NC State Experts Can Discuss Hurricane, Disaster Issues

As hurricane Arthur moves up the coast this weekend, media looking for information on a variety of hurricane topics can contact the following North Carolina State University experts:

Storm Surge and Flood Prediction

Marine meteorologist Dr. Lian Xie can discuss research on hurricane formation. Specifically, Xie can talk about hurricane climatology and seasonal prediction; storm surge and coastal flooding forecasting; and ocean-hurricane interaction. He is at 919/515-1435 or lian_xie@ncsu.edu.

Hurricanes in North Carolina

State Climatologist Ryan Boyles is a weather and climate specialist who can talk about hurricane history and impacts in North Carolina. He can be reached at 919/513-2816 or ryan_boyles@ncsu.edu.

Care for Pets and Animals During and After Disasters

Dr. Kelli Ferris, assistant professor of clinical sciences, has been instrumental in saving animals during natural disasters. Dr. Ferris directs the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Community-Campus Partnership, which provides a range of veterinary services to communities across the state. Dr. Ferris is no stranger to disaster relief: Utilizing a mobile veterinary hospital, she cared for hundreds of animals in the aftermaths of Hurricane Floyd in 1999, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Irene in 2011. She can be reached at 919/606-2752 or kelli_ferris@ncsu.edu.

Dr. Dianne Dunning is the director of NC State’s Animal Welfare, Ethics and Public Service Program. She can discuss these efforts and can talk about how to care for animals and animal survival during disasters. She can be reached at 919/513-6267 or dianne_dunning@ncsu.edu.

Dr. David Eggleston, director of the Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, can speak about the impact that hurricanes can have on crab and fisheries populations along the eastern seaboard. He can be reached at 919/515-7840 or 252/222-6301, or at eggleston@ncsu.edu.

Dr. Barrett Slenning, College of Veterinary Medicine director of agrosecurity and biopreparedness, can speak to large-animal care, emergency needs and biosecurity issues. He can be reached at 919/513-6324 or barrett_slenning@ncsu.edu.

Water Quality

Dr. David Eggleston, director of the Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, can discuss a hurricane’s effects on ocean salinity and dissolved oxygen levels. He can be reached at 919/515-7840 or 252/222-6301, or at eggleston@ncsu.edu.

Food Safety

Dr. Ben Chapman, a food-safety specialist and assistant professor of family and consumer sciences, can discuss food safety issues related to post-hurricane power outages. He can be reached at 919/515-8099 or benjamin_chapman@ncsu.edu.

Effects on Children and Parents

Dr. Kimberly Allen, parenting and youth development specialist, can discuss the effects of disasters – like hurricanes – on children and parents, and how to help parents assist their children in preparing for and recovering from a disaster. She can be reached at 919/515-9139 or kimberly_allen@ncsu.edu.

Home Cleanup and Restoration

Dr. Sarah Kirby can talk about a variety of topics on storm damage to homes, including cleaning and minor structural repairs. She can be reached at 919/515-9154 or sarah_kirby@ncsu.edu.

Effect on Trees and Timber Resources

Forestry and Environmental Resources extension leader Dr. Robert Bardon can discuss the economic damage to the timber industry and how any salvage operations might be conducted.Bardon can be reached at 919/515-5575 or rebardon@ncsu.edu.

Impact on Local Wildlife

Dr. Chris DePerno, professor of forestry and environmental resources, is an expert in wildlife and fisheries who can discuss the hurricane’s impact on wild animals. DePerno is at 919/513-7559 or chris_deperno@ncsu.edu.

On the Web

A list of N.C. Cooperative Extension personnel with expertise in disaster-related issues can be accessed at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster/media/experts.html.

Information and materials on tree-related damage after natural disasters can be accessed on Extension Forestry’s website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/forestry/programs/disaster.php.

A State Climate Office website with real-time access to weather information collected from hundreds of weather stations around the state and bordering regions can be accessed here: http://www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu/