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 governed by legislative action as dictated in Chapter 39 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Office of the Governor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jay Blanton, Governor Beshear’s Office: 502-564-2611
cell: 502-330-2802
Buddy Rogers, Kentucky Division of Emergency Management:
502-607-1611
Governor Beshear Declares Emergency, assures assistance for storm ravaged communities
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 09, 2009) — Gov. Steve Beshear today declared an emergency in Kentucky following the severe weather that struck the state yesterday, causing widespread damage, flooding and one confirmed death.
A powerful weather system moved across the state with the greatest areas of damage in the central and south eastern portions of Kentucky. In Madison County there has been one confirmed death and several injured from yesterday’s storms.
The declaration enables state resources to be mobilized to assist cities and counties in coping with flooding, mud slides, road closures, power outages and other storm damage.
"When severe weather hits, it is crucial that our citizens know that their state government is doing everything possible to ensure their safety and well-being," the governor said. "We are prepared to use every available resource to help our officials and our people make it through these rough conditions, whatever may come."
He continued, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family who lost their loved one and to those who were injured.”
Flooding is the main concern this morning as heavy rainfall during the night caused streams to overflow their embankments and several residents have had to be rescued from their homes. Mudslides and downed trees have several roads blocked in several counties as well.
The Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center is fully operational and providing assistance to counties as requested. The Kentucky Army National Guard, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Environmental Protection Cabinet and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are assisting local officials at this time.
The governor said the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management has been tracking this weather system and has maintained open communications with the National Weather Service Offices and state and local officials. Emergency Management regional response managers will continue to monitor their counties and facilitate any local official's request for assistance.
No additional weather-related injuries or deaths have been reported. However, the city of Richmond and counties of Breathitt, Estill, Floyd, Grayson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Madison, Magoffin, Owsley, Pike, and Perry have declared states of emergency.
An American Red Cross supported shelter has opened in Breathitt County at Jackson Fire Department county at the at the First Church of God at 1772 Hwy 30 in Jackson, KY. Floyd County has feeding stations opened in Manton Church and Rock Fork Baptist Church.
As additional rain is forecast to continue across most of the south eastern portion of Kentucky today, Brig. Gen. John W. Heltzel, director of Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, encourages citizens to stay tuned to their weather alert radios and local broadcast media for additional information.
For more weather related information and safety tips, please visit the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management website at www.kyem.ky.gov .
###
The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management stands ready to fully support the Kentucky Department of Public Health in response to the recent outbreak of the H1N1 Virus that is impacting the United States and international countries.
Kentucky health officials continue to ask that Kentuckians who have traveled recently to Mexico or other countries or communities within the U.S. where the new H1N1 influenza strain known as swine flu has been reported, or who are planning such travel, be alert for the symptoms of swine flu in the following ways:
- Monitor yourself and travel companions for symptoms of fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea.
- If symptoms of illness develop within seven days of travel return, seek evaluation by a health care provider as soon as possible.
- Be sure to tell your health care provider about your recent travel and suggest testing for influenza.
- Stay home from work, school and other public places until you are feeling well.
People who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with swine flu or who reside in communities where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases should also be alert for these symptoms.
Common sense precautions to prevent illness include: avoiding close contact with those who are ill; staying home when sick; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and frequent hand washing.
The general public is encourgaged to call:
1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636 )
TTY: (888) 232-6348
Information and safety and preparedness tips can be found at the following web sites:
KYEM H1N1 Virus news and links
Kentucky Department of Public Health Alerts Page
Kentucky Department for Public Health - Web site for public health information.
Click the below link to find the latest and archived issues of The KYEM Protector, the official newsletter of Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, and KYEM press releases.
KYEM Protector Newsletter and Press Releases