University of Kentucky reported a learning gap in the procedures and communication between agents, stakeholders, and upper leadership. This was identified throughout the two most recent disasters. The first disaster which demonstrated this gap was the 2021 December EF4 Tornado in Western Kentucky. The second disaster which represented this gap was the flash flood in Eastern Kentucky July 2022. University of Kentucky led 6 trainings across the state of Kentucky to fill this gap along with two presenters from Kentucky State University (including myself). 

These 8 hour training sessions consisted of the 8 presentations: disaster preparedness information given by a meteorologist, extensions role in disaster given by UK’s regional directors, Cultural Competency given by a KYSU presenter and a CEDIK presenter, East Kentucky Disaster Assessment, a Panel discussion, preparing the public given by a specialized agent, telling our story, and Crisis Communication. I presented on Crisis Communication throughout disasters. See link for presentation: Crisis Communication Disasters - UK & KYSU.pdf

There were a total of 436 agents that attended the training. 60% of the respondents have worked in extension for 7 or more years, and participants described their appreciation for the information.