LEXINGTON, Ky. — As many Kentuckians began their day April 2, debris scattered roads and lightning struck trees, while others were uprooted in several cities and neighborhoods around central Kentucky.
What You Need To Know
- FEMA is offering disaster recovery assistance for those affected by the April 2 severe storms that hit the commonwealth
- Homeowners, renters and businesses in 11 counties can apply for assistance
- Those hoping to apply have until July 22
- There are multiple ways to reach FEMA, including over the phone or in person
Kentuckians affected by the storms in 11 counties can apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance until July 22. Funding for each applicant is based on individual needs, such as property replacement and rental assistance.
That day, Emily Fay of Lexington's Emergency Management Services said within hours of the storms, they were boots on the ground sending out damage assessment teams. She added teams helped people who live in homes that were severely impacted, such as missing roofs, while electrical cables were along roads and trees crushed some cars.
Fay said nearly 300 Fayette County residents responded to a survey recording damage sent out that same day.
“A lot of times, right after the storm, they were devastated ... I mean, when you lose everything like that, it's catastrophic," she said. “But there was hope because we were there the next day taking pictures, having them send their information and trying to build that rapport with our community to bring us all back together.
Darrell Habisch, FEMA joint information center manager, said it’s about inclusivity and meeting families when they're in need.
“Services and assistance (are) your money, so this is not taking money from anybody else," Habisch said. "If you apply, you're not taking it from your neighbor. You're not taking it from anyone who you feel may be more impacted than you.”
Habisch said applying for assistance takes anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.
"We need to make sure that all the T's are crossed and the I's are dotted, because this is, of course, government money," Habisch said.
Those affected can call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app to apply, along with visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. Multiple Disaster Recovery Centers are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.