Communities all across the country are participating this week in the national PrepareAthon. It's a campaign to raise awareness about emergency preparedness for issues including severe weather and chemical spills. John Bobel is with Lexington's Division of Emergency Management. He says two nearby interstates and heavily traveled rail routes always present the risk of a hazardous event. "Most days nothing happens, but we need to be aware if something does happen to a tanker carrying hazardous materials, that there is going to be a response," said Bobel. "People may need to know how to shelter in place."
Bobel says in the event of a hazardous chemical spill, children attending school would likely be instructed to shelter in place. He says although parents may feel compelled to do so, it is often not recommended to pick children up from school in such a situation.
Bobel says putting a working NOAA All-Hazards Radio in more people's hands is a priority goal. He says the national communication system is one of the most robust in the country. "In Kentucky, you've got to be in an extraordinary remote area or down in a holler or valley not to receive that NOAA weather radio signal," added Bobel
Kentuckians have weathered a great deal in 2015, including record snowfall and major flooding. The biggest threats ahead through the summer months are tornados and severe thunderstorms.?
