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Kentucky February Flooding Recovery Update
March 24, 2025
Kentucky February Flooding Recovery Update
March 24
FEMA on the Ground
As of March 24, FEMA has approved more than $24 million in housing and other types of assistance to more than 4,000 Kentucky households. More applications are being processed daily.
Damaged Vehicle Assistance Available for Kentuckians Impacted by February Storms and Flooding
FEMA may be able to provide financial assistance to help those whose vehicles were damaged due to the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred Feb. 14 – March 7.
The first step is for survivors to file a claim with their insurance company if they have a comprehensive policy. This type of policy usually covers storm-related damage to a vehicle. Federal disaster assistance may help fill the gaps for those whose coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs. Apply with FEMA even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.
How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision
If you receive a letter from FEMA saying you are not approved for assistance, it may just be that we need more information. It’s possible that it could be something as simple as a missing document.
Please read the FEMA letter carefully and entirely. If you are found ineligible, the letter will explain the reasons. If you are found eligible for assistance, the letter will explain the amount of assistance FEMA approved and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.
If you disagree with any decisions from FEMA, you may appeal. Read more here
Stay in Touch With FEMA
If your address or phone number changes at any time since you applied for assistance, let FEMA know immediately by logging into your account at DisasterAssistance.gov or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service so they can contact you. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Read more here
How to Help After February Severe Storms and Floods
Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible and most effective method of donating to help those affected by the February severe storms and floods. Those seeking to donate to the recovery efforts can do so by visiting Kentucky VOAD - Kentucky Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
Additional Kentucky Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Individual and Public Assistance
New counties are now eligible for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance in response to the February severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides. Read more here
Renters Can Apply for FEMA Assistance
FEMA Individual Assistance is available to Kentucky renters, including students and homeowners in the 16 affected counties. Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing. The initial rental grant is for a one-month or two-month period and can be reviewed for further assistance. Renters may also qualify for a grant for uninsured essential personal property losses and other disaster-related expenses. Read more here
Heritage Emergency National Task Force
Subject matter experts and trained staff are present in DRCs to provide advice to disaster survivors about how they can salvage their personal keepsakes, including photographs, books, documents, textiles and other commonly damaged items. They are providing demonstrations, handing out informational resources, and giving technical assistance to visitors. Read more here
FEMA Assistance Available for Personal Property Loss
FEMA and the commonwealth of Kentucky assistance may repair or replace disaster-damaged property if conditions meet the eligibility requirements, and the item(s) may fall within any of these categories:
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Appliances: Includes standard household appliances, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc.
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Clothing: Essential clothing needed due to overall loss, damage or contamination.
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Home Furnishings: Basic furnishings found in a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room.
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Tools Required for Work and School: Tools and equipment required for your job and items required as a condition of an applicant’s or household member’s education. This assistance also applies to self-employed individuals.
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Computing Devices: Funds to cover replacement of one personal or family computer. Funds for additional computers required for work or school may be approved.
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Accessible Items: FEMA also provides assistance for damaged personal property required for qualified applicants with disabilities.
Displacement Assistance
Displacement Assistance is money to help with immediate housing needs if you cannot live in your home after the flooding. This money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or for other options while you look for temporary housing. Displacement Assistance is a one-time payment. If you have used your Displacement Assistance and you still have housing needs, call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center for other forms of assistance. Read more here
Tax Relief for Survivors
Federal Assistance for Privately-Owned Roads, Bridges, Driveways
If you have a privately-owned road, bridge or driveway that was damaged or destroyed by the February severe storms and floods, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration may provide financial assistance for replacement or repairs. Read more here
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.
- You can apply in several ways:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, visit fema.gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”).
- Use the FEMA mobile app.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
- Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson and Woodford counties are eligible to apply.
- The application deadline is April 25.
Disaster Recovery Centers
- Currently, 15 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in the 16 affected counties. To find center locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. More centers will open in the coming days.
- Centers are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 7 p.m. on Sundays, except Clay County, which is closed on Sundays and Lee County, which is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 24-28.
- FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers.
FEMA Teams Visiting Neighborhoods
FEMA personnel are visiting the 16 affected counties to help homeowners and renters apply with FEMA and quickly identify and address immediate and emerging needs. They also can provide application status updates and referrals to additional community resources. Read more here
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.
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