In recent years, Kentuckians have experienced firsthand how natural disasters can occur any time and often with little warning. Disasters take many forms, and most areas of family life feel their effects. Because there is no “one size fits all” disaster model, planning community outreach can be challenging. To offer agents a structured yet flexible approach to natural disaster education, in 2023 the Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Service developed “In the Face of Disaster: An Agent Toolkit for Disaster Readiness and Response.”

The goal of the Toolkit is to equip Kentucky FCS Extension agents to better meet the unique needs of their counties and clients as they prepare for and respond to natural disasters. The multidisciplinary toolkit was created through collaboration between Extension specialists and staff in the areas of Family Finance and Resource Management, Adult Development and Aging, Rural Health and Farm Safety, Food and Nutrition, and Food Preservation and Safety.

In preparation for county use across the Commonwealth, three FCS Agent in-service trainings were held in Laurel, Daviess, and Scott Counties from February 20–23, 2023. A total of 92 FCS agents each received 3 hours of face-to-face training from a team of six state Extension Specialists and Associates that reviewed how to use the toolkit. In the Face of Disaster included a website; 9 new Extension publications; 11 new episodes of Talking FACS podcasts; corresponding presentation slide decks, activities, and handouts; evaluation tools and marketing materials; internal and external disaster preparedness and recovery resources; and suggestions of ways to use the materials to address a variety of county needs. Three major delivery modalities were showcased: (1) lesson-based learning, such as presentations and webinars; (2) demonstrations and booths; and (3) community panels. Additionally, each agent was provided with a sample emergency kit to use when providing hands-on Extension education.

An evaluation survey was administered after each in-service training. A total of 84 agents (91%) provided post-training data. As a result of the program, 94% reported they gained knowledge and skills to help their county prepare for and respond to disasters, and that they intend to use the Toolkit in county programming efforts. Through qualitative responses, agents offered ways they intend to use the information personally (e.g., creating or updating personal emergency kits; creating and communicating emergency plans in their household; updating financial information and safely storing important documents) and professionally (e.g., KEHA; health fairs; disaster preparation classes and workshops; partnering with local emergency management personnel and other county stakeholders; news releases; podcasts; panels; television segments).

Finally, it is of note that “In the Face of Disaster: An Agent Toolkit for Disaster Readiness and Response” has received multiple state, regional, and national awards including the Kentucky Association of State Extension Professionals (KASEP) 2023 Outstanding Extension Program Award and the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) 2023 Extension Disaster Education Award. Primary FCS Specialists and Associates included: Nichole Huff, Amy Kostelic, Annhall Norris, Kelly May, Hardin Stevens, Heather-Norman Burgdolf, and Paul Norrod.