A Mitigation Educator at a Lowe's Store near You in Fayette County
Release Date: March 10, 2008
Release Number: 1746-020
» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Rebuilding stronger and smarter is one of the key lines of defense that people in the commonwealth of Kentucky are advised to consider in the aftermath of severe storms and tornadoes that devastated more than a dozen counties Feb 5-6. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation specialists are on site at Lowe's Home Improvement stores throughout the commonwealth to educate the public on preparedness and rebuilding after a disaster.
Persons interested in learning how they can strengthen the homes they are building or remodeling have a chance to learn details from experts in the field this week beginning Wednesday, March 12, in Fayette County at designated Lowe's stores listed below.
FEMA and Kentucky's Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) want everyone to know that preparedness before the storm is extremely vital to saving lives and personal property. FEMA's mitigation division has a Community Education and Outreach branch that educate the public on how to be Storm Ready or rebuild after disasters.
Those who suffered damages as result of the recent storms, or anyone who would like to know about basic preparedness and rebuilding stronger and safer may visit one of the designated Lowe's stores in Kentucky to learn about:
- Getting informed about hazards and emergencies that may affect you and your family;
- Developing an emergency plan;
- Collecting and assembling disaster supplies kit;
- Learning where to seek shelter from all types of hazards;
- Identifying the community warning systems and evacuation routes;
- Practicing and maintaining your plan;
- Cleaning up flood-damaged homes affected by mold and mildew;
- Preparing for disasters for people with disabilities and other special needs;
- Helping children cope with disasters; and
- Saving lives when tornadoes strike.
A mitigation community advisor is on hand to share fact sheets, brochures, pamphlets, and demonstrate how to program a weather radio that is approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Emergency alert weather radios can be lifesavers when severe weather threatens your area. The specialists will show you how weather radios allow you to program up to seven weather-specific locations without frequency interference.
Mitigation is the key to decreasing the time it takes to rebuild and recover from a disaster. Mitigation also allows individuals and communities to lessen the past-disaster disruption and rebuild more quickly. The advisors are specialists and will explain the benefits of home strengthening through proper anchorage and strapping. They can explain how to build a safe room in your home and explain what qualifies as a safe room.
Specialists will also share flyers on the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) program. SBA can lend funds to help with mitigation -- the loan can be 20 percent of the amount of damage loans received for uninsured or uncompensated losses.
Below is a mitigation Community Education and Outreach schedule at Lowe's Home Improvement stores. A mitigation specialist will be on site to help the public from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
| DATE | LOCATION | COUNTY |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | ||
| March 5 - 11 | Lowe's 550 Island Ford Road Madisonville, KY 42431 |
Hopkins |
| Lowe's 150 American Lane Bowling Green, KY 42101 Bowling Gre |
Warren | |
| Lowe's 3790 E. John Rowan Blvd. Bardstown, KY 40004 |
Nelson | |
| Lowe's 100 Lowe's Dr. Elizabethtown, KY 42701 |
Hardin | |
| Week 2 | ||
| March 12-17 | Lowe's 2300 Graylag Way Lexington, KY 40509 |
Fayette |
| Lowe's 4055 Nichols Park Drive Lexington, KY 40503 |
Fayette | |
| Lowe's 200 Todds Road East Lexington, KY 40509 |
Fayette |
For more information on the mitigation Community Education and Outreach schedule, changes or updates call the FEMA/KYEM News Desk at 859-233-9385. Currently, the outreach is scheduled to run a total of four weeks in the commonwealth.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 11-Mar-2008 08:40:42