KyWARN.org

  KYWARN Mission Support and promote statewide emergency preparedness, disaster response, and mutual assistance matters for public and private water and wastewater utilities. What is Mutual Aid and Assistance? Mutual aid assistance is an agreement between towns, cities, or agencies to provide help to one another in the event of an emergency. What is KYWARN? KYWARN is a Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) that allows water and wastewater systems in Kentucky to receive rapid mutual aid and assistance from other systems in KY to restore facilities damaged by natural or man-made incidents. Utilities sign the KYWARN mutual aid agreement, which then allows them to share resources with any other system in KY that has also signed the standard agreement. Who can Participate? KYWARN is available to all public and private water and wastewater systems in KY. Participation is voluntary, and is not mandated by any local, state, or federal regulation. In KY, there is no fee to participate in the program.  Many other states have developed similar programs. What role does the Agreement play? During an emergency, the process and procedures to give and receive mutual aid and assistance are governed by the articles in the KYWARN agreement. The agreement covers issues such as requesting assistance, giving assistance, reimbursement, worker’s compensation, insurance, liability, and dispute resolution. Why would I want to join KYWARN? No cost and no commitment There is no fee to join KYWARN, and assistance is provided on a voluntary basis only - there is no requirement to respond or to provide resources. Eligibility for FEMA In case of a federally declared emergency, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement for received services is contingent upon a pre-existing, signed mutual aid and assistance agreement.  Developed, managed, and ran by water and wastewater systems KYWARN is developed and managed by KY water and wastewater systems, so it is established to benefit you to the highest degree possible in terms of giving and receiving aid. Timely access to resources Some emergency aid is contingent upon a disaster declaration from a local or state official. KYWARN does not require a disaster declaration, which means systems can get needed resources faster. Access to database of utilities and resources KYWARN members have access to a database of other systems within the state, including a contact person’s name and information, as well as the resources that the utility can provide.     Private and public utilities may participate In KYWARN, both public and private water and wastewater systems may freely give and receive aid and assistance. Membership paves the way for interstate mutual aid and assistance The entire United States are implementing WARNs. Eventually, the WARNs will be linked so that member systems may help one another across state lines.