BEALS, Ky. — The water continues to rise in parts of western Kentucky. In Henderson County, emergency management is capturing overhead views of affected are. The agency is urging residents to not procrastinate when seeking shelter.
Some people in Beals have had to be evacuated from their homes. With levels expected to continue to rise over the next few days, more evacuations could happen.
Shane Driskell is the assistant fire chief for the Reed Fire Department, and also lives in Beals. As of Wednesday, his house had about an inch of standing water.
He said the last few days and the days ahead have been and will be a balancing act.
“With two kids, it’s kind of a hard thing to deal with, trying to be strong for them and show them that everything’s gonna be alright. We’ll get through this,” Driskell said. “As I’m making my way back and forth, taking care of my stuff, I’m checking on neighbors, checking on their animals if they’ve left them back there. Just trying to help out, be a neighbor and part of the community.”
His department has been helping out the Henderson City County Rescue Squad to get people safely out of their homes. They’re expecting more action in the coming days.
“There’s people who are gonna want to start going in and checking things, that could create some more hazards,” said Chief Bryan Coghill. “Being ready when the people need the help. Being here and taking care of some of the non-emergency runs that we can as they pop up.”
Henderson Emergency Management prepared a shelter with the Red Cross at the Gathering Place. The Salvation Army will open once the Gathering Place reaches capacity.
Some people like Isaac Mullen avoided the water reaching their home. He’s been taking advantage of the situation.
“This is brand new, just got it today, actually,” Mullen said, pointing to the small boat he’s now using to navigate his neighborhood in Beals. “Honestly, for me it ain’t been too bad. Hell, last night, we sat out on the porch, grilled out. Been bow fishing off of it. Kind of just been enjoying every bit of it we can.”
Mullen also has been helping his neighbors get around.
“I mean it’s sad, but you just got to help out where you can. Everybody out here does try to help each other. I think everybody’s making the best out of it,” he said.
That’s been a common theme during these difficult times. For those waiting it out, Driskell tells them, “stay strong. We’re here for you, we’ll help you out where we can, and just let us know what you need.”
Mullen’s message was shorter: “Just keep your head up and your floaties on.”
Henderson City County Rescue is asking if people do want to get out of their homes to try to make those requests during daylight hours, as it can be unsafe at night. Of course, in an emergency they will come out and get people at night.
