Governor Andy Beshear announced Monday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would be making changes to better assist those affected by flooding in Eastern Kentucky.

• Texting: In a first for FEMA, the agency will be using a texting program to contact claimants.
• Denied Claims: FEMA said they would contact everyone whose claim was previously denied.
• Faster Approval: FEMA staff at disaster recovery centers have been given the authority to approve claims onsite, streamlining the process.
• Traveling to Homes: Mobile units with FEMA representatives are traveling home-to-home to assess and approve claims onsite. 

Gov. Beshear said in a statement that he appreciated the extra steps FEMA was taking to assist Kentuckians.

“This is critically important as we move forward, and I appreciate the extra steps FEMA is taking,” said Gov. Beshear said. “I urge flood victims to have all documentation on hand in case their application can be approved during a DRC appointment or onsite property visit.”

Eastern Kentucky Slowly Rebuilding

As assistance continues to pour in, Eastern Kentucky is slowly rebuilding.

• Power outages down to 74 from 25,111 on July 28.
• Drinking water disconnections down to 4,700 from 40,000 on July 28.
• Water connections under Boil Water Advisory are down to 23,947 from 46,000 on July 28.
• Nearly a thousand loads of debris have been removed as of Sunday, Aug. 14.
• All roadways and bridges have been assessed, with 27 state and county bridges remaining impassable, and 108 bridges being identified for repair or replacement.
• Kentucky State Parks continue to house those who have been displaced — 313 people currently. Over 20 local organizations have stepped up to house others.

Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund

At the time of writing, $6,224,974 has been raised from 33,709 donations. The governor has asked that Kentuckians do not donate clothing. Those donations are overcrowding much-needed storage space. He asked those willing to make monetary donations through trusted funds. To donate online, visit TeamEKYFloodReliefFund.ky.gov.

---