Kentucky Ice Storm Warms Hearts As Thousands Provide A Helping Hand
Release Date: February 16, 2009
Release Number: 1818-016
» More Information on Kentucky Severe Winter Storm and Flooding
FRANKFORT, KY -- Volunteers from 25 organizations in 15 states are helping Kentuckians who were affected by the ice storm that began on Jan. 26.
The needs of residents are matched with volunteers in each county by the local emergency management agency. Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) is being supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide information for voluntary agencies and faith-based groups assisting residents across the state.
"Disaster recovery begins and ends at the local level and volunteers are integral to this process," said Brig. Gen. John W. Heltzel, director of Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. "Through our partnership with FEMA, we have a greater capacity to coordinate volunteers with needs across the state."
Kentuckians who need assistance can contact their local emergency management agency or the Judge Executive in their county. Residents also can call United Way. In some areas, they can call 211 or online at www.211.org to find resources that may be available in their area.
"When disaster strikes a community, volunteers play a key role because they give of their valuable time and offer local support," said Kim Kadesch, federal coordinating officer in charge of the Kentucky operation for FEMA. "I commend the efforts of thousands of volunteers who are giving their time and resources to help Kentuckians."
The following volunteer agencies, faith-based groups and community organizations have provided resources:
| Agency | Resources |
|---|---|
|
American Mission Board (Baptist) |
Shower units for volunteers |
|
American Red Cross |
Shelter, food and comfort kits |
|
Billy Graham Response Team |
Ministerial support |
|
Bluegrass Amateur Radio Society |
Communication tools |
|
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Owensboro |
Aid for electrical problems |
|
Catholic Social Services |
Rental assistance and home repair |
|
Christian Appalachian Project Disaster Response |
Food, debris removal and shower units for volunteers |
|
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints |
Volunteers |
|
Christian Reform World Relief Committee |
Chainsaws |
|
Church World Service |
Supplies |
|
Dare to Care Food Bank |
Food |
|
Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief |
Chainsaws, kitchens, shelter and food |
|
Kentucky Baptist Fellowship |
Volunteers, salt and diapers |
|
Kentucky Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster |
Volunteers |
|
Mennonite Disaster Service |
Chainsaws |
|
Metro United Way, Louisville |
Phone bank |
|
Presbyterian Disaster Response |
Volunteers, disaster housing and support |
|
Samaritan’s Purse |
Debris removal assistance |
|
Southern Baptist Convention |
Chainsaws and kitchens |
|
The Salvation Army |
Food, clothing and comfort kits |
|
Tri-State County Animal Response Team |
Pet sheltering |
|
Tzu Chi Foundation |
Volunteers |
|
United Church of Christ |
Administrative support volunteers |
|
United Methodist Committee on Relief |
Shelter, food, chainsaw crews and a phone bank |
To date, the voluntary agencies and faith-based groups have provided the following:
- 192 shelters cumulatively opened with a peak population of 7,884;
- 378,163 meals and snacks served by the American Red Cross and Southern Baptists, The Salvation Army and the United Methodist Committee on Relief; and
- 9,158 comfort kits handed out by the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army.
The Kentucky state chapter of VOAD is part of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). The Kentucky VOAD has organizations that are active in disaster response throughout the state.
NVOAD is a consortium of nationally recognized voluntary organizations active in disaster relief. Their mission is to foster more effective service to people affected by disasters. NVOAD is comprised of 49 national member organizations with 55 state and territorial associations and an international organization (INVOAD) that all participate in the National Response Framework.
The framework forms the basis of how the federal government coordinates with the state, local and tribal governments and the private sector during domestic natural or man-made disasters. It incorporates Homeland Security, emergency management, law enforcement, fire fighting, emergency medical services, the private sector and other areas, integrating them so that they work together.
NVOAD was established in 1969 after Hurricane Camille when disaster response and relief organizations were concerned about the frequent duplication of services. Since 1971, NVOAD has met annually to increase cooperation, coordination, communication and education.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism and man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 17-Feb-2009 11:44:42