The New Year has brought some challenging weather conditions around the country. In Western Kentucky we have our own unique set of ‘Preparedness Considerations’. As part of our mission as a Citizen Corps Council, we have an obligation to inform and educate as many people as possible of the hazards we face and the actions that may mitigate damages- regardless of the challenge. A few of the hazards we see in the Pennyrile Region will more than likely include:
• Freezing temperatures- Hypothermia/frostbite, frozen water pipes
• Power-Outages
• Flash flooding
• Severe weather—high winds; tornadoes, thunder-electrical storms
• Snow/Ice storms

These are but a few of the weather events we could potentially face during the next few months. As I write this, there is a light snow falling. Last week we were alerted for tornado watches- followed by heavy rain causing flash flooding with some roads under water and closed. The Weather Spotters group activated and local law enforcement agencies were busy with the weather related calls as well as their normal workloads. Its times like these when it is easy to see why our task of training citizens “How to Prepare” and become self-reliant and able to sustain themselves for a period of time is critical. Weather conditions in our region can quickly change and escalate. Having informed- prepared- educated citizens benefits all. An available tool we have is our website; please take a few minutes to look at the site (www.peadd.info/cc ) to see training opportunities, tools to achieve readiness, and links that lead to a wealth of information and resources.

As we did in the past year we are again participating in the Department of Homeland Security’s- “Ready Campaign”. The Goal of the Campaign is to strive to assist Americans in learning about preparedness and making a commitment to “Resolve to Be Ready in 2008”. Families, individuals, businesses, and kids have specific information targeted at their specialized needs. Numerous studies have revealed that if our citizens: 1. Prepare an “Emergency Supply Kit”; 2. Develop a Disaster Plan and 3.) Know the hazards we face and actions to take to minimize damages, our communities will be safer, stronger & better prepared. The Ready Campaign Web site is at www.ready.gov. You can also call 1-800-BE-READY for materials. Visit our website as well for contact information to Get- Involved in our area. It is important to keep in mind that your best protection is knowing what to do. Emergency Planning is the planning process you take to ensure you and your family can survive a disaster.

As we enter 2008 we have goals that include educating individuals and groups. We will continue to support existing initiatives (CERT, NWP, MRC, VIPS, and FC) by providing Incident Command System & NIMS training, as well as evaluating equipment expenditures. Our top priority will be to spread the “Preparedness Message” to the citizens of the Pennyrile Region. We need Council involvement, suggestions and input on Civic Groups, places of worship, Clubs and organizations that we can speak to and community events where we can set up our booth.

Daniel D. Nicholson, Sr.
Chairman- Council
Pennyrile Regional Citizen Corps


“Failing to Plan- is- Planning to Fail”