On March 6 and 7, 2021, Eastern Kentucky University undergraduate students volunteered to assist Estill County, Ky., officials in conducting preliminary damage assessments as a result of recent flooding in the area.

Joining forces with local citizens, emergency managers, and American Red Cross members, students Colin Holsclaw, Bradyn Delaware, Claire Schneider, Garrett Bowman, Jacob Evans, Kelsie Arisman, Lauryn McArthur, Rachel Marsh, Riley Kirchoff, and Shane Skeens helped in collecting data on the damage caused by the recent flooding. Many of the students said they were humbled and surprised by the experience. “I have never seen anything quite to this level of devastation,” said Skeens, “I was witnessing the destruction of everything many of these people had ever known.” Despite the devastation, those impacted were still hopeful. “The people were incredible. I have never felt so appreciated by the small part I took in helping these towns,” Bowman reported. Despite the devastation, students were happy to have helped aid in recovery and gain a hands-on experience in their field.

Conducting assessments of damaged property due to flooding or for any other type of disaster is a requirement for requesting federal financial relief aid. Students enrolled in the Homeland Security Program learn about recovery systems and processes in a required course on disaster resilience.

By Catherine Moore, graduate assistant, EKU Homeland Security Program

Published on 3/11/2021