Kentucky

February 11, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. — As recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of the recent winter storms that pummeled more than 100 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, the National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm and high wind warnings for numerous counties across the state.

Gov. Steve Beshear urges Kentuckians to use extreme caution traveling and operating alternative heat sources in the event of power outages during this most recent wave of inclement weather. With many trees already damaged by the ice storm, Kentuckians are urged to be cautious and watch for falling limbs and downed trees from the high winds and locally strong storms.    » read more »

Use of Generators, Kerosene Heaters and Grills Still Pose Dangers for Those Without Power

February 10, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, KY -- Preliminary results from a survey of more than 500 households in 10 Western Kentucky counties over the weekend indicate serious safety concerns remain for those still without power, health officials announced today.

The most striking preliminary finding indicates that many Kentuckians in these areas are at continued risk for carbon monoxide poisoning due to the improper use of generators, kerosene heaters and grills. The biggest problem observed involved generators being used in enclosed areas or too close to the home.

Findings also indicated that carbon monoxide detectors are playing a key role in saving lives.    » read more »

Kentucky Division of Water provides guidance on emergency water disinfection

February 10, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, KY -- As power outages and low water pressure problems persist in some areas of the commonwealth as a result of the ice storm, Kentucky officials are urging residents to properly disinfect water for in-home use, including drinking, cooking, making prepared drinks and brushing teeth.

The easiest alternative is to use bottled water if it is available.

"We remain concerned about the health, safety and welfare of Kentuckians as we all cope with the effects of this disaster," said Gen. John L. Heltzel, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. "All of our commonwealth partners are active in providing help and information."    » read more »

Gov. Beshear sought declaration this week following devastating winter storms

February 05, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky.— Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today received word from the White House that President Barack Obama has granted the governor’s request for a major disaster declaration for the commonwealth of Kentucky, following the devastating winter storm that has paralyzed parts of the state and left hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians without electricity, water and heat.    » read more »

February 02, 2009 --FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today asked President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster for the commonwealth of Kentucky, following the devastating winter storm that has paralyzed parts of the state and left hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians without electricity, water and heat.

Moreover, given the breadth of the crisis, the governor is asking the federal government to pick up additional costs incurred for the use of an unprecedented number of National Guardsmen and storm costs that already have exceeded an estimated $45 million. The storm is believed to be the worst natural disaster in modern Kentucky history.    » read more »

January 29th, 2009 -- Last night, President Obama declared federal emergencies caused by winter storms in two states, answering requests for aid from Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear.

President Barack Obama signs an Emergency Declaration for the State of Arkansas Wednesday evening, Jan. 28, 2008 in the Oval Of: (White House photo by Pete Souza)

ARKANSAS

The President declared an emergency exists in the State of Arkansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm beginning on January 26, 2009, and continuing.    » read more »

January 29, 2009 -- Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama's emergency declaration issued for Kentucky.

"Emergency" is any occasion or instance in which the president determines that federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts to save lives and protect property and public health and safety or to avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

* FEMA will direct other federal agencies and provide 75 percent federal funding for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health, limited to this direct federal assistance.    » read more »

January 29, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that Federal emergency aid has been made available for the Commonwealth of Kentucky to help supplement state and local response efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm during the period January 27, 2009, and continuing.    » read more »

Beshear, Conway implement price gouging statues to protect Kentuckians

January 29, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – President Barack Obama last night approved Gov. Steve Beshear’s request for an emergency Presidential Disaster Declaration that will expedite assistance to people in need across the commonwealth.    » read more »

Beshear, Conway implement price gouging statutes to protect Kentuckians

January 28, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – With nearly 400,000 Kentucky customers without power, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today said he is seeking an emergency disaster declaration from the federal government to expedite assistance to people in need across the commonwealth.

The disaster request is one of a number of steps Gov. Beshear quickly triggered today in the way of icy winter storm that has walloped much of the state, impacting nursing homes, government centers and homes and businesses from Ballard County in the west to Boyd County in the east.    » read more »

Declaration enables state resources to be mobilized against winter storm

January 27, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today declared an emergency in Kentucky because of a powerful winter storm. The declaration enables state resources to be mobilized to assist cities and counties in coping with power outages and other damage wrought by ice and snow.

“When winter weather hits, it is crucial that our citizens know that their state government is doing everything possible to ensure their safety and well-being,” the governor said in a news conference. “We are prepared to use every available resource to help Kentuckians make it through these rough conditions, whatever may come.”    » read more »

Largest gift to the university will support the effort

January 26, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. -- As President Barack Obama unveils an economic stimulus plan to invest more than $50 billion in renewable energy research, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear is looking to the University of Louisville to take the lead in that arena. At a press conference today, the governor announced he is entering into a memorandum of agreement with UofL to operate Kentucky’s Center for Renewable Energy Research and Environmental Stewardship.    » read more »

August 29, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. David K. Cooper, 25, of Williamsburg, Kentucky, died Aug. 27 in Baghdad, of wounds suffered in Qadasiyah, Iraq, when his dismounted patrol came under small arms fire.

He was assigned to Forward Support Company, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Source: DoD

Public Health Releases New Risk Factor Data

August 13, 2008 -- Many Kentuckians report they are in poor health, have been diagnosed with chronic diseases, and don’t have access to health care, according to 2007 data released today by the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH).

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Systems, a survey, conducted by the Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement in DPH, looks at several health indicators, such as diet and physical activity, to determine the health and lifestyle habits of Kentuckians.    » read more »

Protection Center to Help Kentuckians in Danger of Losing Their Homes

August 11, 2008 -- OWENSBORO, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today announced at a press conference in Owensboro the creation of the Kentucky Homeownership Protection Center to address the foreclosure crisis in the commonwealth. The Protection Center, created by the passage of HB 552 during the 2008 General Assembly, will help Kentuckians in financial trouble become more proactive in keeping their homes.    » read more »