Eastern Kentucky Chapter Receives New Emergency Response Vehicle

The American Red Cross Eastern Kentucky Chapter unveiled its newest tool today, Wed., Sept. 5th, in Ashland, KY to assist area residents during crisis – its very own emergency response vehicle. The vehicle, the first of its kind for the Eastern Kentucky Chapter, was purchased with a $150,000 grant from the American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation presented by Kentucky Power.

Photo credit: Kentucky Power

“Eastern Kentucky is no stranger to natural disasters like floods yet has never had its own dedicated Emergency Response Vehicle,” said Kentucky Power President Matt Satterwhite. “This modern vehicle will help the Red Cross quickly respond in our communities during emergencies. The devastation resulting from the recent hurricanes and the flooding and power outages that followed, show the value this vehicle will bring to our region and beyond.”

The Red Cross uses Emergency Response Vehicles with response, relief and recovery operations to provide food, water, personal hygiene kits, blankets, cots, volunteer help and other assistance to those in need. The new vehicle is a mobile feeding station capable of serving up to 25,000 meals to people affected by hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, forest fires, blizzards, ice storms or other natural disasters.

Photo Credit: Kentucky Power

“This vehicle could not have been possible without the generous grant donation from The American Electric Power Foundation,” said Debbie Ranier, executive director of the Eastern Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We honestly see Kentucky Power and AEP as part of the Red Cross family. This vehicle will serve American Red Cross Disaster Relief well for the next 10 years and beyond, not only in eastern Kentucky, but also for our neighbors in southern Ohio, West Virginia and the nation.” 

The unveiling comes as the Red Cross, the Ashland Fire Department and others recognize National Preparedness Month. Celebrated each September, National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to be prepared for disasters in their homes, businesses and communities.