Homeland Security

Since September 11, 2001, our concept of homeland security has evolved, adapting to new realities and threats. The Central Kentucky area is one of the most diverse regions in the Southeastern United States.  It is an area of majestic rolling hills and rich farmland with the eastern portion of the region serving as foothills to the Appalachians.  The 3,161 square mile area of Central Kentucky is a national crossroad, with the convergence of two of the most heavily traveled interstates in the nation (Interstates 75 & 64). 

One of Kentucky’s two major metropolitan centers, Central Kentucky encompasses many significant targets such as a large, recognizable, automobile - manufacturing center, numerous institutions of higher education, the Bluegrass Army Depot (one of the largest chemical and biological weapons stockpiles in the United States), as well as an extremely viable agricultural industry.  The existence of these and other potential targets within the region increases the need for less populated, contiguous areas to have the capability to respond to incidents of terrorism.

Interviews with chief elected officials and first responders throughout the area revealed the critical need for the coordinated protection of Central Kentucky’s citizens from terrorist attack.  Also recognized was the need to have the ability to manage the impact upon rural, mostly financially strapped, entities, from urban migration that is anticipated to occur as a result of a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incident or other type of terrorist attack.  Under-equipped areas are widespread throughout the region, thus impeding the ability of first responders to act efficiently and effectively.  The lack of interoperable communications equipment impedes the essential capability for multiple agencies to communicate.  To underscore, Central Kentucky is vulnerable.

National Incident Management System

When there is a major incident, local jurisdictions may find themselves strapped for resources in handling an emergency situation appropriately.  In some instances, help from other jurisdictions, the state, and the federal government is needed.  The National Incident Management System (NIMS) was developed in order to provide a consistent framework for ensuring neighboring jurisdictions and all levels of government be prepared to take proactive steps, to protect against, respond to, and recover from natural disasters, emergencies, and acts of terrorism. 

Recognizing the need for a unified approach to incident management, the Bluegrass ADD actively participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s initiative to maintain and strengthen NIMS as the national standard for incident management.  With Kentucky a leader in this initiative nationwide, the Bluegrass ADD seeks to ensure the effectiveness of the NIMS program in its communities by implementing standard command and management structures and emphasizes preparedness, mutual aid, and resource management.  To do so, the National Incident Management System Compliance Support Tool (NIMSCAST) functions as an on-line self-assessment tool.  State and local governments complete NIMSCAST in order to evaluate incident response and management capabilities that help them to remain compliant with the federal government’s mandate.

Kentucky was the first state in the country to become NIMS compliant, due in large part to the importance elected officials, health department personnel, fire department, law enforcement personnel, and other first responders in Central Kentucky placed on completing this project.

Contact

Laurel Wood –Community Development Specialist
699 Perimeter Drive
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 269-8021
(859) 269-7917 (FAX)
lwood@bgadd.org

David Duttlinger –Director Department of Community and Economic Development
699 Perimeter Drive
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 269-8021
(859) 269-7917 (FAX)
dduttlinger@bgadd.org