Ready for what Kentucky actually throws at you.
Flash floods in the mountains, tornadoes across the west, ice storms statewide, and an earthquake fault that could change everything.
About this guide
Kentucky is a state of geographic extremes. The Eastern Kentucky mountains — Pike, Letcher, Knott, Perry counties — sit in narrow hollows where flash floods have no warning and no escape route. The July 2022 flood killed 44 people and destroyed entire communities that had nowhere to run. Western Kentucky's flatlands sit in direct tornado country: the December 2021 Mayfield tornado killed 77 people and is one of the deadliest December tornadoes in US history. The Bluegrass and Pennyrile regions in between deal with ice storms, riverine flooding, and the ever-present background risk of the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Every corner of the state has a real hazard — and the rural character of most of it means help arrives slowly.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Flash Flooding, Tornadoes, Winter Ice Storms
KY has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 5b (Eastern mountains) to 7a (Western KY / Pennyrile)
Unemployment: up to $552 (up to $720 with dependents)/week for 26 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the KY risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours