FRANKFORT, KY --  Kentuckians with losses from the May storms and flooding can now receive in-person help at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Breathitt, Floyd, Owsley and Pike Counties.

Officials from Kentucky Emergency Management Agency (KYEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today they have opened these temporary centers to provide people with a one-stop location to get information about disaster recovery.

“Judge executives, local officials and FEMA worked together to identify sites that offer a convenient place for those affected by the storms and flooding to talk with recovery specialists,” said Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Director Brig. Gen. John W. Heltzel.

Disaster Recovery Centers

Open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday

Until Further Notice

Breathitt County Lifeskills Center (2nd floor)

1127 Main St.,

Jackson, KY 41339 Pike County

Belfry Public Library

24371 US Highway 119 N

Belfry, KY 41514

Owsley County

Owsley County Action Team

Old Hwy 11

Booneville, KY 41314

Pike County

Johns Creek Elementary School

8302 Meta Hwy

Pikeville, KY 41501 Floyd County

Martin Community Center

7199 KY Route 80

Langley, KY 41645

“At the centers, people can find answers to their questions about registration for disaster assistance, learn techniques for rebuilding damaged structures to be stronger and safer, obtain help applying for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and find other information about programs that may be useful to help them get back on their feet,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kim Kadesch.

Individuals may obtain assistance at a center in any county. At the same time, people should be assured that it is not necessary to meet in person to register for or obtain assistance. No money or checks are issued at DRCs.

FEMA officials encourage affected homeowners, renters and business owners to register for assistance before they visit a DRC. FEMA’s toll free telephone registration and help line, 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585, is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice. Applicants can register online or obtain additional information at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

FEMA may help eligible applicants with grants to pay for uninsured home repairs, temporary housing, replacement of personal property and other serious needs caused by the disaster. Help may be available even if repairs have already been made. People with insurance should register for assistance, because they may find, after their claims are settled, that they are under-insured or have unmet needs.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are available to eligible homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations to cover residential, personal property and business losses not fully compensated by insurance. Small businesses and most non-profit organizations of all sizes may also apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. SBA representatives will be at the centers to answer questions about the SBA's low-interest disaster loan program and provide assistance with filling out the loan application.

Anyone not able to go to a DRC can obtain help with SBA questions via telephone or online. Call the SBA Customer Service Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 800-659-2955. Information and assistance are also available on the SBA Web site, www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Those with disaster-related damage can apply for low-interest loans at SBA's secure Web site, https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

KYEM and FEMA officials also encourage anyone who suffered damage from the storm, regardless of the county of residency, to document losses, keep repair receipts and report their losses to their local emergency manager and homeowner’s insurance.

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.