James Sexton pauses in what remains of his house in London’s Sunset Hills neighborhood on May 18, 2025. The previous day, shortly after midnight, a tornado struck the area.
Individuals in six Kentucky counties who have been affected by recent tornadoes and severe weather can now receive federal assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday night.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order making federal funding available to people in Caldwell, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Trigg, and Union counties. FEMA stated in a news release that additional counties may become eligible for assistance if damage assessments indicate it is necessary.
Tornadoes, storms, and straight-line winds killed 19 people in Kentucky between May 16 and 17.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who had requested an expedited disaster declaration, thanked Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a social media post.
“Remember, this process takes time and we will add more counties to our request as damage assessments are completed,” Beshear told the audience.
The governor’s request for individual assistance in Christian and Todd counties, as well as public assistance for affected cities and counties and hazard mitigation for the entire state, is still being reviewed, according to Beshear’s office.
According to the FEMA release, assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover from the disaster.
Jeremy Slinker has been designated as the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery efforts in the affected areas. Slinker was formerly the director of Kentucky Emergency Management.
On Saturday, the governor’s office released the following information:
How to Apply: Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service – such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or other similar service – can give FEMA the number for that service.
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC): Those affected can also apply at centers that have opened today in Laurel and Pulaski counties. Other sites will open soon. FEMA teams will also be walking impacted areas to meet with survivors. They will be dressed in FEMA attire and have FEMA identification.
Laurel County DRC
Laurel County Public Library
120 College Park Drive
London, KY
Mon – Sat: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sun: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pulaski County DRC
Center for Rural Development
2292 S. Hwy. 27 #300
Somerset, KY
Mon – Sat: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sun: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
When Applying for FEMA Individual Assistance, Kentuckians should make sure:
- You upload your documents online via the FEMA App or by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Your damaged home is your primary residence.
- You haven’t received assistance for the same losses from another source, including insurance.
- You are able to be reached by FEMA at the contact information you provide in the application.
If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- In person at a Disaster Recovery Center, which more will open in coming days.
- Or by mail or fax.
