The first annual Grayson County Disaster Preparedness Summit, held on March 20 at the Centre on Main, brought together over 75 residents and local partners with a shared goal: to be better prepared for the unexpected. This timely event, themed "Empowering You for the Unexpected," was a collaborative effort between Extension, Emergency Management, and the Health Department. Meteorologist Shane Holinde of KY Mesonet delivered an engaging keynote on shifting weather patterns and the growing frequency of extreme weather events in the region. The summit also featured a panel of local emergency officials and a resource expo with organizations like the Red Cross, Team Rubicon, the Health Department, local insurance agencies, and utility companies, offering tools, demonstrations, and giveaways including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency bags.

This summit came at a critical time. Grayson County and its surrounding areas have repeatedly faced devastating natural disasters, including tornados and flooding that have disrupted homes, schools, and livelihoods. For many residents, it’s no longer a question of if a disaster will strike—but when. The summit served as both a call to action and a source of hope, providing a space for residents to connect, ask questions, and walk away with tangible resources to protect their families. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees and partners has set the stage to make this an annual event, with future plans to expand outreach, increase vendor participation, and ensure that every household in Grayson County feels equipped to face whatever comes next.