Disaster Helps Neighbors to Create the Good

Kentucky’s devastating ice storm in January left nearly a million residents suddenly without power in sub-freezing temperatures. Even with National Weather Service warnings, the catastrophic damage to the state’s infrastructure was unprecedented and unimaginable. The human-toll turned deadly with thousands seeking shelter from the freezing temperatures, fallen trees, blocked roads and downed power lines.

Even as large trees continued to snap under the weight of the storm’s ice, Southern Elementary School in Ohio County was quickly being converted to an emergency shelter. Miraculously, the school’s electrical power remained on even though most of the county had gone dark and cold.

AARP Kentucky Executive Council member and long time Ohio County civic leader, Charlotte Whittaker, began coordinating efforts to convert the school’s classrooms and gymnasium in to an emergency shelter for some 300 residents over 12 long days. As the shelter’s chief coordinator, Whittaker volunteered her time “around the clock” delivering emergency aid, hot meals, medical assistance and even a Super Bowl party. She coordinated emergency responders from local and state law enforcement, volunteer firefighters, National Guard Units, Governor’s office and Members of Congress as well as out of state volunteer medical personnel and neighbors “We coordinated rescues, medical services, served more than 9,000 hot meals, and provided a warm, safe place to sleep. Our youngest resident was 21 days old and our oldest was 98. The help from our community, our local volunteers and those from across our state made it happen,” said Whittaker.

President Obama signed a major disaster declaration for 80 of the state’s 120 counties through which federal government reimbursements are helping the state’s cash strapped budget recoup 75 percent of ongoing local and state governmental costs for storm-related recovery costs.

In April, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-2) introduced a bi-partisan House Resolution (H. Res. 214), supported by all members of the state’s congressional members honoring the work of “countless” volunteers, like Whittaker, who responded by helping neighbors during the crisis. “No matter the size of the volunteer effort, they all made a difference in saving lives and helping the Commonwealth of Kentucky get back on its feet after this terrible storm. These volunteers are a true testament to the American spirit,” according to a news release from Congressman Guthrie.

Disasters can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere. Whether one comes in the form of an ice storm, hurricane, tornado, fire, flood, earthquake, it’s important to be ready and AARP can help.

Operation Emergency Prepare helps you help the people you care about to prepare for any emergencies or disasters that might demand evacuation or confinement to the home. By taking the steps AARP suggests, you’ll help the people you care about to be prepared with basic information and tools that can help them endure a crisis and get their lives back on track. Rest easier by getting started today!

Looking for other quick and simple ways to make a difference in your community? Connect with others by joining AARP’s Create The Good network today!