Kentucky February Flooding Recovery Update

FEMA on the Ground

FEMA and KYEM opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Hazard Community College in Perry County where survivors can get personal help with their application from a FEMA specialist.

By the Numbers

As of March 7, FEMA has approved more than $12.3 million in housing and other types of assistance to more than 1,800 Kentucky households. More applications are being processed daily.

FAQ of the Day

​​​​​​​Q: If I already started the cleanup process, can I still get help to cover those expenses?

A: Yes. Don’t wait for possible federal assistance to begin your recovery. Keep repair receipts and document the damage whenever possible. FEMA inspectors are trained to recognize damage caused by a disaster and will discuss that damage with you when they contact you or visit your home.  

Estill, Johnson, Simpson Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance

Additional counties in the commonwealth of Kentucky have been added to the major disaster declaration for Kentucky’s February severe storms and flooding. Homeowners and renters in Estill, Johnson and Simpson counties are eligible to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

How To Apply for FEMA Assistance

• If you sustained damage or loss from the flooding and severe storms, FEMA may be able to help. You may be eligible for financial assistance for displacement, serious needs, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.
  • Quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Or use the FEMA App for mobile devices.
  • You can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.
• Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Simpson are eligible to apply.
• The application deadline is April 25.

Two More Disaster Recovery Centers open

• Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in Breathitt and Clay counties in areas affected by the February floods.
  • BREATHITT COUNTY
    • Breathitt Public Library, 1024 College Ave., Jackson, KY 41339
    • Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday and 1 to 7 p.m. ET on Sundays,
  • CLAY COUNTY
    • Clay County Health Department, 330 Shamrock Road, Manchester, KY 40962
    • Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, and closed every Sunday.
• In total, there are ten Disaster Recovery Centers open in Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Breathitt and Clay counties. To find center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. Additional locations will continue opening in the coming days.
• FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers.

U.S. Small Business Administration

• The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.