FRANKFORT, Ky. — Homeowners, renters and businesses in eleven Kentucky counties who suffered damages in the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding on April 22, 2011 and continuing can now begin the process of applying for federal and Commonwealth disaster assistance by phone or online. Federal assistance is available to affected individuals in Boyd, Crittenden, Graves, Hardin, Hickman, Jefferson, Marshall, McCracken, Livingston, Union and Webster counties.
To apply by phone, the number is toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for callers with speech or hearing impairments. To register online, go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. The toll-free numbers are available seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., until further notice.
“I am grateful that the federal government has recognized the need for this assistance,” said Gov. Beshear. “My administration will continue to work hard to ensure that all Kentuckians impacted by the recent floods get the help they need.”
“Flood survivors don’t have to wait for an insurance inspection to begin the registration process; they should apply as soon as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Steve Ward. “We will begin immediately working with people who have losses and we will continue to coordinate with the Commonwealth to expedite recovery efforts.”
Whether you go online or talk with a teleregistration representative from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, have the following information ready:
- Name and Social Security number
- Address of the damaged property
- Current address and telephone number
- Insurance information
- Total household annual income
- Bank account information for direct deposit
- Description of your damages
FEMA’s Individual Assistance program can help eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not covered by insurance.
Joint damage assessments continue in other counties and additional counties may be added for IA. Residents that suffered storm and flood related damage are encouraged to document and photo the damage and keep any repair receipts. Please report any damage to you local emergency management.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
Additional information about this disaster is available at www.fema.gov and www.kyem.ky.gov.
