Kentucky Flooding: How and Where to Find Help

Kentuckians in more than 40 Kentucky counties have been impacted by severe flooding on February 15. In response, state officials urge residents to stay off roadways until they've fully cleared and to reserve calling 911 for emergency and life-threatening situations given the high volume of calls and demand for service.

People with immediate, non-life threatening needs should call Kentucky Emergency Management (502) 607-6665 or complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form online.

Governor Andy Beshear’s office has provided a comprehensive list of resources for those affected by flooding in Kentucky.
Below are available key resources provided by Flood Resources - Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear

• One-Stop Resource Locations: Various locations are set up to provide assistance.
• Temporary Housing: Options include Kentucky State Parks and other temporary housing solutions.
• Financial Assistance: Programs like SNAP for food assistance and USDA loans and grants for housing repairs.
• Health Services: Mental health services, prescription assistance, and health coverage.
• Legal Help: Legal assistance for flood survivors.
• Debris Removal and Cleanup: Services to help with debris removal and cleanup efforts.
• Document Replacement: Assistance with replacing lost documents such as IDs and birth certificates.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Flood Resources page on the Governor’s website

Courtesy - Office of the Governor

If you need immediate assistance, you can contact:

• KY Emergency Management: (502) 607-6665
• FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362
• Red Cross Disaster Relief: 1-800-733-2767
• KY HELP Statewide Call Center: 1-833-859-4357

Emergency Prescription Refills: Gov. Beshear signed an executive order allowing Kentucky pharmacists to dispense emergency 30-day refills for any non-controlled medication.

Eastern Kentucky Flood Recovery Resource Hub page: Eastern Kentucky Flood Recovery Resource Hub

Emergency Shelters: As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19 15 emergency shelters statewide were helping those affected by the storms:

• Lee’s College Gymnasium and Jackson City School in Breathitt County
• Paces Creek Elementary School and Laurel Creek Church of God in Clay County
• Henderson County Public Library and The Harbor House of Men in Henderson County
• First Baptist Church in Knox County
• Lawrence County Community Center in Lawrence County
• Martin County Middle School, Old Martin County Public Library and Inez Elementary School in Martin County
• McCreary County School Gym in McCreary County
• Senior Center in Owen County
• New Life Church in Pulaski County
• Providence Branch Library in Webster County.

Kentucky Flooding - Red Cross Response
The American Red Cross is currently supporting those impacted by flooding in our region, HERE.

For anyone who has been impacted by the flooding, you can find safe refuge, snacks, meals and a friendly face by downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcross.org/shelter

FEMA Assistance

• FEMA Disaster Declarations: Check if your county is included and what assistance is available, here.
• FEMA Assistance Programs: Understand the differences between Individual Assistance and Public Assistance.

FEMA has responded to the recent flooding in Kentucky by providing federal disaster assistance to supplement state and local response efforts.
Emergency Declaration: President Donald J. Trump approved an emergency declaration for Kentucky on February 16, 2025. This declaration authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts and provide necessary assistance.
Federal Assistance: FEMA is providing emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, at 75% federal funding.

Courtesy FEMA

• Coordination: Jeremy Slinker has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected areas.
  For more detailed information, visit the FEMA Press Release.

Document Replacement

• Lost Important Documents: Guidance on replacing IDs, insurance papers, birth certificates, etc.

Facts for Kentuckians Applying for FEMA Individual Assistance

Gov. Andy Beshear has announced that President Donald Trump approved his request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration, which currently includes individual assistance for Kentuckians in 11 counties affected by the most recent storms. Those counties are Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry and Pike. Additional designations and counties may be added at a later date if warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

This action opens immediate need and cleaning and sanitizing money to Kentuckians who qualify. The maximum grant award is $43,600. Last week, the Governor promised to push the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make it as easy as possible to receive approval for individual assistance. Gov. Beshear remains committed to ensuring that families affected by the storms are cared for and get the very best service.

How to Apply: Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service – such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or other similar service – can give FEMA the number for that service.

When Applying for FEMA Individual Assistance, Kentuckians should make sure:

• You upload your documents online via the FEMA App or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov.
• Your damaged home is your primary residence.
• You haven’t received assistance for the same losses from another source, including insurance.
• You are able to be reached by FEMA at the contact information you provide in the application.

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal:
Online at www.disasterassistance.gov

• In person at a Disaster Recovery Center, which will open in coming days.  
• Or by mail or fax.

Donations Supporting Relief Efforts:

• Appalachian Crisis Aid Fund: Provides direct support to Eastern Kentuckians impacted by disasters. Find more resources, here.
• Appalachian Regional Healthcare launched a flood relief drive. ARH is accepting essential supplies to aid in cleanup and provide comfort to families impacted by the flooding. Supplies can be dropped off at the following location. All donations will be transported back to ARH’s distribution sites in Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia.
  
  DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:
  · ARH System Center – Lexington, 2260 Executive Drive, Lexington, KY Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  · ARH Disaster Relief Center (Former JC Penney Building), 278 Black Gold Blvd, Hazard, KY, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  · Former Highlands ARH Cancer Center building (on the Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center campus), 5000 KY Route 321, Prestonsburg, KY, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  
  Flood Relief Distribution Centers Flood relief distribution centers have been set up for affected community members to receive supplies at:
  · ARH Disaster Relief Center (former JC Penney Building), 278 Black Gold Blvd, Hazard, KY
  · Former ARH Cancer Center on the campus of Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center, 5000 KY Route 321, Prestonsburg, KY.

Disaster resources are available for the deaf and hard of hearing in Eastern Kentucky and assistance for those who need an interpreter or captioner for communication with FEMA or the Red Cross.

Website: KCDHH: How to Apply
Address: 632 Versailles Road, Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-573-2604 V | 502-416-0607 VP | 800-372-2907
Email: kcdhh@ky.gov​

Avoiding Scams and Fraud 

• FEMA: Information on disaster fraud and scams. Also debunks common disaster-related rumors. Call FEMA’s investigations and inspections division at 866-223-0814 or email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov to report or inquire about a scam.
• AARP’s Fraud Watch Network: Proactively spot scams or get guidance from our fraud specialists if you’ve been targeted. Contact the hotline at  877-908-3360 for help over the phone.

Travel Conditions and Road Closures
Check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.

Disaster Preparedness Tips
For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.

How You Can Help

Governor Beshear has established the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the floods and the severe weather system beginning February 15, 2025.

Check back for updated information and resources.