WNKY News 40 Weather Reports: FEMA Assists With May Storms

Disaster Recovery Assistance Available For Storm Victims

LOGAN CO, Ky-. Kentucky is ranked 13th in the nation for the most FEMA disasters in the last decade. Numerous rounds of severe weather are to blame. Memorial day weekend dangerous storms carrying powerful winds, estimated to be greater than 70mph, knocked down trees and power lines, and even brought some structural damage to homes and businesses. Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency, with parts of Kentucky declared as disaster areas upon request. Disaster recovery programs are here to assist

Meteorologist Darius Mack visited  Logan County at the Mobile Disaster Recovery Operations Center, where both FEMA and SBA are here to assist those who were victims of the Memorial Day weekend storms.

“FEMA is, invited by the state when disaster happens. So and also, we, coordinate with other agencies to provide assistance and every disaster.” – Said Rossyveth Rey, Public Information Officer at FEMA

In Kentucky, FEMA has approved more than 250 grant applications, with more than $1.3 million in grants. Rey encourages anyone that needs assistance to apply.

“So we provide them shelter, and also we provide them a home, a secure home that they can, move in.” Said Rey

FEMA is working in coordination with the U.S. Small Business Administration, which offers low interest loans for storm victims. 

“Let’s say they don’t have insurance and they suffer loss and they’re in declared county SBA will be able to assist them with a loan if they do qualify. Homeowners, we can lend them up to $500,000 for the structural damage if they need that much money. Also, we can lend them up to $100,000 for their contents or personal property that they may have. That also includes, land improvements like septic tanks, French drains, fences that people may not have any loss in their structure in the home, but, in their surroundings, they’re having loss right now, and that’s going to take some money, a pretty penny to get that covered. That’s where SBA comes in.” Said Angel Class, Public Affairs Specialist 

The mobile unit will be in Logan County thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., where you can register one on one. There’s also other ways to apply.

“We have an FEMA app for the people who are really savvy on the smartphone. They can upload information for the application. They can also share the photos of the damages. Also, there is a line which you can call (800) 621 3362. And also we visit our website.” -Rey 

For more info visit www.fema.gov