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 Mercer County hosted a four part series in partnership with the local Public Library. The four part series was offered once a month from March-June. Participants were recruited through both Extension and Library marketing efforts. 12 people attended each month of the four part series. A total of 40 people attended at least one section of the four part series.

Following the event, participants completed evaluations. 36 of the participants gained a better understanding of steps they could take in preparation of natural disasters. 31 of the participants increased their understanding of how to find reliable resources on disaster preparation and/or response. Further, 40 of the participants can better identify what items they should include in a disaster kit. Most importantly, 33 of the participants reported they intended to assemble a disaster kit that fits their needs and 31 of the participants shared they intend to create a disaster response plan. 

Participants specifically shared the most significant things they learned from the event were how to assist their elderly family/friends/neighbors in the event of a natural disaster.