Starting June 9, people in Magoffin County, Ky., are eligible for disaster assistance from the commonwealth and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help with recovery from severe storms, flooding and mudslides that struck May 3 through May 20.

"The flooding in Eastern Kentucky caused severe devastation to most counties in the region,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “Many of our people lost everything. I sincerely hope the assistance provided by FEMA gives some comfort to these struggling families and relieves some of the pressure I know they are feeling."

The addition of Magoffin County brings to five the total number of counties eligible for federal assistance to individuals, households and businesses. Breathitt, Floyd, Owsley and Pike counties were designated on May 29.

The Individual Assistance Program makes grants available to help eligible applicants repair damaged property, cover the cost of temporary housing, pay rent, replace essential uninsured personal property and for other serious, disaster-related needs.

Anyone who needs help with storm or flooding losses can register by calling toll free 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. The phone numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. until further notice. Help in all languages is available. Registration is also available at all times on the Internet at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Anyone who registered with FEMA before June 9 does not need to register again.

On June 4, local officials, the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) and FEMA re-assessed the county’s storm and flooding losses. On June 6, Gov. Beshear requested an amendment to the May 29 major disaster declaration to include individual assistance for Magoffin County.

“We had a quick response to the request,” said Brig. Gen. John W. Heltzel, director of KYEM. “That is appreciated, since it helps speed recovery for households and individuals in Magoffin County and also for the commonwealth.”

Filing damage reports with state or county emergency managers or voluntary agencies will not start the federal disaster-assistance process. People must register with FEMA to be considered for federal grants.

“Individuals and businesses that suffered damages should register now,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kim Kadesch. “FEMA has been moving rapidly to deliver aid to Kentucky counties that were designated earlier and will now bring the same attention to the needs in Magoffin County.”

To register it is helpful to have the following information available:

• A current telephone number where the person can be reached;

• The address at the time of the disaster and the address where an individual or family is now staying;

• A Social Security number, if available;

• A general list of damages and losses suffered;

• If insured, the name of the insurance company or agent, contact information and policy number;

• Bank account information if the applicant wishes to speed up assistance with direct deposit.

Magoffin County had already been designated as one of 22 counties eligible for public assistance as part of the May 29 federal disaster declaration. Local governments and certain non-profits in these counties are eligible for reimbursement for debris removal, emergency services and infrastructure and facilities repair and rebuilding associated with the disaster.

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.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.