February 24, 2018
LAWRENCE COUNTY DAMAGES ESTIMATED AT OVER $100,000
Local EMS quick to respond with public statement
Kentucky Press News Service
FRANKFORT – Gov. Matt Bevin Friday declared a statewide emergency in response to continued heavy rainfall events which have caused widespread flooding and damage to critical infrastructure across Kentucky.
Beginning on Feb. 9, severe storms produced heavy rain and strong wind gusts, causing flooding, landslides and mudslides and resulting in injuries and major impacts to infrastructure, agricultural production and governmental, commercial and private properties.
The governor’s executive order enables state resources to be mobilized and made ready to assist cities and counties should they be needed, a state news release said.
Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) on Friday, at a Level 4. To date, the SEOC has received 14 individual county declarations.
“Monitor the threat of heavy rainfall and flooding alerts through your weather radio and media broadcasts to ensure you have awareness of changing conditions in your area,” said KYEM director Michael Dossett. ”Please also be aware of safety concerns for local first responders as they assist citizens in flood-prone areas.”
Lawrence Co. EMS RESPONSE
“We’ve been monitoring the situation throughout the week as the flooding threat has increased in parts of Western and Central Kentucky, those of us in the East have been lucky to avoid the heavy rounds of rain to this point,” said Lawrence County EMS director Mike Woods today.
HERE IS HIS QUOTE FOR THE PUBLIC:
“Counties bordering the Ohio River have already experienced severe flooding this week from extremely high crest and are likely to face even higher crest early next week following the new rainfall.
Here in Lawrence County we are still likely to see another 1 -2 inches of rain from tonight through Sunday as the front begins to move east. We are also likely to see a chance of severe thunderstorms on Saturday night. These storms are likely to produce heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible impacts to the electric grid. KYEM has already activated and will be monitoring the situation throughout the weekend. We will also be monitoring the situation closely to determine if our local Emergency Operations Center will need to activate in response to the flood threat.
FEMA and KYEM officials will be in Lawrence County on Monday February 26th to perform Joint Damage Assessment in response to the county declaration by Lawrence Co. Judge/Exec. John Osborne for the February 10-14 flooding event.
We then hope for a Presidential Declaration for this event shortly thereafter. Initial damage assessments for Lawrence County estimates damages in excess of $100,000. A federal declaration would allow the county to eventually be reimbursed 87% of storm related cost.
We had several roads damaged in the February 10-14 event and with the grounds being saturated we will likely see additional flooding, mudslides and breaks with additional rainfall this weekend.
Once again we ask that everyone stays weather aware throughout the weekend and please DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOOD WATERS. Even if you can see the road surface you can’t tell if the pipe and or dirt under the road has been washed away. Not only are you risking your life but also the lives of those responders that will respond to assist you,” Woods said.
GOV. assessing damage over 21 county area
…In response to rising floodwaters, search and rescue teams have been placed on standby to provide evacuation assistance as needed. State cabinet partners and the National Guard are also preparing for flood response activities.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is currently assessing damages in 21 Eastern Kentucky counties from the previous flooding event on Feb. 9-12, and is prepared to remain in the state to assess further damages in Kentucky.
Bevin activates prohabition of price gouging
Bevin has also activated the state’s prohibitions on price gouging, effective immediately, to protect consumers affected by the severe weather system.
The emergency order triggers several consumer protection measures and will remain in place for 30 days, but may be extended past that time as needed. This order ensures that any instances of price gouging — including for generators, building supplies, chainsaws, hotel rooms and other necessary goods and services at an exorbitant price in a time of disaster — will be fully prosecuted and held accountable.