05:34 PM EDT on Thursday, September 1, 2005

Flooding and tornadoes: living in Kentucky, you are most likely to be affected by these two weather-related emergencies.

“It’s not a matter of if a disaster’s gonna happen, it’s just a matter of when,” says George Betz of the American Red Cross.

Emergency preparedness quizzes

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Kentucky has a dubious distinction – it’s a disaster-prone area. For the past 11 years, a presidential disaster declaration has been issued in the commonwealth. But that's not all bad. With each event, first responders gain more experience.

“I am very proud of our area and our emergency management providers. We were a showcase even before September 11 with things we did as far as terrorism and weapons of mass destruction,” Betz says.

Since 9/11 and the formation of Homeland Security, states have received millions of dollars to create disaster response plans. Kentucky was the first in the nation to teach all emergency personnel, in all 120 counties, a common language and response to use during disaster.

And a recent nationwide study shows Kentucky is more ready to respond to a bioterrorism attack or public health emergency than in 2003.

“Fortunately through the agreements we have through the state’s agreements that they have through the federal folks, you know, there are a lot of resources out there that we can bring into play if needed,” says Mike Brown of the Metro Emergency Management Agency.

In short, every aspect of emergency response and government should be in talking and training

Finally, more individuals are taking it upon themselves to be prepared in time of disaster. Metro Louisville offers the Citizen Emergency Response Training program.

“I hope we never have to put this training to use, but if there was a situation, at least I know something more than I did, and I think I’d know how to keep my family safe a little bit better, and my neighbors,” says Connie Csernik.

Web story produced by Jay Ditzer.