LEXINGTON, Ky. — Emergency Disaster Services in Lexington are preparing to help in disaster relief with Hurricane Ian.

Matt Daley with Emergency Disaster Services said preparation is key when it comes to disaster relief. 

“We’ll just be prepared to operate in and around that area and be able to set up a base camp in a place that makes sense for the utility companies so then they can start energizing lines,” Daley said.

Daley said the Kentucky-based company is setting up in southern Georgia as they wait for Hurricane Ian to pass through Florida. 

“The initial base camp will likely be for 1,000 linemen, and once they are in a position to then start, we know there's gonna be a massive power outage in the area,” Daley said.

Ian was the ninth named storm in this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, and within 24 hours, the storm quickly became a hurricane early Monday morning. Daley said in situations like this, flood damage will be their biggest concern.

“Flooding is always the most honest disaster because it affects everybody equally. It slows down everything equally,” Daley said.

Daley said their organization works to set up base camps for utility workers who are assisting in clean up and repairs after disasters, taking similar approaches to the recent flooding in eastern Kentucky. 

“It's gonna be a long road for Florida just as it has been for back home in Eastern Kentucky, but you know that the thing about community is it's a powerful word and you see it in operation it kind of lifts your heart when you're doing this kind of work,” Daley said.

Daley said they will move base camps as needed around the impacted areas, and plans to be out there helping in the relief efforts for the next few months. 

Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray has also issued an order until Oct. 20 exempting drivers of commercial vehicles heading to Florida to help with power restoration from stopping at weigh stations and having to limit the hours of driving.