FEMA Helping Kentucky Storm Survivors Recover 

Release Date: February 23, 2008
Release Number: 1746-001

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ATLANTA, Ga. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says help is now available for people in Kentucky who were affected by tornadoes and other severe weather of Feb. 5-6.

Thursday, President Bush approved a major disaster declaration for nine Kentucky counties: Allen, Christian, Fayette, Hardin, Hart, Meade, Mercer, Monroe, and Muhlenberg.

"The most important thing people can do right now is get themselves into the system by registering," said Michael Bolch, the official designated to coordinate federal relief effort. "That's the only way they can get federal help."

People in those nine counties who had losses can apply for assistance by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or, for the hearing- and speech-impaired, TTY (800) 462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time until further notice. 

The assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration may also be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are expected to open at noon Monday in Muhlenberg and Allen counties, and more will follow.  The locations are:

Muhlenberg Community Career Development Center
50 Career Way
Central City, KY 42330

East Allen Fire Department
1600 Lafayette Road
Scotsville, KY 42164

These recovery centers provide help with the recovery process, including registration for those who cannot get to a computer or telephone in any other way.  They will operate from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day until at least Sunday, March 2.

Bolch said damage surveys are continuing in other areas. More counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after those assessments are fully completed.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Monday, 25-Feb-2008 08:07:31