How to Prepare for Winter Weather

As we all prepare for the possibility of winter weather, don't forget about the resources available on the NC Disaster Information Center portal  -- https://ncdisaster.ces.ncsu.edu/.  This site includes resources on preparation as well as recovery after winter storms.

There is also a guide from FEMA, How to Prepare for Winter Storms.

January is National Radon Action Month

January is National Radon Action Month.  Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless and naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can only be detected through testing.

Click here to read the NC Healthy Homes Solutions newsletter.

Maintain, Don't Gain Holiday Challenge

Are you worried that you will gain weight during the upcoming holiday season?  If so, you can join the 10th annual Eat Smart, Move More, Maintain, don't gain! Holiday Challenge.

Instead of focusing on losing weight during throughout the holiday season, you can use this FREE information to gain tips, tricks and ideas to help you maintain your weight.

Click here for the link to help you begin your personal Holiday Challenge.

November 15th is National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day

It’s time to tackle the one job that is dreaded by most but is an important task none the less.  It is often due to our hectic and busy lifestyles that the cleaning of the refrigerator gets neglected so hence the creation of National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day that is observed annually on November 15. 

It is perfect timing for this day as the holidays are coming soon and we will need room for all of the leftovers.   You might be surprised what you find on the back of the shelves.  Things are often pushed back as new food is put in the front and it is forgotten.

Here is a fun fact sheet that might help you...

Some suggestions for cleaning your refrigerator are:

• Empty each shelf.
• Completely wipe down the inside of refrigerator.
• Wash drawers and under drawers.
• Throw away all expired food.
• Throw away any moldy food.
•  Get rid of anything that you do not use.
• Vacuum condenser coils.
• Vacuum out under refrigerator.
• Restock shelves and drawers with good food.
• Enjoy your nice, clean, organized refrigerator.

4th Annual 4-H Holiday Poinsettia Plant Sale

It's time for the 4th Annual Alleghany 4-H Holiday Poinsettia Plant Sale.  They are offering 4 color choices in 2 different sizes, as well as foil and bow options.  Click here for the description / order form.

The deadline for taking orders and payment is Friday, November 20th.  The plant pick up date will be Tuesday, November 24th from 9am to 5pm.

Help Alleghany 4-H help our local youth.  ALL proceeds are used to provide scholarship opportunities for 4-H Camp and other 4-H events.

For any questions or for more information, please call 336-372-5597 or you can email Michele Hamm.

Horse flood/wind damage disaster planning

With the heavy rains and possible hurricane conditions that are affecting the state right now, it is important to advise those with horses/horse farms about disaster planning.

Please promptly share the following links with any horse owners in your areas and stress the importance of planning for a weather disaster before it occurs.  Anyone with questions or needing assistance can contact the Extension Horse Husbandry office.

NCAGR Horse Disaster Preparedness:
http://www.ncagr.gov/disaster/Livestock.htm

NCAGR 24 step horse disaster plan:
http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/livestock/horse/documents/24StepDisasterPlan.pdf

NCAGR Equine Disaster Responce Alliance:
http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/livestock/horse/EquineDisasterResponseAlliancePartners.htm

Emergency Boarding Facilities in NC accepting horses for evacuation:
http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/livestock/horse/directory/directory.asp?TOS=4

Un iversity of Florida Equine Hurricane Preparedness document:
http://www.floridahorse.com/HurricanePreparednessHorses.pdf

Private Wellowner Tip Sheet - September 2015

Visit the Private Wellowner Tip Sheet link for valuable information from the National Ground Water Association.