Upcoming Opportunity in Fort Benton to Learn about Evacuation Planning, Varmint Management, Farm Safety, Fire Safety, and 4-Wheeler Safety

MSU Extension in Chouteau County will be hosting the fourth annual Fundamentals for Farm Families Forum from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. with check-in beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at the Community Bible Center in Fort Benton. The center is located at 911 16th street in Fort Benton. Daycare will be provided for attendees upon request by contacting the Chouteau County Extension Office.

Everyone is invited to attend whether you live on a farm or ranch or not. Some of the workshop topics will include sessions on developing a disaster evacuation plan, varmint control, and farm safety. In addition, a panel discussion will take place after lunch where experienced farm and ranch women will share information about their own experiences.

Evacuation Planning will be taught by Deb Gessaman (Chouteau County Disaster Emergency Services). Deb will address the evacuation supply list, child preparedness and pet preparedness. Stephen Vantassel (Vertebrate Pest Specialist for the Department of Agriculture) will cover management of wildlife varmints that find their way into the home or backyard. Wildlife covered will be mice, rats, skunks, raccoons, squirrels and snakes. Farm safety will be hands on and presented by Tyler Lane (MSU Extension Chouteau County), Chouteau County Farm Bureau and regional fire fighters. Families will learn how to safely utilize fire-fighting tools, farm tools, pesticide personal protective equipment, and 4-wheelers. In addition, participants will learn how to shut down power, gas and water in case the family has to evacuate the premises.

Lunch sponsors include Chouteau County Farm Bureau Federation and Jared Vielleux of Farm Bureau Financial Services.

Preregistration is requested on or before October 27. To register, or for more information, contact the Chouteau County Extension Office at 406-622-3751. More information will be available soon on the Chouteau County MSU Extension website at msuextension.org/chouteau and the MSU Extension Chouteau County Facebook page.

Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.