SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY: WINTER STORM STRIKES IN THE AFTERMATH OF HISTORIC FLOODS
Kentucky is once again dealing with historic floods… severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and landslides struck across the state just as temperatures plunged and winter weather hit on Wednesday. An emergency disaster declaration is in effect with roads still closed and power still being restored, those recovery efforts now complicated by some of the heaviest snows the season. Floodwaters and freezing temperatures have formed a tragic combination, with 14 confirmed dead so far.
The immediate priority is staying safe and warm. Minimize travel and other activities so that road crews and rescue workers are able to focus their efforts, and make an emergency plan for if you lose power. Kentuckians with immediate, non-life-threatening needs can call 502-607-6665 or use the rapid response form. Contact emergency services if the situation becomes life-threatening. Conditions are likely to remain dangerous through the weekend, at which point flood recovery can begin in earnest.
HOW TO HELP
For those looking for ways to help volunteer or otherwise contribute to recovery efforts, here are a few places to consider…
Appalachia Strong Telethon – TOMORROW, Thursday, February 20, from 6 AM – 7 PM. ARH and the ARH Foundation partner with WKYT and WYMT raising funds to support flood relief efforts in Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia.
Appalachian Crisis Aid Fund
ARH Foundation
Aspire Appalachia
EKY Mutual Aid: Venmo & PayPal: @EKYMutualAid, CashApp: $EKYMutualAid
Housing Development Alliance
Kentucky Community & Technical College System
Kentucky Medical Reserve Corps
Roscoe’s Daughter
University of Kentucky
MEDICAID ASSISTANCE
Remember that regardless of circumstance, Kentuckians can enroll in Medicaid at any time throughout the year. We encourage individuals affected by the disaster to find a kynector or insurance agent to help with eligibility and enrollment.
Members enrolled with a Managed Care Organization should contact their MCO member services listed on their member card for assistance. You can also use the following numbers:
- Aetna Better Health of Kentucky: (855) 300-5528
- Humana Healthy Horizons in Kentucky: (800) 444-9137
- Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare: (844) 778-2700
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan: (866) 293-1796
- WellCare of Kentucky: (877) 389-9457For MCO pharmacy assistance, call MedImpact at (800) 210-7628
1915c HCBS waiver programs have an assistance form for members and an assistance form for providers. Call (844) 784-5614 or email 1915cWaiverHelpDesk@ky.gov for help completing forms. For HCBS waiver pharmacy assistance, call Magellan at 1-800-635-2570.
The Division of Long-Term Services and Supports has released flooding assistance forms for families of individuals residing in a nursing facility, as well as members receiving home health or private duty nursing and a form for providers. If you need help completing the forms, call (844) 784-5614 and choose option 6.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE
Emergency shelters are open in locations across Kentucky, call 211 to get connected to an immediate shelter location near you. Additionally Kentucky State Parks are taking those impacted: Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Pine Mountain State Resort Park, and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. But remember that other parks remain closed due to flooding. Get the latest info at parks.ky.gov/severe-weather
SNAP ASSISTANCE
Households that lost food purchased with their SNAP benefits due to the February 15th storms and flooding have until Wednesday, February 25th to request replacement benefits. Recipients who lost food bought with SNAP due to a power outage of at least four hours or flooding can call the KY Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) at 855-306-8959 to request replacement benefits. If possible, have your case number ready.
MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE
In addition to 988, Kentucky’s lifeline for emotional support, there is a Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990. Call or text 24/7 to receive crisis counseling if you’re experiencing emotional distress as a result of the disaster. Additional resources are available through our friends at Mental Health America of Kentucky.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Federal disaster assistance is available for all 120 Kentucky counties. Information will be added here as it becomes available. Reach FEMA at (800) 621-3362 or disasterassistance.gov. At the state level, discussions are taking place in Frankfort over whether to call a special legislative session to direct relief. In the meantime, TeamKY resources can be found here. For local response, additional resources can be found via Kentucky Chamber and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. Another great starting point for those in need is SOAR’s resource page.