news

FCS Still Solving Perennial Problems Today

box of produce
kids drawing on wall
team taking a walking meeting

“We’re scientists, and so we study the whole life line of consumers. And that includes outside the house, in the environment, at work,” Karin Athanas, CEO of AAFCS said as posted on WOSU PBS. Family and Consumer Scientists (FCS) are professionals that work to solve life’s perennial problems. Let’s use the pictures above to define perennial problems. These are problems that constantly reoccur throughout the ages – access to healthy food, healthy living environments, and balancing work and family responsibilities. We are constantly experiencing and hearing about individuals having difficulty solving these perennial problems.

Why should society care about the work of these scientists? Because these perennial problems are shared in our local, state , national and international news everyday. Who is working on helping families and youth address and solve these perennial problems when preparing for workplace and family life in our K-12 schools? Let’s look at the numbers-

DATE PROFESSION NAME STUDENT ENROLLMENT
1850-1909 Domestic Science Historical non-fiction
1915-1959 Home Economics Increased 17% to 50%
1994 -2012 Family and Consumer Sciences Decreased 38% between 2006-2012
Today Health and Human Sciences, Human Ecology, Human Sciences Data not available due to declining value and nomenclature

What can you and I do about lack of FCS enrollment data today and the declining number of opportunities for students experience FCS perennial problems? Enrollment today is challenging to document due to the fact that data is collected via The Perkins Collaborative Resource Network. This network publishes state Career and Technical Education (CTE) enrollment numbers by career cluster. FCS is not recognized as a career cluster in the updated AdvanceCTE . However, FCS content is hidden within other career clusters such as education and training, human services and hospitality/tourism. Enrollment in these areas saw a high level of fluctuation at the secondary level from 2019 to 2023. Lack of consistent data misdirects institutions of higher education when they develop their course catalogs creating a shortage of highly qualified educators through the education system.

We know we have a shortage of highly qualified FCS professionals today. Take action now by clicking here to share your thoughts. Your actions support the FCS educators that write the Live Healthy Live Well Ohio State University Extension blog.

Written by:  Margaret Jenkins, OSU Extension Educator, Clermont County, jenkins.188@osu.edu

Reviewed by:  Beth Stefura, OSU Extension Educator, Mahoning County, stefura.2@osu.edu 

As unlikely as a disaster may be, are YOU prepared for the unexpected?

Infographic Outlining Preparedness

Thankfully, most of us will never have to deal with the unimaginable devastation that some areas have experienced over the past several years., and certainly the past several months. This doesn’t mean that we should not try to be as prepared as we can for disasters. When we think about disaster preparedness, many people may think about the structure of their home and their property. Some may consider vehicles and other large investments. These are very important, yet there are other areas to consider when developing a comprehensive disaster plan, like important documents, medications and medical equipment, adequate insurance coverage, income replacement or supplementation, pets and livestock, and most importantly, your own physical safety.

Disasters are often caused naturally (floods, fires, storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, landslides, etc.) though they may be caused by humans (fires, riots, wars, power outages, etc.). If you do not know which disasters the area you live in or may be visiting is prone to, you can use this interactive map to determine for which ones you might want to prepare. It is important to know which disasters are most likely so you prepare your disaster plan accordingly. For instance, here in Ohio, tornadoes are one of the most likely natural disasters. Since there have been several tornadoes of varying intensity spread across the Buckeye State the past few years, this is definitely a natural disaster you want to include in your disaster preparedness and planning. Other disasters you might consider when making your plan listed below.

According to the map, everyone should prepare for the following disasters:

Flood: NEVER walk, swim, or drive through flood water.

Home Fire: Test smoke alarms monthly and practice your fire escape plan.

Extreme Heat: Stay aware of the heat index, drink plenty of fluids, stay inside and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Check on neighbors and family.

Power Outages: Keep battery powered lamps and flashlights handy. Do NOT use candles. Know how to properly use a generator and NEVER use one indoors or in other enclosed spaces.

Thunderstorm: Seek shelter inside. Designate a safe place to gather away from windows or glass doors.

Winter Storm:  Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Avoid driving when possible. Stay indoors. Dress in layers and cover your extremities if you must be outside.

In October, the most common emergencies across the nation are hurricanes, home fires, and floods. SE Ohio is currently experiencing extreme drought conditions and almost the entire county I live in is still experiencing the highest drought level. So, the last thing on anyone’s mind around here right now is flooding! Which highlights the importance of knowing the current risks wherever you are and doing what you can to be prepared for the unexpected and possibly the unimaginable.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, January 27). Preparedness & Planning. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://emergency.cdc.gov/planning/index.asp

Common natural disasters across US. The Most Common Natural Disasters Across The U.S. | Red Cross. (n.d.). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/common-natural-disasters-across-us.html#all

FEMA. (2018, July). Document and insure your property. DOCUMENT AND INSURE YOUR PROPERTY. https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_document-and-insure-your-property.pdf

FEMA. (2019, September). Emergency financial first aid kit (EFFAK). Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK). https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_effak-toolkit.pdf

FEMA. (n.d.). Safeguard critical documents and valuables. Safeguard Critical Documents and Valuables. https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_safeguard-critical-documents-and-valuables.pdf

Pet disaster preparedness & recovery. American Red Cross. (n.d.). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html

Protect your home with Flood Insurance. FEMA.gov. (n.d.). https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/protect-your-home-flood-insurance

Tornadoes. Tornadoes | Ready.gov. (2024, June 24). https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes

Turner, T. (2024, October 9). Ohio State assists farmers as drought, rain create challenges for soybean crops. https://news.osu.edu/ohio-state-assists-farmers-as-drought-rain-create-challenges-for-soybean-crops/

Types of emergencies. Types of Disasters | American Red Cross. (n.d.). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies.html

Winter Weather. Winter Weather | Ready.gov. (n.d.). https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Written by: Misty Harmon, Assistant Professor and Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County, harmon.416@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Ryan Kline, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, kline.375@osu.edu