Gov. Andy Beshear gave updates on how Kentuckians affected by recent severe weather can receive assistance and how damages are being assessed.?

In his weekly press conference, Beshear said Louisville Metro Emergency Services is working with local government officials and first responders to assess damage and assist victims of an EF-1 tornado that hit Jefferson County on July 4.. Beshear visited the site along with Kentucky Emergency Management (KEM) officials on Friday.?

Beshear said another tornado touched down in Union County Tuesday night as Kentucky experienced storms that were remnants of Hurricane Beryl. Beshear said KEM is monitoring the situation and is offering assistance to county officials as requested.?

“As the National Weather Service begins to conduct surveys, we expect other tornadoes will be confirmed,” Beshear said. “The damage mostly impacted agricultural areas, and one home has reported damage.?

Assistance for previous weather events

Beshear gave updates on assistance for survivors of a few severe weather events in recent months.?

The governor said that the Small Business Administration is offering disaster assistance for businesses, homeowners, renters and nonprofit organizations affected by severe storms and tornadoes on March 14 and 15. Kentucky counties Trimble, Carroll, Henry and Oldham were affected at the time.?

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate, machinery, inventory and other business assets damaged or destroyed during the storms. Homeowners may qualify for loans up to $500,000 to repair or replace real estate damaged or destroyed in the storms or up to $100,000 to replace damaged or destroyed personal property.?

The deadline to apply for physical property damage applications is Aug. 26 for the March storms. To apply, visit sba.gov/disaster, call 800-659-2955 or email [email protected].?

For early April severe storms that affected 11 Kentucky counties, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has distributed more than $1.3 million in individual assistance to 902 survivors, Beshear said.?

President Joe Biden issued a major disaster declaration for the storms in May. The counties affected were Boyd, Carter, Fayette, Greenup, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Mason, Oldham, Union and Whitley.?

“Remember, it’s tough to apply for individual assistance,” Beshear said. “We met it for this set of storms because so many people submitted their damage. Even if they didn’t need individual assistance, they were helping us account for the damage so those who needed it could get it.”?

To apply for FEMA assistance, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by use the FEMA app.?

Beshear said Kentucky has not received a federal disaster declaration for severe weather damage during late May events, but KEM is working with FEMA to assess damage and direct survivors toward assistance. The governor said those impacted by damage should contact their local emergency manager.?