Kentuckians have experienced firsthand how natural disasters can occur at any time and often with little warning.  Disasters take many forms, and we can feel their impact across many 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 regional needs, Lorie Adams, Knott County Extension Agent and Kayla Watts, County Agent on Special Assignment for Community Recovery and Resiliency, hosted eight disaster preparation classes. The focus of these events was on coping with trauma after a disaster and how to prepare home disaster kits. Participants were recruited by radio, social media, a local television channel, local newspapers, and newsletters. 118 participated in the program; many of which live in counties most recently impacted by historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky. Participants were given several items from Christian Appalachia Project to get their kits started including an emergency wool blanket valued at $20 each.

Following the event, participants completed evaluations. 100 percent of participants gained a better understanding of steps they could take in preparation for natural disasters. 100 percent of participants increased their understanding of how to find reliable resources on disaster preparedness and/or response. 100 percent of participants can better identify what items to include in a disaster kit.  Most importantly, all 118 participants shared they intended to assemble a disaster kit that fits their needs and all 118 participants shared they intended to create a disaster response plan. 100 percent of the participants also gained an understanding of what trauma is and how to help others who experience trauma. 100 percent of the participants also intend to look for signs in others after a disaster and use coping skills to help themselves and others cope after a natural disaster.

Participants specifically shared the most significant things they learned from the event were. “Being prepared takes planning,” “Basic needs are most important,” “That you need to think of this as a plan, instead of oh well, things happen,” and “I need to give information, not advise when helping people dealing with trauma after a disaster.”