Individuals In Knox County Now Eligible For Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: July 29, 2003
Release Number: 1475-12

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock Slides, and Tornadoes

Richmond, KY -- Eligible individuals in Knox County can now receive federal and state assistance in recovering from the severe storms and flooding that struck Kentucky in May and June.

Knox County's addition to the July 2 disaster declaration comes following a review of additional information regarding damages incurred as a result of the severe storms, flooding, mud- and rockslides, and tornadoes June 14 through June 27.

The designation means that county residents are eligible to apply for a variety of programs. These can include disaster-housing assistance, low-interest loans to repair or replace storm-damaged property or grants for serious needs and necessary expenses not met by other programs.

Residents and business owners may apply for assistance to recover from the June storms until Tuesday, Sept. 2. They may call the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) to apply for disaster aid.

Those whose property was damaged in the storms between May 4 and May 27 also may apply for assistance under a separate presidential declaration issued June 3. The registration deadline for the May storms is Monday, Aug. 4.

"Remember, if your property was damaged in both the May and June storms, you must apply separately for each in order to be eligible for the full assistance available to you, " said Federal Coordinating Officer Scott Wells. "It is not difficult to register twice. Just call 1-800-621-FEMA."

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 29-Jul-2003 14:23:18