Emergency Preparedness & Response
In Kentucky, we encounter various natural disasters and man-made challenges throughout the year, ranging from tornadoes and floods to winter storms and hazardous chemical spills. These events can happen unexpectedly, so it’s crucial for every household and business to be ready to face them head-on.
While state and local governments are available to assist during emergencies, the first line of defense begins at home. Awareness is key to preparedness, starting with understanding the potential risks in your community and staying informed about weather forecasts. Having a battery backup NOAA Weather Alert Radio and local broadcasting stations can help keep you updated during emergencies, while discussing conditions with family members ensures everyone’s safety.
Emergency Preparedness: Have a plan, be prepared for any emergency.
Be Aware:
- Know community risks
- Monitor weather forecasts
- Own a battery backup NOAA Weather Alert Radio
- Stay tuned to local broadcasting stations during emergencies
- Discuss conditions with family members
Be Prepared:
- Maintain a three-day supply of food and water for each family member
- Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like medicines, flashlights, radio, and more
- Refresh emergency kits periodically
- Familiarize yourself with generator safety manuals if applicable
Have a Plan:
- Develop an emergency plan, discussing it with family, neighbors, and an out-of-state contact
- Periodically review and update the plan
- Conduct drills and practice the plan with household members
Kentucky Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national program engaging local health and medical volunteers to strengthen public health, emergency response, and community resilience. In Kentucky, the MRC comprises both medical professionals and non-medical volunteers, contributing their time and expertise during emergencies and community needs. Interested individuals can register at www.kentuckyhelps.com to serve their community as MRC volunteers.
- Kentucky Medical Reserve Corps Brochure: CLICK HERE
- KHELPS Volunteer Registration: CLICK HERE
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
On May 18, 2006, the Whitley County Fiscal Court adopted a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, which requires a Stream Construction Permit from the Kentucky Division of Water (KYDOW) and a Local Floodplain Permit from Whitley County before any development activities start in a designated floodplain. Copies of the flood maps can be obtained from the Kentucky Flood Hazard Portal.
Kentucky Revised Statutes, KRS 151, requires a “Stream Construction Permit” from the KYDOW’s Floodplain Management Section for any kind of development along or across a stream, including those streams not mapped on the community’s flood maps or Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Development means “any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate”. This includes, but is not limited to: construction of new structures, modifications or improvements to existing structures, placement of manufactured homes, excavation, filling, paving, drilling, driving of piling, mining, dredging, land clearing, grading, construction of bridges, culverts, or any type of work in or along the stream or its bank. Without a Local Floodplain Permit that conforms to the Local Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, the State’s permit is not valid. In addition to the State and Local permits, an Elevation Certificate may also be required for some structures.
Any person who violates the Flood Damage Prevention ordinance or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined no less than $100 or imprisoned for not more than 5 days or both, and in addition, shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Each day such violation continues, shall be considered a separate offense.
For more information, please visit the Kentucky Flood Hazard Portal or contact the Whitley County Floodplain Administrator.
