BY MADISON MOONEY
A year after devastating floodwaters tore through Martin County, local officials are turning hard lessons into action, reviewing what worked, confronting what did not and asking residents to help shape a stronger response before the next disaster strikes.
Residents will have a chance to learn more and take part later this month during disaster preparedness training and a community open house set for April 13 at the Warfield Park Community Center and April 15 at the Martin County Cooperative Extension Office.
The training and open house, hosted by the Martin County Cooperative Extension Office with support from Martin County Emergency Management, will provide information on emergency preparedness and recovery ahead of future disasters.
In the months since the anniversary of the February 2025 flooding, Martin County Emergency Management has been working with LiKEN Knowledge and the University of Kentucky on an after-action review aimed at strengthening the county’s disaster response, identifying gaps exposed by last year’s emergency and building a more resilient plan for the severe weather that continues to threaten the region.
Rather than assigning blame, the after-action process captures lessons learned — what worked, what did not and what changes could improve the county’s response when the next major weather emergency hits.
That after-action review took shape Dec. 4, 2025, when Martin County public officials, faith-based organizations and other key partners met to reflect on the county’s response to last year’s flooding and the weeks that followed. Discussions focused on equipment needs, training gaps, funding limitations and interagency agreements.
Since that meeting, Martin County Emergency Management has already implemented changes, including the purchase of Starlink equipment to improve communications during emergencies, when cell service, radio and network coverage are often disrupted.
The review also highlighted what went right. Participants emphasized the importance of documenting successful practices and incorporating them 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 helped make the disaster response a success.
For the first time, the after-action process is also seeking direct input from residents. Community members are invited to share photographs from last year’s flooding, along with details and descriptions of their experiences, to help ensure future emergency planning reflects the lived experiences of those affected.
The collection period will remain open through April.
Residents who want to contribute should submit a photo and a short description of their challenges or experiences, 200 words or fewer, using this Google form: https://forms.gle/S3r8sZi7fMkTTpNS8
Madison Mooney is a Community Care Coordinator for the Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network.