Dozens of FEMA centers open statewide after months of severe weather

LONDON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky has endured multiple fatal weather events in 2025, from historic flooding to devastating tornadoes, including the most recent tornado in Washington County.

In response, FEMA has opened more than 30 Disaster Recovery Centers across the state, providing essential support to thousands of Kentuckians.

“While those disaster recovery centers have opened in response to different events, if you’ve been displaced and you live in a different part of the Commonwealth and there’s a particular DRC that’s more convenient for you, you can go to any disaster recovery center in response to any disaster,” said Daniel Bernardy, a FEMA public information officer.

So far, there have been no official aid requests following Friday’s tornado in Washington County. But FEMA has already registered over 11,000 Kentuckians for aid from February’s deadly flooding distributing more than $45 million in assistance.

That’s on top of $19 million in aid given and more than 4,500 people registered after the April flood. Additional help is still being distributed following the May tornado outbreak.

Each recovery center offers in-person support, and FEMA is encouraging anyone affected, insured or not, to seek help.

“If you have insurance you’ll want to, first thing is file a claim with your insurance,” Bernardy said. “But keep in mind if you’re under insured or if you’re not insure you should absolutely still talk with us. That’s why we’re here you know to fill in some of those gaps. So we may be able to assist you if you’re uninsured or under insure. But bring that paper work with you, either denial or whatever that is, from your insurance, bring that with you,” said Bernardy.

FEMA officials recommend bringing the begining following documents to a recovery center:

• A valid photo ID

• Social Security card

• Proof of residence (such as a utility bill)

For those impacted by May’s tornado, FEMA’s Serious Need Assistance is still available, a one-time, flexible payment offered in the first 30 days after a disaster.

“It’s meant to get people money in their hands quickly,” Bernardy said.

Officials urge anyone who has received immediate aid to also visit a recovery center to explore further support options.