By Blake Jackson
In recent years, Kentucky has faced a growing number of severe weather disasters, significantly impacting communities and infrastructure across the state.
“Kentucky has experienced an increase in ‘billion dollars’ weather disasters a total of 92 impacting the area since 1980, with seven of those devastating events occurring in 2024 alone,” noted Matt Dixon, senior meteorologist at the University of Kentucky.
Kayla Watts, now a UK Area Extension director and former UK Extension agent in Breathitt County, recalled the 2022 flooding in Jackson, Kentucky.
“It looked like a wall of water it was scary because we didn’t know how high it would get, and parts of town were evacuated due to the rising river water,” said Watts. “Many folks said that they didn’t have time to get their possessions. Everything was gone. We just weren’t prepared for something like this.”
Motivated by the damage from this year’s storms and past experiences, Watts and other extension leaders began identifying critical needs across Kentucky to enhance community readiness, response, and recovery.
In response, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, in partnership with Kentucky State University, has established the Kentucky Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN).
Supported by a grant from the national EDEN network, this initiative aims to improve disaster preparedness through education and the formation of specialized strike teams.
“This initiative will allow Extension leaders to learn from established strike team models and, crucially, implement a pilot strike team program within Kentucky Cooperative Extension,” explained Jeff Young, EDEN project team leader and Director of Urban Extension.
“Furthermore, the development of a national toolkit provides a roadmap for other states to build their own resilient disaster response networks.”
These trained strike teams, made up of Extension agents and staff, are designed to offer critical assistance during disasters.
“Many people want to help, but it must be streamlined,” said Watts. “These strike teams are a ready-made, trained group who are ready to help and provide relief.”
Danielle Hagler, Nelson County Extension agent, emphasized teamwork: “Working with our city officials, first responders and emergency management is also crucial to be better prepared and organized.”
Photo Credit: pexels-islandhopper-x
Categories: Kentucky, Weather