take steps now to minimize problems with storm-damaged shade trees, timber stands

If you have a storm-damaged shade tree or timber stand, there are steps you can take now to minimize problems. Hanging branches are particularly hazardous. 

Aug 29, 2011

Making flood-damaged homes habitable

When it comes to cleaning a flood-damaged home, safety comes first. North Carolina Cooperative Extension offers cleanup recommendations. 

Aug 29, 2011

Bertie raises $7,000+ for tornado relief fund

Bertie County's Cooperative Extension staff raised $7,320 for that county's tornado relief fund through a drawing for a donated John Deere riding lawnmower.