During Tuesday morning’s Hopkins County Fiscal Court meeting, Emergency Management Director Nick Bailey addressed some misinformation that’s out in the community regarding FEMA.
Bailey clarified that FEMA is not currently present in the county but is conducting windshield assessments of the flood damage. He noted that the federal disaster declaration signed by President Donald Trump is to mobilize federal resources.
click to download audioHe emphasized that FEMA is assessing the flood damage but they are not yet in the county offering registration. He pointed out that the FEMA process is slow, as experienced in the county in 2021, 2024, and now again in 2025.
Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield mentioned that a separate declaration will be required for federal assistance, while Bailey added that the flooding has impacted numerous roads and homes throughout the county.
click to download audioIn response to a question about whether FEMA would cover the costs of repairing flood-damaged roads, Bailey stated that there is a process they are required to follow.
click to download audioJudge Whitfield added that once a disaster declaration is in place, the county will seek public assistance to address the flood-damaged roads.
click to download audioBailey again reiterated that FEMA is not yet accepting registrations because a state disaster declaration has not been issued.
He also mentioned that there are additional programs other than FEMA that can provide assistance.
click to download audioJudge Whitfield informed the magistrates about a crisis cleanup website and hotline.
click to download audioTo ask for cleanup assistance, call the Kentucky Severe Weather April 2025 Cleanup Hotline at (270) 887-4657 The hotline will be open through Friday, April 18.
