Kentucky Office of Homeland Security

08/31/2026

KCSS Resource Center is excited to announce that the 2026 KY Safe Schools Week Campaign: “Strong Roots. Safe Schools.” has been released on our website. The pledge is live and the map is being updated.
https://kycss.org/safe-schools-week/

Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC)
KSBA
Green River Regional Educational Cooperative - GRREC
Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative
West Kentucky Educational Cooperative
Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services
OVEC
Southeast South-Central Educational Cooperative
Kentucky Association of School Administrators

08/17/2026

🎒 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY STARTS WITH ALL OF US
As students return to classrooms across Kentucky, we all play a role in keeping our schools safe.
👀 See something concerning? Say something. If you know about a threat, planned act of violence, or other safety concern involving a school, don't keep it to yourself.
📱 Use Kentucky's STOP Tipline to report school safety concerns. Reports can be made anonymously by calling 866-393-6659 or by visiting https://safeschools.ky.gov/
Your information could help prevent a threat before it becomes an incident.
Speak up. Stay alert. Help keep Kentucky schools safe. 🏫

08/12/2026

🚌 NEW KENTUCKY SCHOOL BUS LAW

As Kentucky students head back to school, drivers need to know about an important change to the state's school bus law.
Effective July 15, 2026, traffic approaching a stopped school bus from the opposite direction must stop when the bus has its stop arm and warning lights activated. Even on large, multi-lane roads like highways. The only exception is when the roadway has four or more lanes divided by an elevated barrier or an unpaved median. Not just road paint.

School bus stop arm camera monitoring systems can be used to enforce this new law. A fine for violating the new bus law will go to the registered owner of the vehicle, even if they were not driving at the time.

For more information, please view KRS 189.370, and KRS 158.486.

🚨 See the flashing red lights? STOP.
🛑 See the stop arm? STOP.
👀 Watch carefully for students entering or leaving the bus.
A few extra seconds can help protect a child’s life. Slow down, stay alert, and know the law.

🛡️ If you become aware of safety concerns impacting schools in your community, contact the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security:
https://homelandsecurity.ky.gov/Pages/Report-Suspicious-Activity.aspx

📞 1-866-EYE-ON-KY (866-393-6659)

07/10/2026

☀️ Summer is the perfect time to enjoy festivals, concerts, fairs, and community celebrations across Kentucky.

While you're making memories with family and friends, stay aware of your surroundings. If you notice unattended bags, suspicious behavior, or something that just doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and report it to event staff or local law enforcement.
Keeping our communities safe is a shared responsibility.
If You See Something, Say Something. Your awareness can help protect those around you.

🛡️ If you observe suspicious activity or safety concerns while attending summer events, report it to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security.

🌐 Report online: https://homelandsecurity.ky.gov/Pages/Report-Suspicious-Activity.aspx

📞 1-866-EYE-ON-KY (866-393-6659)
If there is an emergency, always call 911 first.

07/04/2026

This Independence Day is especially meaningful as our nation begins commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

For 250 years, Americans have worked together to build stronger, safer communities. As you gather with family, friends, and neighbors this holiday, the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.

Whether you're attending a parade, cookout, or fireworks display, remember to celebrate responsibly and look out for one another.

Happy Independence Day!

07/01/2026

Sparklers may seem harmless, but they can burn at temperatures of up to 1,200°F
If you're celebrating with fireworks:
✔️ Read and follow all instructions.
✔️ Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area.
✔️ Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
✔️ Dispose of used fireworks by soaking them in water before throwing them away.
Celebrate responsibly and help keep Kentucky safe this Fourth of July!

06/29/2026

When temperatures rise outside, get inside.
If you need to be outdoors:
☀️ Limit your time in the heat.
💧 Drink water often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
🧢 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat.
🌳 Take breaks in air conditioning or shade whenever possible.
👥 Check on neighbors, friends, and family members who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

Heat can become dangerous quickly. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and get inside when the temperatures climb.

06/25/2026

ArcGIS Dashboards

06/19/2026

📞 You don’t need proof—just reasonable concern. If you observe behavior that raises suspicion, it’s important to report it. Law enforcement professionals are trained to evaluate information and determine the next steps. Reporting helps ensure that potential risks are not overlooked and allows authorities to respond quickly if needed.
🛡️ When in doubt, report concerns to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security:
https://homelandsecurity.ky.gov/Pages/Report-Suspicious-Activity.aspx
📞 1-866-EYE-ON-KY (866-393-6659)

06/03/2026

KOHS Executive Director Amy Hess recently joined the Bluegrass Beat podcast to discuss KOHS’s mission of enhancing safety and security across the Commonwealth.

During the episode, she highlights the agency’s role in supporting preparedness, resilience, and public safety efforts, as well as the strong partnerships KOHS maintains with local, state, and federal agencies. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or by following the link below.

In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat podcast, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security Executive Director Amy Hess joins us to discuss her agency’s role in keeping the Commonwealth safe and how it partners with local agencies to enhance public safety.