BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County officials are rallying residents to join a newly formed citizen emergency response team to prepare the community for potential disasters.
County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and Emergency Management Director Clyde Adams issued the call for volunteers on Friday. They emphasized that last year’s tragic collapse of the Pontiki tipple, which killed two workers, revealed gaps in the county’s emergency preparedness.
“It became very clear that we didn’t have even the most basic emergency supplies—hard hats, flashlights, protective gear,” Lafferty said. “Our emergency management director at the time, Kayla May, did a tremendous job coordinating resources from the state and region, but the event showed the need for us to be ready here in Martin County.”
Lafferty also pointed to the catastrophic flooding that devastated eastern Kentucky two years ago, killing 40 people in nearby Knott and Breathitt counties.
“That storm dropped 14 to 16 inches of rain in two days,” Lafferty said. “If it had wobbled a bit north, Martin County could have been in the same situation.”
In addition, the judge mentioned the recent destruction from Hurricane Helene, which claimed 250 lives, calling it “a tremendous loss” and a reminder of the risks facing Appalachian communities.
“In the first critical hours after a disaster, we will need to rely on ourselves,” Lafferty said. “Neighbors helping neighbors. Community helping community. That’s why I’m calling on everyone in Martin County. Whether you’re a truck driver, carpenter, heavy equipment operator, a cook, or just someone with the willingness to help, we need you. It’s time to build a volunteer force we can depend on in times of crisis.”
The county is acquiring essential emergency supplies like hard hats and flashlights, but Lafferty stressed that “the missing piece is you.”
Adams, who is spearheading the organizational effort, has drafted a volunteer sign-up form. It is available on the Emergency Management Facebook page and at his office in the government center.
“The first 24 hours of a disaster are the most critical,” Adams said. “That’s how long it takes to mobilize outside resources. We’re preparing a trailer with supplies to sustain us during those crucial first hours—with gloves, masks, ponchos, hard hats, anything we can get.”
Adams is working to organize the network of volunteers by specific skills or equipment, “such as knowing there are five people with jon boats in flood-prone areas like Tomahawk. The goal is to have local assets on hand when needed.”
The director plans to collaborate with churches to establish shelters and warming stations throughout the county. This will allow residents in remote areas to find refuge during emergencies that block their access to shelters in Inez or Warfield.
“We’re building our own disaster corps,” Adams said. “It’s about being prepared together.”
