BY MADISON MOONEY
As the anniversary of last year’s devastating flooding in Martin County approaches, the community is once again emerging from weeks of extreme cold, snow, and icy conditions. The timing is a reminder of a growing reality: extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, causing repeated flooding and other environmental impacts across the region.
In response, Martin County has been working behind the scenes to evaluate its disaster response and recovery efforts, with the goal of strengthening resilience against future emergencies. Martin County Emergency Management partnered with LiKEN Knowledge (Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network) and the University of Kentucky to produce an After–Action Report (AAR) examining what worked well during last year’s flooding response, the challenges that arose, and opportunities for improvement.
AARs are designed to support continuous improvement rather than assign blame. Following a major incident or extreme weather, this gives space for emergency responders, public officials, and community partners to convene and review plans, processes, and procedures, identifying lessons learned that can inform future response and recovery efforts.
That process took shape Dec. 4 when Martin County public officials, faith–based organizations, and other key partners met to reflect on events from February through April of last year. Discussions focused on equipment needs, training gaps, funding limitations and interagency agreements.
Since the meeting, several agencies have already begun implementing changes, such as the purchase of Starlink equipment to improve communications during emergencies when cell service, radio and network coverage often get disrupted.
The meeting also highlighted what went right. Participants emphasized the importance of documenting successful practices, which can be incorporated into future plans. Community leaders noted the rapid sharing of resources, the flow of assistance, and the overwhelming generosity of volunteers, churches and donors who supported distribution efforts and were instrumental in making it a successful disaster response. The recovery, many agreed, came from a collective community effort.
For the first time, this AAR is also seeking direct input from residents. We are inviting community members to share photographs from last year’s flooding, along with details and descriptions of the impacts they experienced. Community input from folks like you will help ensure that future emergency planning reflects the lived experiences of those most affected.
The collection period will remain open through April, when a Community Open House is planned in conjunction with a disaster preparedness training by the Martin County Cooperative Extension Office, with support from the Martin County Emergency Management team, March 23 in Warfield and March 25 in Inez.
Registration details will be shared soon on the Livelihood Knowledge Exchange Network Facebook page.
The training and open house will welcome residents and provide information on emergency preparedness and recovery ahead of future disasters.
Submissions should include a photo and a short description of the challenges or experiences (less than 200 words) and can be submitted using this Google form: https://forms.gle/S3r8sZi7fMkTTpNS8
To future Livelihoods.
Madison Mooney is a LiKEN Community Care Coordinator in Martin County. Contact her by email at mmooney@likenknowledge.org or by phone at 606-626-5930.