It’s been three years since an ice storm paralyzed the western Kentucky region and emergency service coordinators say they’re better prepared in the event of another major disaster.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd told The Paducah Sun that a major ice storm today wouldn’t affect the region as dramatically as the one that hit on Jan. 27, 2009.
For example, he says crews have removed many trees that used to sit near roads. He says does more than just remove the risk of a tree falling and blocking the road.
“With the cleared right-of-ways, more sunshine is reaching the pavement and that keeps the roads warm and helps the salt do the work of melting snow and ice,” Todd said.
McCracken County Emergency Management Director Paul Carter says he thinks the entire community is better prepared.
“Since the ice storm, I’ve seen more awareness about emergency situations and planning from both citizens and leaders,” Carter said. “The state has developed a greater ability to provide emergency management and coordinate volunteer efforts.”
He said the area has more generators, home emergency kits and food reserves.
“We’re more in a mindset to help our neighbors and have better preparation for worse situations, like an earthquake,” Carter said.
He said
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