LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18)– The ice storm of 2009 devastated much of Kentucky, leaving over 6,000 homes and businesses without power across the state.
With over an inch of ice in places, emergency management had to assist.
Emergency Management Crews tell LEX 18 that they have used that storm as a training tool and have made huge advancements in the years since. They say that one of their most important improvements is that they now have a headquarters.
Having 911, 311, and emergency management are in one place makes it easier to facilitate coordination and cooperation.
“Before we had to get equipment out put it together and set up which put us an hour, hour and a half later into an event,” said Emergency Management Director Patricia Dugger.
Emergency Management tells LEX 18 that over 50% of the issues they had in 2009 are now fixable, including improved shelters and the use of inverters in case power does go out.
“Before we had to use a lot of manpower for police to be there, now it can be more automated and they can go do some of the other things they need to be doing,” said Dugger.
