The winds that roared across Kentucky on March third caused damage and issues in many places. Lexington City Council members got a review Tuesday on storm response in the state’s second-largest city.
Safety officials say communications are always a big issue when a natural disaster hits. And the hurricane-like winds from early March knocked out lines of communication at various levels. Some residents were without power for days. Lexington Emergency Management Director Pat Dugger said safety issues prevented Kentucky Utilities from doing restoration for the first 24 hours.
“I think and what we discussed with them and I think they understand, if people know what the situation is they know they’re trying to make it safe and at least it’s going to be three days, then you can plan for that,” said Dugger.
Council Member Whitney Baxter said it’s important to allow KU to do it’s job including tree trimming or clearing when necessary. Baxter also called for a new effort to develop a consolidated communications plan.
Council Member Jennifer Reynolds asked about warming stations. Social Services Commissioner Kacy Allen-Bryant said overnight warming locations offer challenges.
“Who do we choose out of over 300,000 people to come heat there. We’re not set up to do medical. I mean, yes I am a nurse but it’s been a long time since I’ve practiced and I can say the same for our mayor,” said Allen-Bryant.
Council Member James Brown applauded city workers for their sacrifices in responding when they faced some of the same challenges such as power outages. Public Safety Commissioner Ken Armstrong said the after-action session included discussion of having a utility representative in-person as part of the city’s response team.
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