Success Story 

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 impacts across most areas of family life. Because there is no “one-size-fits-all” disaster model, planning community outreach can be challenging. Cooperative Extension is often involved in disaster preparation and response at the local level. 

As a result of local needs, Kelly Alsip the County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, and Gracie Moffit Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, in McCracken County Hosted a workshop over two weeks one class a week at the McCracken County Extension. This event focused on protecting your family and home, food and water safety. Several community partners were engaged in this event, including Kathy Hunt, former Purchase District Health Department Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, and Rob Estes local EMS Director. Participants were recruited through Facebook posts, Extension websites, Flyers at local businesses, scrolling sign-out in front of the McCracken County Extension, newsletters, and event calendars. Twenty-three community members participated in the informational session.

Following the event, participants completed evaluations. ___23__ of participants gained a better understanding of steps they could take in preparation of natural disasters. __23___ of participants increased their understanding of how to find reliable resources on disaster preparation and/or response. Further, __23___ of participants can better identify what items they should include in a disaster kit. Most importantly, _21__ of participants reported they intended to assemble a disaster kit that fits their needs and _19___ of participants shared they intended to create a disaster response plan. 

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