Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM)
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Emergency Management shares the Governor's vision to, among other things, coordinate a system of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery and protect the lives, environment and property of the people of Kentucky.
We believe that the Commonwealth of Kentucky is one of the best places in the world to live. It is our goal to do everything we can to influence others by our actions to share that belief as well.
Kentucky Division of Emergency Management is a division of the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs and its role and function are goverened by legislative action as dictated in Chapter 39 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.
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Governor Proclaims Winter Weather Awareness Week |
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Kentucky Governor, Steve Beshear, has signed a proclamation proclaiming November 16 through 22 as "Winter Weather Awareness Week", in the Commonwealth.
As the winter weather season is approaching, The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM), the National Weather Service and the Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee (KWPC) would like to remind you to "Be aware, be prepared!"
As the winter weather season approaches, it is important to keep in mind that snow, ice and freezing rain often blankets much of the state, causing widespread traffic problems, power outages, school and business closings. KYEM would like to remind everyone to be smart on the roads and in their homes this winter season.
According to Buddy Rogers, Public Information Officer for KYEM and a KWPC committee member, "the bigger problems come with suddenly going into heating mode." He added, "Those who haven't closed the (foundation) vents on their homes, wrapped exposed pipes in insulation, or done the winterizing needed ,will have to scramble some. Something as simple as undoing your garden hose from the outside water bib can prevent it from freezing and save costly plumbing repairs."
A big concern is space heaters used in cold weather, or individuals using generators if power goes out. "You need to use space heaters in places with adequate ventilation for the exhaust gases, and please, please, keep them away from curtains, furniture or other flammable items and always operate generators outside the home and away from windows and doors." He reminds us, "don't forget to keep fresh batteries in your smoke alarms as well as your weather alert radios."
When driving during winter weather conditions - Give plenty of room and watch your speed if there are slick spots on the roads. If you don't have to go anywhere in a situation like that, don't. Play it safe! Unless travel is absolutely necessary, stay off the roads and give the local and state highway crews time to make travel safe. Keep a Automobile Safety Kit, which might include, a small bag of kitty litter or rock salt in a car trunk, to be used if one gets stuck on a patch of ice or a frozen rut. A blanket or sleeping bag might come in handy if you become stranded.
Being prepared for winter weather (like all weather) starts at home. "BE AWARE - BE PREPARED"
During periods of inclement weather, stay tuned to your local broadcasting stations.
Possess and monitor a weather alert radio.
For additional information and helpful tips, please click here.
Click here to view and download a copy of the proclamation.
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National Preparedness Month |
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September has been designated as National Preparedness Month.
If the lights go out, are you prepared?
Something as simple as having a flashlight and extra batteries available in the event of a power outage can make you and your family more comfortable during these times.
Kentuckians face many challenges throughout the year, from tornadoes, flooding, winter storms to man made hazards. Every household should be prepared to face these challenges at any given time.
Although the state and local government is expected to assist the public during these times, preparedness starts at home. In the event of large scale disasters the government may be unable to respond immediately. Be prepared! You should have a three day supply of food and water for each member of your family, along with essentials such as: medicines, flash lights, radio, extra batteries, matches, candles, first aid supplies, etc.
Along with an emergency kit you should have an emergency plan.
PLANNING FOR DISASTER:
“Be aware, be prepared, have a plan, and make a kit."
Be Aware: • Know in advance your weather forecasts • Stay tuned to your local broadcasting stations • Discuss conditions with family member and know their location during times of known potentially threatening conditions.
Be Prepared: • Discuss your plan with family members and neighbors. • Review your plan periodically for necessary updates. • Refresh you emergency kit(s). • Drill: practice your plan with household members.
Have a plan: • UTILITES: Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.) • SHELTER: Identify safe locations within your residence. • CONTACTS: Written contact information should include; relatives, neighbors, utility companies, employers (employees) and local emergency contact telephone numbers. • EVACUATE: Predetermine evacuation routes. Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend or relative's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. • Children: Make back up plans for children in case you (or they) can’t get home in an emergency. • Vehicles: Maintain a half tank of fuel in vehicles. Move vehicles from under trees during possible wind events. Keep an “Emergency Go Kit” in the vehicle. • Medications: prepare a list of all prescription drugs.
Make a kit: • First aid kit and essential medications. • Canned food and can opener. • At least three gallons of water per person • Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags. • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries. • Waterproof matches, candles • Local phone book • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members. • Extra set of car keys
Please find valuable links on the right column for more usefull information.
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