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Kentucky State University’s Community and Resource Development Team has recently acquired a disaster recovery unit, a trailer equipped for disaster preparedness education and relief across the state of Kentucky. 

There has been an increase in disasters in Kentucky, such as the December 2021 tornadoes and July 2022 flooding, necessitating a resource like the disaster recovery unit. Following the tornadoes in western Kentucky, the Thorobred Nutrition Kitchen was stocked with supplies and used to distribute meals to victims and volunteers; after the flooding in eastern Kentucky, the Cooperative Extension Program collected and delivered donations, such as food and coats.

“The disaster recovery unit will have an enclosed cargo full of hope and inspiration as part of our mission to mitigate the inevitable,” said Cameron Sellers, community resource and development (CRD) disaster educator.

The trailer will be outfitted and prepared to respond to disasters across the state, in conjunction with state entities, non-profits and faith-based organizations. Kentucky State’s CRD team will also be coordinating with school systems to use the unit in disaster preparedness education and initiatives. Additionally, Kentucky State has organized the Kentucky Disaster Preparedness Program, a group of volunteers in certain areas who will coordinate with Kentucky State on education and response efforts.

“We will use this trailer as an educational learning lab, and it will help us support families and communities who have been impacted by disasters,” Sellers said.