Kentucky flooding help: Answers to key insurance, cleanup, other questions
Kentuckians in several counties got moving on salvaging and cleanup Wednesday after massive flooding that swamped houses and businesses, caved in roads and damaged county water systems.
County officials began advising residents about next steps as disaster aid is pursued. Lee County officials said that the “road to recovery begins today.”
“We are moving forward,” Lee County government officials wrote in a Facebook post. “Many in our community have lost quite a bit and there is genuine fear about how we are going to come back from this, but we will as a community.”
Beattyville in Lee County, Estill County and Breathitt County were among the hardest-hit areas.
Has Kentucky flooding stopped?
National Weather Service flood warnings remained in effect Wednesday for communities along the Kentucky River, from Carroll County to Breathitt County. There were also flood warnings for Red River counties and communities along the Ohio, Green and Rolling rivers.
A flood warning has been issued along Laurel River Lake in Whitley, Laurel, McCreary and Pulaski counties. Entire counties under flood warnings Wednesday included Carter, Boyd, Greenup and Lawrence.
In some of the hardest-hit areas, rising water slowed or water levels began to drop.
“The water is falling and more roads are opening up,” Lee County officials said in a Facebook post. “Please continue to be careful when driving, but it will be easier to get around.”
Estill County Emergency Management said Tuesday night that the Kentucky River wasn’t rising nearly as quickly as it was previously. The weather service projected that the Kentucky River near Ravenna, in Estill County, would crest above record level early Wednesday before falling.
“That’s great news,” an emergency management official said Tuesday.
How has flooding affected utilities?
Electricity outages increased to about 6,000 Wednesday, according to PowerOutage.us, a utility tracking service. Magoffin County had the most outages with more than 2,000.
Conserving water seemed to be a more significant concern in some areas.
Some Estill County residents were asked to conserve water because a water district pump lost power.
“We have enough in our tanks and lines throughout the county to last until tomorrow if we all do our part and only use what we need,” Estill County Water District No. 1 wrote in a Facebook post.
The water district said customers in the north end of the county wouldn’t be affected.
“Once the flood level recedes, the district has crews and electricians on standby ready to restore service as quickly as possible,” the district wrote in a Facebook post. “We know, considering everything else our customers are dealing with, that this is not an ideal situation, but we are committed to doing everything we can for our customers.”
A boil water advisory was put in effect in Lee County, and county officials advised that water pressure may be low. Bottled drinking water was available at Happy Top, a community center in Beattyville, according to county officials. More locations for drinking water were expected to be set up Wednesday.
Will there be FEMA assistance?
Michael Dossett, director of Kentucky Emergency Management, said the state had asked FEMA to send an investigator to look at the homes damaged and inundated by flooding. FEMA has support programs to assist areas once a presidential declaration of a major disaster has been announced.
Gov. Andy Beshear said Wednesday he would ask President Joe Biden for that declaration.
“So many families have lost everything in the midst of this flood,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in Frankfort Wednesday. “It’s going to be our job to help them dig out, to seek the presidential declaration.”
FEMA’s website suggests contacting a local emergency management agency, the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army for immediate assistance. FEMA can’t offer support until the disaster is declared.
If a disaster is declared, FEMA has an online application process to apply for assistance at disasterassistance.gov.
FEMA assistance can help with uncovered expenses, such as temporary housing.
Lexington residents urged to report flood damages
Mayor Linda Gorton said the city needs citizens to report their losses so they can be included in its disaster application to meet requirements to receive federal aid.
“We had some significant flooding in Lexington, especially near the river,” Gorton said. “We want to do everything we can to help those (whose) homes or businesses were damaged”
Some residents on Beach Road were evacuated earlier this week when the Kentucky River flooded. Others decided to shelter in place.
Lexington residents can report flood damage at crisistrack.com/public/fayetteKY/request.html. Residents can also get more information by calling LexCall at 859-425-2255.
Can I file an insurance claim? What will I need?
FEMA suggests contacting your insurance agent or carrier immediately to report losses. FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program also advise documenting the damage with photos before throwing anything away.
Due to COVID-19, insurance inspections may be done remotely, but an in-person adjustment can be requested, according to FEMA.
“If remote adjustment is possible, the adjuster will guide you on how to collect the documentation required for a successful damage assessment,” FEMA says on its website. “The adjuster will explain the technology and equipment you need (such as a digital camera or smartphone and measuring tools) and make sure you are comfortable using them.”
Documenting damage could take several hours or longer, according to FEMA. It’s also suggested that victims speak with their adjusters about what their insurance policies cover, taking time to ask any questions or determine the next steps.
What if I don’t have flood insurance?
In addition to seeking potential FEMA relief, those without flood insurance can also request disaster loan help from the Small Business Administration. The Small Business Administration offers loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters affected by a declared disaster.
The affected property has to be in a declared disaster area, so Small Business Administration loans don’t yet apply to Kentucky’s flood victims.
If a disaster is declared, affected residents can apply for a loan at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.
Local governments may also be able to provide more rapid support, according to FEMA.
How can I help Eastern Kentucky victims?
Lee County officials advised anyone wanting to offer assistance to Beattyville and Lee County to call officials in the judge-executive’s office at (606) 560-0721. The county later said, “scores of volunteers and agencies are standing by to come in and help with the clean up as soon as the waters lower enough to get into homes and businesses.”
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky was also accepting donations for relief. Donations could be made at appalachianky.org or any Community Trust Bank location. Checks could also be sent to the foundation at 420 Main Street, Hazard, Ky., 41701.
“We are collecting donations now and within the next week, checks will be going out to assist individuals and families as well as larger grants targeted at small businesses and family farmers in the region who are experiencing flood damage,” Gerry Roll, executive director of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, said in a statement.
Josh Hicks, who ran for congressman in Kentucky’s Sixth District last year, urged people to consider donating.
“Folks are hurting and could sure use your help,” he said in a tweet.
Operation UNITE, a non-profit focused on combating substance abuse in Eastern Kentucky, also organized a Flood Relief Fund for victims. Donations could be made at operationunite.org.
“The Flood Relief Fund will be used to purchase bottled water, cleaning supplies, and other necessities for Eastern Kentucky counties that have declared a state of emergency,” the non-profit said in a statement. “All donations are tax-deductible and 100% of all donations will directly be used to assist our hardest-hit communities.”
Rep. Hal Rogers was working closely with Operation UNITE to coordinate flood relief efforts, the company said in a statement.
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service was also offering assistance to victims by collecting donated supplies.
The extension office was accepting the following items: water (gallon jugs and bottles), gloves (work and latex), bleach, cleaning supplies, trash bags, paper towels, laundry detergent, personal hygiene items, toilet paper, air mattresses, hand sanitizer, masks, buckets, mops, push brooms, trash cans, tarps, baby wipes, paper plates, plastic utensils, washcloths, towels, tarps, sponges/scouring pads/brushes, dish soap, plastic totes, spray bottles and gift cards.
They are also accepting the following items for farmers: fencing materials, hay and livestock feed.
Individuals interested in donating items can drop them off at the Wolfe County extension office at 20 North Washington Street in Campton, according to UK. Items are also being accepted on the UK campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 4 and 5 at the Agriculture Distribution Center, 229 Stadium View Drive, Lexington.
Should I turn my electricity on before my home is dry?
FEMA recommends keeping electricity turned off after a flood until an electrician has inspected the system and deemed it safe. FEMA also recommends turning off the gas and being alert for potential gas leaks.
FEMA suggested checking the home for structural damage before going inside “to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.”
How do I properly clean my flooded home?
The Environmental Protection Agency offers guidance on how to clean a flooded structure, as long as it’s safe to go in and there are no structural or electrical hazards.
The EPA advises people to protect themselves from mold and other contaminants that may have built up after the building flooded. N-95 mask, goggles and protective gloves are recommended.
FEMA also suggests wearing long sleeves and sturdy shoes or waterproof boots.
Standing water should be removed as quickly as possible, according to the EPA. A wet vacuum can be used to remove water from floors, carpets and hard surfaces. Wet materials should be removed from the house to help dry out the home, keeping in mind potential asbestos and lead dust concerns.
Not everything damaged has to be thrown away, according to the EPA. Metal, glass, and hard plastic materials, as well as other materials that don’t soak up water, can be cleaned and kept. Drywall, carpets and ceiling tiles, and other materials that soak up water, should be thrown away.
Items that can be saved should be cleaned with water and detergent, according to the EPA.
While cleaning, FEMA suggests looking to the floor before stepping anywhere.
“After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails,” FEMA wrote in a cleanup advisement after Hurricane Irma. “Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.”
What do I do if my car was flooded?
Auto Zone advises people with flooded vehicles to not start the vehicle.
“Water, especially if it’s muddy or salty, can get into many components of your car, and the damage will be extensive,” Auto Zone says on its website.
It’s also important to disconnect the battery to avoid electrical shock, according to Auto Zone. Rolling the windows down or opening the doors can help dry out the vehicle.
Checking for a waterline can help indicate how bad the damage is. Water can get sucked into the engine, which can cause “huge problems.” Auto Zone recommends pushing the vehicle or getting it towed instead of starting it.
Checking the vehicle’s oil dipstick for water droplets can indicate if there’s water in the engine, according to Auto Zone. If so, it’s important to change the oil and oil filter and get rid of any water. The fuel system may have water in it, too, which could require a flushing.
It’s also important to check the air filter and other fluid systems for water. Check brake fluid, clutch fluid, power steering fluid and coolant reservoirs, according to Auto Zone. Electrical systems may also need to be replaced if they are below the waterline.
A mechanic may be required for some repairs.
An insurance adjuster can also help to identify the extent of damage to a vehicle and determine whether or not it’s totaled.
How do I find a quality contractor for repair work?
Massive flooding and other disastrous events bring with them the potential for scammers. Those needing repair work from a contractor have resources to help find a reputable company.
The Homebuilders Association of Kentucky features about 5,300 builders, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers and others who work in the construction of homes. The association’s website, hbak.com, has options for hiring local professionals.
The Better Business Bureau of Central and Eastern Kentucky can also help identify professionals.
Other tips from a variety of sources:
- Ask for proof of license and insurance. Use ky.joportal.com/license/search to verify licenses.
- Get multiple estimates.
- Do not pay cash up front. Hold final payment until you are satisfied.
- Seek concrete project start and completion dates.
This story was originally published March 3, 2021 at 11:30 AM.