On December 10, 2021, a violent tornado moved across Western Kentucky, producing severe to catastrophic damage in numerous towns, including Mayfield, Princeton, Dawson Springs, Barnsley and Bremen.^[1] Crossing through eleven counties of the Jackson Purchase and Western Coal Field regions during its lifespan, the tornado was exceptionally long-tracked, traveling a total of 165.7 miles. It was the deadliest and longest-tracked tornado in an outbreak that produced numerous strong tornadoes in several states, with 56 fatalities confirmed. The second significant tornado in an exceedingly long-tracked tornado family, this tornado began just inside northern Obion County, Tennessee, just a few miles after another long-tracked EF4 tornado dissipated in western Obion County.^[2]

Response and recovery work in tornado-impacted areas presents safety and health hazards that should be properly identified, evaluated, and controlled in a systematic manner to reduce or eliminate occupational safety and health risks to response and recovery workers. Some of the specific hazards associated with working in the aftermath of tornadoes include:

• Hazardous driving conditions due to slippery and/or blocked roadways
• Slips and falls due to slippery walkways
• Falling and flying objects such as tree limbs and utility poles
• Sharp objects including nails and broken glass
• Electrical hazards from downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines
• Falls from heights
• Burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment failure
• Exhaustion from working extended shifts
• Heat and Dehydration.

Extension's role in Hopkins County initially was to help open roadways for disaster supplies to reach affected areas. Once roadways were open, Local Extension worked in conjunction with Kentucky Farm Bureau and Kentucky department of Agriculture as well as the Ag Agents in Webster and McLean Counties to organize and distribute Ag and Farm related supplies to clientele in affected areas. This involved locating and securing a storage facility, routing deliveries to the storage location, and assisting affected clientele in the pick up and delivery of the items needed to help restore order to their lives. Total estimated value of donated items-$76,125.