Our minds lie in communities affected by the devastating floods of Kentucky. Heavy rains resulted in immediate freeze temperatures and snow, resulting in at least 22 lives being lost throughout the Union.
We understand that you can feel overwhelming in the face of such destruction, but you are not alone on this journey. Countless organizations, emergency services and local communities provide help, hope and resources to those in need. This guide has compiled information that is important to help you during the recovery process, from financial aid and emergency services to caring organizations that provide direct assistance.
1. Temporary housing options
If you are being forced into a flood in Kentucky, stay with family and friends if possible. This provides a familiar and supportive environment that reduces stress during already challenging times and gives you the flexibility to focus on recovery and long-term housing solutions.
If being with your loved one is not an option, here are emergency shelters in eastern Kentucky:
University Gymnasium and Jackson City School (Breslit County) Pace Creek Primary School and Laurel Creek Church of God (Clay County) First Baptist Church (Knox County) Lawrence County Community Center (Lawrence County) Martin County Middle School, Former Public Library, Inez Elementary School (Martin County) McClairy County County School (McClairy County)
Additionally, four state parks are open to support.
Backhorn Lake Jenny Wile Natural Bridge Pine Mountain
***Please contact these properties directly for more information.
The Red Cross and local community shelters provide temporary housing and support for displaced people. Additionally, the Kentucky Emergency Management Department provides a list of locations for warming shelters and emergency housing. Those in need need immediately must complete the Kentucky Rapid Needs Assessment Form to request assistance.
2. Insurance guidance for flood victims
Many flood victims face serious property damage or complete loss of their home, so taking the right steps when dealing with insurance claims is essential. Acting quickly and documenting everything thoroughly will help ensure a smoother process.
Submitting an insurance claim
Contact your insurance provider immediately – notify your homeowner or tenant insurance company as soon as possible to begin a claim. Be prepared to provide details regarding the damages. If you have flood insurance – Most standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. If you have coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), please call your insurance agent or NFIP Direct at 1-800-638-6620 to file your claim promptly. You can also access Floodsmart.gov for Guidance. Document everything – take detailed photos and videos of all damage before repairing. If possible, keep inventory of damaged personal belongings, including receipts.
Navigate the claims process
Please request a copy of the policy. Understanding coverage limits, exclusions and deductions can help prevent misunderstandings. Adjuster Inspection Schedule – The insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the loss. It exists to point out all affected areas during the test. Track your communications – Save all your emails, letters and notes from your phone with your insurance company.
Get additional help
The Kentucky Department of Insurance provides assistance to help residents understand their policies and claims process. Access insurance or call 1-800-595-6053 for guidance. When faced with a dispute or delay claim, legal aid organizations such as Bluegrass or Kentucky legal aid legal aid can help challenge denials or negotiate better settlements. If emergency financial assistance is required, FEMA may provide temporary housing and home repair grants after the federal government’s disaster declaration is in place.
3. Exchange of lost belongings and documents
In addition to damage to your home or belongings, important documents are often lost in the wreckage. Replacing these important records is essential to access financial aid, insurance claims, and other recovery resources. Kentucky residents who need to replace lost documents, such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and Social Security cards, can do so through the appropriate agency.
Additionally, local relief organizations and churches provide clothing, food and household essentials to those who have lost their belongings.
4. Financial support and relief programs
In late February, Kentucky Gov. Andy Besher requested FEMA assistance for the 10 most affected counties. Fortunately, emergency assistance was given to some of the most devastated people, including Breathitt, Clay, Harlan, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry and Pike. In particular, some of the most challenging areas are some of the most economically disadvantaged in the Commonwealth, further pressing financial support for the region.
For those affected by recent bad weather in eastern Kentucky, there are resources available to help with recovery.
FEMA Support: If you are affected, you can apply for FEMA Support here. The FEMA Incident ID number for recent bad weather is EM-3624-KY. SBA Disaster Assistance: Explore low interest rate loans through SME management to help repair or replace damaged properties.
5. Animal care and support
Kentucky’s flooding has evacuated many pets, wandering and wildlife, requiring urgent care and support. It’s important to help, but your safety must always be your number one priority. Here’s how you can help animals in need, while keeping everyone safe.
Help evacuated pets and stray animals
During floods, pets and vegetables often face evacuation, and the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) plays an important role in the rescue and care of these animals. They work with local shelters to provide relief, but community support is essential. You can help by donating supplies, raising pets, and recruiting evacuated animals. If you get lost, contact your local shelter instead of approaching the animal yourself.
Additionally, KHS has waived adoption fees for all adult dogs (1 year +) from Friday, February 28th to Sunday, March 2nd. Hosted by the BissellPetFoundation, this “empty shelter” event aims to create space for new arrivals and help you find an eternal home.
For more information, visit kyhumane.org/disasterrelief and learn more about how KHS can support partner shelters in Eastern Kentucky.
Care for wildlife
It is common to see more wildlife during natural disasters such as floods. Because they have lost their homes too, looking for food, clean water and shelter. It’s natural to want to help, but it’s important to maintain a safe distance for both your happiness and theirs. Suffering wildlife may be unpredictable and direct contact may be harmful to both parties. Instead, there are several ways to provide support from afar, ensuring safety and your own support.
Freshwater and food: Many wildlife struggle to find clean water and food after flooding. Create a safe space: Excluding brush piles and covered areas can provide temporary shelter for evacuated wildlife. Avoid handling wild animals: direct interactions are dangerous to both you and the animal, even if they appear to be suffering. Instead, you will report the injured wildlife to a licensed rehabilitator. Remove danger: Clean flood debris like plastic, fishing line and nets to prevent animals from trapping or getting injured.
6. Donations to help recover and volunteer work
Local communities continue to remain resilient in the face of hardships as Eastern Kentucky continues to recover from the recent storm. According to Gov. Andy Beshear, “This support will be a great help for families and communities to recover and rebuild from yet another horrifying storm. Just like before, we will get through this – together. And we promise we will be there as long as it takes until all life and structures are rebuilt.”
Here are some ways to contribute to disaster relief efforts in eastern Kentucky:
Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund: A nationally established fund to support survivors and funeral costs. Appalachian Kentucky Crisis Aid Fund Foundation: Online or accept donations at 420 Main Street, Hazard, Kentucky 41701. The foundation also has a resource spreadsheet for Eastern Kentucky. Housing Development Alliance: Raises $50,000 for repairs and rebuilding of homes after floods in Kentucky. Kentucky Community and Technical College: We are seeking donations to support students affected by the flood. University of Kentucky: Provides several funding to help students and employees in crisis. Visit the site for more information. Christian Appalachian Project: Financial donations and volunteer acceptance. For more information, please email boilttemanagement@chrisapp.org. Louisville feeding: Volunteers had to drive trucks with food to Whitesburg. Email volunteers @feedlouisville.org to submit your ASSIST. Red Cross Blood Services: People of all blood types, especially those who are giving type O O negative blood and platelets, are necessary. Find donation opportunities and schedule an appointment at Redcrossblood.org, 1-800-Red Cross, or the Red Cross Blood Donor app. Eky Mutual Aid Group: For a community-driven approach to disaster relief, Eky Mutual Aid is building a resource pool that directly supports flood victims around eastern Kentucky.
7. Mental Health and Counseling Services
In the wake of devastating mountain floods, Mountain Comprehensive Center (MCCC) is stepping up to provide immediate mental health support to those in need.
If you or your loved one is struggling, help is available now. To help you out immediately, you can call 1-800-422-1060 at the MCCC 24-hour helpline. You can also contact the **Suide & Crisis Hotline.
This article covers the 2025 Kentucky flooding. This is a tragic event that led to the loss of life and serious devastation. Some details can be painful for readers. We aim to cover this topic with sensitivity and respect for those affected.
