More Counties Approved For Recovery Aid Due to February Storms
Release Date: March 5, 2008
Release Number: 1746-011
» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear today announced that federal disaster assistance is now available for six additional Kentucky counties to help homeowners, renters and business owners recover from the effects of severe storms and flooding Feb. 5-6. This brings to 15 the number of counties where residents with storm-related damage may apply for such aid.
The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) and the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that Bath, Harrison, Hopkins, Nicholas, Shelby and Spencer counties have been added to the Feb. 21 major disaster declaration. The original declaration covered Allen, Christian, Fayette, Hardin, Hart, Meade, Mercer, Monroe, and Muhlenberg counties.
"Numerous people in the counties that have just been added suffered moderate to severe property damage in the February tornadoes and storms," Beshear said. "This additional federal assistance will help many more Kentuckians get back on their feet."
Federal help may include grants to pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses. FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate storm victims for their entire loss. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration may be available to pay for repair, rebuilding or replacement of property not fully covered by insurance.
"If you are an individual or business owner in one of the declared counties with storm-related damage, we urge you to register even if you aren't sure you qualify for assistance," said Michael Bolch, the federal official who is leading FEMA's recovery program in Kentucky. "The only way to find out is to register. You can't receive any federal aid unless you register with FEMA."
To apply, go online to www.fema.gov at any time, or call toll free, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Phone lines are staffed from 8 a.m. - 1 a.m. daily until further notice and translators are available if needed.
Callers are advised to have the following information available to help speed up the application process:
- Your current phone number
- Your Social Security number, if available
- A general list of damages and losses you suffered
- If insured, your insurance policy number, or your agent and company name
- General financial information
- The address of and good directions to the damaged property
- A phone number where you can be reached during the daytime and early evening
FEMA requests that landlords who can provide rental resources for storm victims call 859-246-1872.
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: Thursday, 06-Mar-2008 07:54:23