Is Kentucky Really At Risk?
The answer is yes. A hazard analysis of the state indicates that no populated area is hazard free. Given that effective disaster planning means recognizing existing problems as well as potential problems, the DPH plan shows 17 areas of vulnerability in Kentucky.
Hazards you should be aware of:
Earthquakes – The state has a number of primary geological faults with high risk of minor earthquake activity that could disrupt natural gas and petroleum pipelines.
Transportation and hazardous materials accidents – The extensive transportation routes crisscrossing the state raise the risk of transportation and hazardous materials accidents. Such accidents can originate from materials in transportation, industrial, residential, commercial or agricultural use – and seriously compromise the quality of air, ground or water.
Release of Chemical and Radioactive Agents – Chemical weapons are stockpiled at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Madison County; uranium is stored at another location; the state is home to two major military sites. And, although the state is not seen to be a primary target for a nuclear event, it could be affected by radioactive fallout from an attack on another part of the country.
Influenza Pandemic – National and international health experts worry that a new, more virulent strain of flu could cause mass illness and death. SARS and monkey pox are recent examples of the kinds of ever-present potential health hazards.