Better preparation and support from disaster-recovery experts can help fast-track
recovery and alleviate long-term costs for communities. With that in mind,
the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service received funding from the 86th Texas
Legislature to create a specialized program to enhance disaster readiness in Texas.
The new Extension unit known as Disaster Assessment & Recovery (DAR) will help the agency respond more efficiently to emergencies while continuing to provide educational programs on critical issues. The DAR unit is comprised of 19 agents statewide, three of which are assigned to District 11. They are based in Bay City, Brenham and Corpus Christi. DAR agents can be assigned to any disaster event in Texas or other states as needed.
Dustin Adair – Bay City Region
Extension Agent – Disaster Assessment and Recovery
979-245-4100
Matt Pfeifer – Brenham Region
Extension Agent – Disaster Assessment and Recovery
979-277-6212
Linda Wasserman – Coastal Bend Region
Extension Agent – Disaster Assessment and Recovery
361-265-9203
Emergency Preparedness
- Help communities plan for risk reduction
- Support community health
- Teach mitigation and restoration protocols
- Collaborate with other agencies
Additional Resources
- Disaster Readiness and Recovery for Texas Handout
- https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/coronavirus/#EmergencyPrep
Emergency Response and Recovery
- Support animal evacuation and shelters
- Assess damage
- Teach recovery workshops
- Conduct Mental Health First Aid trainings
- Act as liaisons
- Provide expert help through DAR Unit Specialists