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The Kentucky Emergency Management Public Information Office publicizes the activities of KYEM and related content in order to provide information on the Division, maintain and increase public awareness, public education, programs we administrate, special alerts, events, and available resources.

Do you need help with damage sustained in the April 2, 2024 storms?

Help is currently available for individuals and families affected by the April 2, 2024, Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Landslides, and Mudslides. Get more information about this disaster DR-4782-KY.
 
Help is available to individuals and families living in the following counties:
  • Boyd,
  • Carter,
  • Fayette,
  • Greenup,
  • Henry,
  • Jefferson,
  • Jessamine,
  • Mason,
  • Oldham,
  • Union,
  • Whitley.
Assistance can include:
  • grants for temporary housing and home repairs,
  • low interest loans to cover uninsured property losses,
  • other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
If you have insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately. FEMA assistance cannot help with losses already covered by insurance. Learn more about the steps after applying for assistance​.

How to Apply for Disaster Assistance

The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

You may have received information about a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan for additional unmet needs. For disasters declared before March 22, 2024, you may need to submit an SBA loan application before being considered for certain types of FEMA assistance. Learn more about SBA loans and how the SBA loan application process relates to FEMA disaster assistance.

How to Apply for Home Repair Assistance

FEMA’s Housing Assistance helps people make basic repairs to their disaster-damaged homes, this can include coverage for making repairs to a pre-existing damage. How to Get Help for Home Repair Assistance.

If you live in an individual assistance area and want to learn more about how FEMA can help you, call 800-621-3362, visit disasterassistance.gov or download the FEMA app to apply for FEMA assistance.

Do you need a Disaster Loan

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is opening a Business Recovery Center in Kentucky to assist Kentucky businesses and residents with losses due to the storms that occurred on April 2, 2024. Business owners can meet in person with specialists to apply for SBA disaster loans and get information on all of their programs.

The disaster declaration covers these counties. Individuals are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Also, small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the adjacent counties are eligible to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is July 22, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 24, 2025.
Business Recovery Center location and​ h​ours.

FEMA Debris Separation and Removal Guidelines

In efforts to expedite the debris removal process, please follow these rules:
  • Placing debris near or on trees, poles or other structures makes removal difficult. This includes fire hydrants and meters.
  • Debris should be placed curbside.
  • Debris should not block roadway.
  • Debris should be separated into:
    • Vegetative: fallen limbs, fallen or uprooted trees and/or plants.
    • ​Construction and Demolition: sheet metal, plywood, shingles, siding, fences, drywall, insulation.

​FEMA Debris Removal Guidelines for Private Residential Properties

In efforts to expedite the debris removal process, please follow these rules.

Never touch, cut, remove or place debris on downed lines.
  • Can result in injury or death.
  • Placing debris near utility boxes or on lines can cause injury or damage.
Placing debris near or on trees, poles or other structures makes removal difficult. This includes fire hydrants and meters.
Debris should not block roadway or access to the property 
Debris should be placed curbside

Debris Separation
Please separate debris into the categories shown below:
  • Vegetative Debris: Tree branches, leaves, logs, plants.
  • Hazardous Waste: Oil, battery, pesticide, paint, cleaning supplies,
  • Electronics: Television, computer, stereo, phone, DVD player.
  • Construction Debris: Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing.
  • Large Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher. Do not leave doors unsealed or unsecured.
Check with your local office of emergency management for more information on debris removal.

​Do you need KYEM PIO Assistance

Kentucky Emergency Management's Public Information Officers are available to answer inquiries from the media and public about ongoing disasters, emergencies, and any of the division's programs. The public may also communicate with the agency and follow KYEM updates through the agency's Twitter​ feed, or the agency's Facebook page. 

Click here for more KYEM Social Media links.

​​
Educating and preparing for potential emergencies is a vital part of KYEM's External Affairs Office. Developing outreach materials that will serve the public, local officials, and first responders is a top priority for external affairs.

Emergency information is vital in assuring public safety and wellness during a disaster or crisis. Although the state has an inherent obligation to protect its citizens and provide them with time-sensitive emergency information to protect their lives and properties and ensure their safety and security, in most situations, the best source of information is your local emergency management agency.

Click here for County Emergency Management contact information.

If your group is interested in having a guest speaker from KYEM, having KYEM participate in an outreach event, or would like an educational tour of the State Emergency Operations Center, please get in touch with our outreach officer, Jessica "Jesse" Elbouab​, to check availability. 

  
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