21 counties now approved for individual assistance
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 13, 2012) – Governor Steve Beshear received notification today that President Barack Obama has authorized assistance for residents of five additional Kentucky counties that suffered significant damage as a result of Friday’s tornadoes and severe storms.
The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Grayson, Larue, Ohio, Russell and Trimble. This brings the total number of counties receiving federal aid to 21.
“As we expected, FEMA has authorized funding quickly for these additional storm-ravaged counties,” said Gov. Beshear. “We have strong working relationships with both our local officials and our federal emergency responders, and I am grateful that our request has been granted to these additional counties.”Gov. Beshear declared a statewide emergency on Friday, March 2, as storms were still rolling across the Commonwealth. He asked President Obama for an expedited disaster declaration the following Sunday.
Assistance for individuals can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can apply for assistance by registering online atwww.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Recovery centers will also be set up in affected areas to assist those residents in person.Deadly storms and tornadoes assaulted Kentucky on March 2, causing 23 deaths and more than 300 injuries. The Governor deployed nearly 400 National Guard troops to assist with security, traffic control and other needs in affected counties. Local emergency officials and National Guard troops have completed search and rescue efforts in all affected counties, and local emergency management teams are turning their attention to damage assessments.Gov. Beshear implemented executive orders to protect consumers from price gouging and to allow residents in affected areas to get emergency refills of prescriptions, excluding controlled substances. He also directed the temporary suspension of restrictions on certain motor carriers and utility vehicles delivering disaster relief supplies.
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