Kentucky Emergency Management

09/21/2024

09/17/2024

📢 SBA Working Capital Loans Available in Western Kentucky

Small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture enterprises, and nonprofits affected by the severe weather on May 26th can now apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). These loans offer critical working capital to help businesses recover from financial losses due to tornadoes, high winds, and excessive rain. Apply by May 5, 2025!

Eligible entities in Muhlenberg County and the surrounding counties of Butler, Christian, Hopkins, Logan, McLean, Ohio, and Todd can apply for loans up to $2 million with low interest rates of 4% for businesses and 3.25% for nonprofits. Terms can extend up to 30 years, with no interest or payments due for 12 months.

Learn more and apply at SBA.gov/disaster or by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

09/16/2024

Kentuckians in Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Clay, Greenup, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren, and Whitley counties who have loss and damage caused by the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides, and mudslides have less than one week to apply for federal disaster assistance.

📢 The deadline to apply is Sept. 23.
Call: (800) 621-3362: 7 A.M. - Midnight EDT or Apply Online: disasterAssistance.gov

Are you affected by a disaster and need help applying for FEMA assistance? Do you have questions about your FEMA letter or need contract repair and estimate guidance? This is your opportunity to get the answers you need directly from FEMA experts!

Event Details:
🌟Learn how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance
🌟Get help understanding your FEMA determination letter
🌟Talk with FEMA experts in person
🌟Get advice on contract estimates and repairs
🌟Have all your disaster-related questions answered!

Dates and Locations:
1️⃣ Hopkinsville, KY: Sept 20, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. | Sept 21, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
📍 Pennyrile Area Development Center, 300 Hammond Drive, Hopkinsville, KY 42240
2️⃣ Flatwoods, KY: Sept 27, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. | Sept 28, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
📍 Flatwoods Senior Center, 2513 Reed St., Flatwoods, KY 41139
3️⃣ Dawson Springs, KY: Oct 4, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. | Oct 5, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
📍 Dunn Missionary Baptist Church, 4855 Charleston Road, Dawson Springs, KY 42408
4️⃣ Central City, KY: Oct 11, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. | Oct 12, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
📍 Muhlenberg County Training Center, 61 Career Way, Central City, KY

09/12/2024

Notice of FEMA Public Event Tomorrow and Saturday

09/08/2024

*** Update on shooting on I-75:

Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched by London-Laurel County 911 Dispatch Center to a gunshot victim complaint on I – 75 at exit 49 approximately 8 miles north of London on Saturday afternoon September 7, 2024 at approximately 5:30 PM. Arriving deputies found nine vehicles had been shot into both north and south bound on I-75 and five persons were seriously injured. Deputies on scene transported injured to a local hospital for treatment. Other Sheriff's deputies along with the Sheriff's office special response team along with London city police and Kentucky state police arrived at the scene to secure the scene, and search for a suspect. I – 75 was closed for several hours for safety reasons because of the danger to passing cars in the area of the shootings. Investigation began and a lead was developed on a person of interest and the search for this person of interest is continuing. He is identified as: Joseph A. Couch age 32 of Woodbine, KY described as 5'10" and weighing approximately 154 pounds. This individual is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached. 911 should be called.
The scene is being contained overnight and an active search and the continuing investigation will occur at daybreak on Sunday morning.
Agencies assisting included: London city police, Kentucky state police, Corbin city police, Williamsburg city police, Richmond city police, FBI, US Marshal service, ATF, Lexington Metro,Rockcastle County Sheriff's office, Mount Vernon Police Department, East Bernstadt fire and rescue, London fire department, London – Laurel County rescue squad, Laurel County emergency management, ABC, Blue grass Army Depot Police,numerous area Fire departrments.

08/29/2024

Registration is open for a Virtual Hazmat Awareness Course on September 8:00 a.m. EST - Noon.

The Hazardous Materials Awareness course provides attendees from all backgrounds with knowledge and practical experience in essential, awareness-level hazardous materials competencies. The Hazardous Materials Awareness course provides students with the training and proficiency in identifying hazardous materials. Utilizing the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) to identify hazardous materials risks and protective actions, utilizing hazard communication documents to identify hazardous materials risks and protective actions, and determining awareness-level personnel and public protective actions.

Advance student registration is REQUIRED and must be received by September 2nd, 2024. Register: https://loom.ly/Qw1CHOM

08/27/2024

Protect you and yours on hot days.
Carry more water than you’ll need.
NEVER leave kids or pets in the car.
Check on your neighbors.
Stay inside in air conditioning if possible.

08/17/2024

🚨 Last Chance: Hazmat Awareness Training 🚨
🗓 Happening August 20, 2024
⏰ 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
(Virtual, Limited Spots!)
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to master hazardous materials identification. Open to Emergency Management personnel
🔗 Register Now: https://tinyurl.com/KYEMHAZMATAwareness

08/14/2024

Kentucky Emergency Management was honored to participate in an international subject matter expert exchange hosted by the Kentucky National Guard, welcoming Ecuadorian military members to learn about interagency operations and communications in a domestic operational environment.

“Collaborations like this not only strengthen our emergency response capabilities but also build lasting partnerships that transcend state lines,” said Eric Gibson, Director of Kentucky Emergency Management.

Last week's engagement included site visits across central Kentucky, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in emergency management.



For the full story, check out the following link: https://loom.ly/behyySg

08/13/2024

Last night Kentucky Emergency Management Regional Manager Alex Hyrcza participated in a ride along with our team on Boat 219. Alex has always been a great supporter of our team, anytime we go out on a big detail he is always asking how he can support us at the State level! Our team has always had a great relationship with our Emergency Management partners at Boone County KY Emergency Management, Kenton County - Government Emergency Management, Campbell County KY Office of Emergency Management and Kentucky Emergency Management.

Alex said “I appreciate the fact that Boone County Water Rescue is in my area. Their professionalism and dedication are amazing. You would not know they're all volunteers by the way they handle themselves professionally. They are such a benefit, not only to my area, but to the state as a whole. Great job folks keep it up.”

Thank you Alex for your support and coming out to see first hand what our team does on our boat patrols!

08/13/2024

📢 Attention Kentucky Homeowners, Renters, and Businesses! 📢

FEMA's Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers have relocated to Calloway, Whitley, Butler, Logan, and Todd counties this week.

If you experienced damage or losses from the May 21-27 storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides, or mudslides in Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Clay, Greenup, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren, or Whitley counties, you may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

🔹 Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov
🔹 Call 800-621-3362 (7 a.m. - midnight, daily)
🔹 Visit a Disaster Recovery Center
🔹 Use the FEMA mobile app

If you use a relay service, provide FEMA with your number for that service. For accessible application information, visit https://loom.ly/K7VQ-eg

Additionally, if you are in the mentioned counties or surrounding areas, you may qualify for SBA financial assistance. Disaster loans are available for businesses, non-profits, renters, and homeowners. Apply online at https://loom.ly/-wq8e4Y or contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at [email protected] or 1-800-659-2955. For relay services, dial 7-1-1.

Stay safe, Kentucky! 💪

08/06/2024

📢 Attention Kentucky Homeowners, Renters, and Businesses! 📢

If you experienced damage or losses from the May 21-27 storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides, or mudslides in Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Clay, Greenup, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren, or Whitley counties, you may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

🔹 Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov
🔹 Call 800-621-3362 (7 a.m. - midnight, daily)
🔹 Visit a Disaster Recovery Center
🔹 Use the FEMA mobile app

If you use a relay service, provide FEMA with your number for that service. For accessible application information, visit https://loom.ly/K7VQ-eg

Additionally, if you are in the mentioned counties or surrounding areas, you may qualify for SBA financial assistance. Disaster loans are available for businesses, non-profits, renters, and homeowners. Apply online at https://loom.ly/-wq8e4Y or contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at [email protected] or 1-800-659-2955. For relay services, dial 7-1-1.

Stay safe, Kentucky! 💪

08/05/2024

📢 Attention Kentucky Residents! 📢

In response to the Memorial Day storms, Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) has relaunched our Disaster Needs Survey registration portal. This vital tool helps survivors register for shelters and access essential support services while capturing any additional unmet needs for assistance. 🌪️💪

**Key Features:**
✅ User-friendly interface for easy registration
✅ Immediate assistance for sheltering and disaster aid
✅ Efficient resource coordination to ensure timely help

🖥️ Register now via https://tinyurl.com/kyemdisastersurvey
📍 Visit any Disaster Recovery Center (https://loom.ly/GPwD5_4)
📞 Call us directly at 502-607-6665

Let's stay prepared and resilient, Kentucky! 💙

07/25/2024

📢 Kentucky Emergency Management Update

This morning, KYEM leadership and key staff from the Recovery and Operations Branches met with local officials and emergency managers from declared counties impacted by the Memorial Day storms. They provided guidance on application processes, procedures, and timelines for federal aid.

“Kentucky Emergency Management will have recovery liaisons in your area to assist with submitting your Public Assistance application,” said Recovery Branch Manager, Jessica Mitchell. “As far as Individual Assistance - Disaster Recovery Centers are being set up in your area. FEMA is looking at the sites that have been pre-identified to ensure they are suitable for assisting with survivors needs.”

Stay tuned to KYEM social media channels for more information and FEMA’s various resource platforms for up-to-date disaster relief assistance.

Stay updated on FEMA response efforts: Residents in the designated counties can apply for federal disaster assistance by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA mobile app.

https://www.kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=2240

07/21/2024

Great news from Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team!

07/11/2024

⚠️ UPDATE ⚠️

Ms. Fugate was located by Madison County Sheriff’s around 10:45 pm on Friday, July 12, 2024.

_______________________

UPDATED INFORMATION:
⚠️Female last seen at Stockyards Bank in Richmond at noon on 7/11/2024, near Gibson Bay; wearing an orange T-shirt, blue jeans and black tennis shoes w/white soles.
____________________________________

⚠️The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Golden Alert for a MISSING Berea woman. ⚠️

Ms. Sherry Fugate, 67, hasn’t been seen or heard from by her daughter since approximately 1:30pm on Wednesday July 10th, 2024. Fugate reportedly visited St. Joseph Hospital in Berea in the early morning hours of Thursday July 11th, 2024.

Ms. Sherry Fugate is approximately 5’00’’ tall, around 180 pounds, with blue eyes and brownish-gray hair. She was last seen wearing a black skirt, red t-shirt with a Georgia “G” on the front and white tennis shoes w/pink soles. Ms. Fugate has a purse with her and is reported as not wearing jewelry.

Ms. Sherry Fugate is reported as having a mental health condition and requires daily medication that was not taken with her. She is believed to be hitchhiking to Rome, Georgia and is currently entered as a Missing Person from Georgia.

Anyone with information or knowledge of Ms. Sherry Fugate’s whereabouts is asked to call Madison County EOC at 859-624-4776 or Deputy Kermeen at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 859-623-1511.

07/08/2024

🔍 Job Opportunity Alert: Be Disaster Wise, Organize, and Prioritize! 🔍

The Division of Emergency Management is hiring a Federal Program Specialist! Are you ready to make a difference? Join us to provide direction and coordination in the administration of federal program grants.

📍 Location: Frankfort, KY

✨ Key Responsibilities:
- Lead state plans for FEMA Public Assistance Disaster Declaration Program.
- Develop comprehensive scopes of work for disaster-impacted infrastructures.
- Liaise with FEMA to ensure maximization of Federal awards.
- Ensure projects comply with federal/state regulations.
- Review and approve disaster recovery applications.
- Monitor project progress for compliance and cost-effectiveness.
- Provide updated technical guidance and training.
- Ensure projects meet federal matching requirements.

💼 Join our team and help restore and strengthen our communities! Apply now and be part of a mission that makes a real impact.

05/28/2024

Today, Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson and other essential leaders visited western Kentucky with Governor Andy Beshear to meet with survivors from several communities affected by yesterday’s storms.

Our goal is to identify how to help these communities recover from the damage caused by the storm.

“We want to identify the needs of our communities so we can assist them in accessing any resources available to them as fast as possible,” said Gibson. “They have been through enough. Every moment matters when you are going through hardship like this. KYEM will do all we can to see these communities recover.”

05/27/2024

As Kentuckians continue to survey the damage from storms on Sunday and early Monday, Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson and Kentucky National Guard LTC Curtis Persinger are headed to western Kentucky to meet Governor Andy Beshear and get a first-hand look.
If you find storm damage in your area, report it to your local emergency manager. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the damage, and make a list.
If you’re cleaning up debris, wear appropriate clothing and protective gear, such as work gloves, boots, and eye protection.
Stay safe, Kentucky!

05/26/2024

Weather Alert for Kentucky: Stay Informed and Safe
Severe weather is expected across the Commonwealth of Kentucky today and tonight. It's crucial to stay weather-aware, have multiple ways to receive alerts, and monitor local outlets for the most up-to-date information. Here's what to expect:
Central Kentucky:
• Multiple waves of strong to severe storms are possible today into tonight.
• Widespread damaging winds are possible, with the potential for tornadoes and large hail.
• Repeated heavy rainfall could result in flash flooding, especially in south-central Kentucky.
• The greatest risk for severe weather and flash flooding will be from 10 PM to 3 AM EDT.
West Kentucky:
• Several thunderstorms are expected; some could produce damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
• Heavy rainfall on saturated soils will increase the risk of flooding and flash flooding through tonight.
• Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2+ inches are expected, with localized higher amounts with thunderstorms.
Northern Kentucky:
• Damaging winds will be the main severe weather threat, but isolated large hail and tornadoes are also possible.
• Heavy rain could lead to localized flash flooding.
Eastern Kentucky:
• Damaging winds and large hail are the primary threats, especially along and west of I-75.
• Isolated tornadoes can't be ruled out.
• Heavy rain from these storms may result in flooding.
Safety Tips:
• Stay Informed: Follow local weather updates and alerts from your local outlets.
• Have Multiple Ways to Receive Alerts: Stay informed using weather radios, mobile alerts, and other reliable sources.
• Monitor Local Outlets: Watch local news for the latest updates on weather conditions in your area.
• Review Your Severe Weather Plans: Make sure you and your family know what to do in case of severe weather. Take action if needed.

Stay safe and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones during this severe weather. - KYEM

05/08/2024

Update for Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

05/08/2024

Update for Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Repetitive thunderstorms may lead to flash flooding into Thursday morning. The most favored time is late this afternoon and tonight, with the greatest risk in south central Kentucky near and west of I-75.

05/08/2024

Update for Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

05/07/2024

🚨 Severe Weather Alert continuing Tuesday afternoon through Early Thursday! 🚨

🌩️ Stay Prepared! Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms are expected to intensify this afternoon and continue into the overnight hours. We are facing all types of severe weather hazards:

🌪️ Tornadoes: Including the possibility of a few strong tornadoes. Property damage or destruction is possible. An isolated strong tornado cannot be ruled out.
🌨️ Hail: Watch out for very large hail, potentially golf ball size or larger, which can cause significant damage to vehicles, homes, and agricultural areas.
💨 Winds: Gusts up to 70 MPH could lead to tree damage, minor shingle damage, and disruption from blown around outdoor items.

🔶 We are at an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather. Please secure outdoor furniture, stay indoors, and follow local advisories. Your safety is paramount!

Stay tuned for updates and take all necessary precautions. Stay safe!

04/08/2024

SAFETY TIPS: Solar Eclipse Viewing Tips for Today's Event in Kentucky!

Kentucky residents, as you gear up for today's solar eclipse, make sure to enjoy this celestial event safely by following these essential tips:

- Protect your eyes with solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers.
- Keep pets indoors to protect their eyes.
- Use approved solar filters for telescopes, binoculars, and cameras.
- Watch for symptoms of discomfort or vision changes.
- Stay informed by following local news updates and official sources.

Remember to prioritize your safety and well-being while enjoying this awe-inspiring event.

Share these tips with your friends and family to ensure everyone enjoys the eclipse responsibly!

🌞✨

04/03/2024

We would like to provide an update regarding a post that was previously shared. We apologize for any confusion caused by the date discrepancy. The event in question actually took place on April 3rd, and we regret any inconvenience this may have caused. While much of our attention was focused on storm response, this event remained a very important priority for our organization. Unfortunately, this detail was accidentally overlooked and we apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 3, 2024) - Kentucky emergency response partners from Kentucky Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and Louisville Emergency Services to host a commemoration of the Supercell Tornado Outbreak of 1974.

NOTE: Due to inclement weather, this event has been RELOCATED indoors from its original location at Cherokee Park on Beringer Hill.

Remembering the 1974 Supercell Tornado Outbreak, 50 years later
Metro Hall, The Mayor’s Gallery
527 W Jefferson St, 4th Floor
Louisville, KY 40202
Thursday, April 4, 2024, 10:00 AM EDT

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg,
John Gordon, Meteorologist-In-Charge, National Weather Service Louisville
Harvey Slone, Louisville Mayor, 1974
Dr. Greg Forbes, Surveyor of Louisville Tornado, Weather Channel Weather Expert
Jennifer Narramore, Tornado Talk, Historian
KYEM Interim Director, Dustin Heiser

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jessica “Jesse” Elbouab, Kentucky Emergency Management, (502) 229-3304 | [email protected]
Mike Kochasic, National Weather Service Louisville, (502) 504-2291 | [email protected]
Kevin Trager, Mayor’s Office, (502) 751-0358 | [email protected]
Jessica Wethington, Louisville Metro Emergency Services, (502) 759-4395 | [email protected]

04/02/2024

04/02/2024

UPDATED: WIth severe weather in the forecast contuning this afternoon, attached is an update listing of Tornado Shelters. Thank you to all of our community partners for your commitment to our community's safety.

04/02/2024

Stormy skies are in the forecast for the next few days. Some storms may be strong or severe, especially Monday night into Tuesday. Stay tuned to forecast updates, which normally occur around 4am and 4pm EDT.

04/01/2024

Attention, Kentucky residents! Severe storms are expected to move through the region tonight and tomorrow. Damaging winds, large hail, flooding and tornadoes will all be possible.

1️⃣ Prepare now.
2️⃣ Stay updated with local alerts.
3️⃣ Have a plan. Update the plan if you have kids home for spring break.

Stay safe and be weather aware, Kentucky!