LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The University of Kentucky launched new specialized strikes teams to respond to natural disasters in the state.
UK leaders said in a news release Wednesday that the teams are a response to increase in disasters in Kentucky. Matt Dixon, a senior meteorologist at UK, said there have been 92 weather disasters in the state since 1980, and seven of those happened in 2024.
The Kentucky Extension Disaster Education Network was formed after several of those weather-related disasters that caused millions of dollars damage. And the specialized strike teams, made up of county agents and staff in Kentucky, will provide crucial on-the-ground support to communities impacted by disasters.
"This initiative will allow Extension leaders to learn from established strike team models and, crucially, implement a pilot strike team program within Kentucky Cooperative Extension," Jeff Young, Kentucky EDEN project team leader and director of Urban Extension at Martin-Gatton CAFE, said in a news release. "Furthermore, the development of a national toolkit provides a roadmap for other states to build their own resilient disaster response networks."
The strike teams will also respond and reduce the impact of disasters through research-based education.
Top Stories:
Former LMPD officer convicted for lying about cases arrested for soliciting prostitution
From superintendent to bus drivers, search our database of every JCPS employee salary
Churchill Downs moves to shut down Fair Grounds, citing legal and legislative losses
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
