The WKU Disaster Science Operation Center received a $42,000 grant from AT&T as part of its Climate Resistance Communities Initiative.

Through the grant, the Barren River Area Development District is one of five communities nationwide that was selected to join the CRCI as a way to improve climate resistance efforts. 

The initiative equips the community with regional climate data, allowing them to anticipate environmental hazards. It also provides tools like weather instruments, weather radios, portable AC units, fans and training exercises to prepare responses in the face of extreme weather.

“The Disaster Science Operations Center has changed the way we think about research centers at WKU, by creating a comprehensive applied learning model that trains students with advanced, professional experiences in exchange for innovative, professional-grade disaster management services,” said Dr. Josh Durkee, Director of the Disaster Science Operations Center, upon receiving the grant. “As such, DSOC has quickly developed into hub for disaster monitoring and resilience for the Commonwealth. What this gift offers is the ability to commingle our interests between DSOC and AT&T to facilitate our ability to expand our reach to communities who seek improved disaster resilience.”

AT&T’s Director of Global Environment and Sustainability, Jessica Filante, was a lead developer for the initiative.

“What we wanted to do was give them [SCOC] the luxury of being able to dedicate funds to scenario planning to look at what equipment is needed for people who might not have been able to be aware about the impending storms,” said Filante. 

AT&T commissioned the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory to produce the climate data for their own Climate Risk and Resilience portal. 

In collaboration with Argonne, the Federal Emergency Management Association and the Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office, ClimRR contains data with over 60 climate variables that can project future hazards like extreme heat, heavy rainfall, wildfire, and more specifically to Kentucky, sinkholes. 

Although ClimRR cannot predict tornadoes like the one that hit Bowling Green three years ago, it can still help the area to prepare for weather hazards like tornadoes that might occur. 

“One of the things that we have seen is the increased awareness of climate change and accelerating risks,” said Filante. 

With the help of BRADD, the ClimRR portal and initiatives like CRSI, preparation for weather hazards can be easily accessed and direct support can be administered to those in the local areas who may not have it otherwise. 

“BRADD’s focus – to preserve and advance the quality of life and economic well-being for the people in our district – is based on a model of collaboration,” said Eric Sexton, BRADD executive director, “We have already begun to utilize the technical support and consultation services provided as part of the AT&T Climate Resilient Communities Initiative.” 

WKU’s Disaster Science Operation Center is ahead of the curve, according to Filante. 

“What we’re looking to do is work with those who are ahead of the curve and showcase an example,” said Filante, “It’s through storytelling that you can help other people understand how they can prepare so that other schools, other areas and other communities can do the same.” 

Along with the improvements made in disaster security access and emergency weather service operations with the help of CRCI, the Disaster Science Operation Center also collaborates with WKU programs like Environmental Health and Safety, Public Broadcasting and White Squirrel Weather and the Meteorology Program to continue to provide anticipated risk, incident management and hazard monitoring for residents within Bowling Green and Warren County. 

News Reporter Libby Simpson can be reached at [email protected].