Kentuckians have experienced firsthand how natural disasters can occur any time and often with little warning. Disasters take many forms, and we can feel their impacts across most areas of family life. Because there is no “one-size-fits-all” disaster model, planning community outreach can be challenging, and Cooperative Extension is often involved in disaster preparation and response at the local level. 

As a result of local needs, the County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences in Nicholas County hosted a workshop to share information with members of the community on September 5^th in recognition of Disaster Preparedness Month. The focus of this event was on share information on protecting both their family and home, food and water safety, family finance and resource management, as well as the opportunity to purchase a disaster preparedness kit. Participants were recruited through the social media platforms the county extension office uses, as well as through an article on disaster preparedness and the event opportunity in the local newspaper. Eleven individuals participated in the programming, with word of mouth spreading after the event from other citizens wanting additional information on disaster preparedness kits. 

Following the event, participants completed evaluations. 100% of participants gained a better understanding of steps they could take in preparation of natural disasters. 100% of participants increased their understanding of how to find reliable resources on disaster preparation and/or response. Further, 100% of participants can better identify what items they should include in a disaster kit. Most importantly, 9 of the 11 participants purchased a ready-made disaster kit from the extension office, and 2 reported they created a kit upon completion of the program that fits their needs and 100% of participants shared in the follow-up evaluation that they intend to create a disaster response plan to share with their family. 

Participants specifically shared the most significant things they learned from the event were……. 

1. How to sanitize water with the proper bleach to water ratio
2. To be prepared in regard to the medicine I take that is critical for my survival and have it on hand and ready
3. Preparedness is everything and can certainly mean a life or death situation when Mother Nature strikes
4. The home inventory worksheet was beneficial to put in my fireproof waterproof bag