Kentuckians are no strangers to the unpredictable nature of natural disasters, which can occur at any time and often with little or no warning. These events can take many forms—floods, tornadoes, ice storms—and their impacts are felt across nearly every facet of family life. Because there is no universal approach to disaster preparedness, planning effective community outreach can be challenging. Cooperative Extension plays a vital role in supporting local communities through both disaster preparedness and response efforts.

In response to local needs, the Trimble County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences partnered with the Trimble County Emergency Management Director to deliver a four-part educational series titled “In the Face of Disaster” at the Trimble County Extension Office. This series aimed to equip families with practical knowledge on a range of topics, including protecting the home and family, food and water safety, financial preparedness, trauma response, and considerations for older adults and individuals with special needs.

Participants were recruited through multiple outreach channels, including the monthly newsletter, social media, and the Extension office’s electronic sign. A total of nine individuals attended the series.

At the conclusion of the program, participants completed evaluations that reflected strong educational impact:

1. 100% of participants reported an improved understanding of steps they can take to prepare for natural disasters.
2. 96% indicated they were better able to locate reliable resources on disaster preparedness and response.
3. 100% gained knowledge on what essential items to include in a disaster kit.
4. Most notably, all participants shared their intention to assemble a personalized disaster kit and to develop a disaster response plan for themselves or their families.

This educational initiative underscores the importance of community-based efforts in fostering resilience and preparedness among Kentucky families.