| As the number of people affected by natural and man-made disasters increases, so does the need for emergency preparedness education. Previous research has indicated that education and training can have an impact on the resiliency of individuals, families, and communities. The use of Extension professionals in regional and county offices across each state is an effective means for education. In this study, family and consumer sciences (FCS) county Extension faculty in the Western Region of the United States were surveyed to determine the best practices used and perceptions of the importance and their ability to educate individuals, families, and communities on emergency preparedness. Many respondents agreed on effective strategies to recruit individuals to Extension programming. Overall, FCS county Extension faculty indicated that emergency preparedness being offered was important; however, they did not think they had adequate knowledge or ability to educate on many emergency preparedness topics. |
