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[Decano]

I know you guys don't really know me well, but I just need to vent this to someone right now.  A severe flood just happened in eastern KY and my parents' home, garage, pets, mom's car, all possessions & his 100th anniversary Classic just washed away down the creek.  Luckily he got my mom out of the house just as the home was separating from the foundation.  I lost a car parked there, but I don't give a chit about that.   I can't even get to them right now because there is no way to cross the raging creek turned temporary river.  They are safe up the mountain on the other side in a neighbor's house right now.  I guess I'm supposed to be happy that they are ok and I am glad of that, but dad is 73 and I'm hurting knowing everything he has collected and worked for is gone.  No, insurance won't cover one dime because they could not afford to pay the thousands per year the insurance companies wanted for flood insurance.

Could anyone help by telling me what organizations and/or gov. agencies I should start contacting to get them some relief?  They don't need blankets and bottled water, they need real help.

[GregKhougaz]

Very sorry to read of your family's loss. Don't have info for you but you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. 

[Mrs Rooster]

 Oh my goodness! I wish I had an answer for you. You and your family will be in our prayers. I could not imagine what it would be like to experince this. I'm so sorry.

[swat1]

I would think FEMA and Salvation Army

[Decano]

I would think FEMA and Salvation Army

Yes, I'm going to try to contact FEMA tomorrow to see if enough people have been affected for the feds to get involved.  Thanks.

[Decano]

One bit of good news.  He had full coverage on his motorcycle, so he can replace it.  Another bit of good news is that I usually keep my bike in dad's garage, but I just happen to have it at my place this week. 

[shortdog]

Decano,
Sorry to hear of your folk's losses. Try the local Red Cross, they usualy assist prople with losses such as this for a short while. Also try your local County and State agencies. Was your Dad union? If so contact them.
That's all I can think of right now.
Shortdog

[JCZ]

Contact the governor's office.  They're probably declaring a state of emergency for that area......that'll open the door for federal money.

[SteveFLHTK]

Make sure he turns in a claim with Home Owners.  It WILL be denied, however, if the area is declared a disaster zone, and if it's widespread, it will be, like Nashville several months ago, then FEMA will provide some money to compensate for the loss.  They will only cover with documented proof of no other coverage.

[sadunbar]

Very sorry to hear of your parents loss.  God Bless they are safe.

Others have given good advice regarding help...  FEMA, the Red Cross, the Governors office...  Contact their insurance company anyway.  There may be some aspect of the loss insurance can cover.

And be sure they receive emotional support from those close to them.  Losing a lifetime of memories and possessions is devasting - beyond the financial loss.

[Decano]

Some good news today.  The pets are all alive.  We found their dog in a small space between two smashed together trailers.  We found their cat still in the house that was carried 300 yards away from its original spot. 

The 100th anniv. Classic was totally covered by the water, but was not carried away.  It was spun around 180 degrees, but stayed up on the kickstand.  How did that happen?  No water in the oil either. 

I made 50 trips through the mud to the house today and recovered dad's guns, knives, coins and mom's jewelry.  I beat the vandals to it!

My car and theirs are still there and we think we can salvage them.  Doesn't seem to be water in the oil in them either. 

Thank you all for the information you have given.  I didn't know about making the insurance company deny the claim so they can get FEMA help.  That will make all the difference.  You all are awesome!

[Dracula]

Sorry to hear of the loss!!

Fantastic news on pets (and items that were recovered).  Best of luck putting things back together!!!

[BayouBiker]

                                

Having been around during Katrina, I'd say start w/ FEMA, but it'll be a nightmare no matter what!
I'm sure you're local & state will step in with some type of programs.
Flood insurance, being a federal program is fairly reasonable, our cost is $317/yr, but regular homeowners with wind & hail costs me $3256/yr.
(of course, the insurance co.s will argue that water came 1st, so if a tree smashed in your roof it isn't covered.)


I have no words to describe the feelings I have after reading this
We are so sorry to see this happen to others, as it sucks to lose EVERYTHING you own.
The photos, knick-knacks & mementos are the hardest to deal with losing, as most of those memories are irreplaceable.

Be ready for tons of paper-work from gov't agencies you never even heard of.


(Feel free to PM me for more info, advice or just to talk to someone who's suffered thru the same experience)

[RedDevil]

Decano,

Check out this FEMA After the Flood.  It contains a check list and advice on what to do and who to see after flooding.  There is a lot of good information on our (I work for FEMA) websites for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery.  If the Governor declared the area a disaster and asked for Federal help, then you'll be able to go to a Disaster Recovery Center and create a case with FEMA which will allow you to get assistance.   Good luck and sorry to hear what happened.

[Decano]

Decano,

Check out this http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/aftrfld.shtm.  It contains a check list and advice on what to do and who to see after flooding.  There is a lot of good information on our (I work for FEMA) websites for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery.  If the Governor declared the area a disaster and asked for Federal help, then you'll be able to go to a Disaster Recovery Center and create a case with FEMA which will allow you to get assistance.   Good luck and sorry to hear what happened.

Thanks, I was looking for a specific website to start the process.  Governor Bashear came to my parents' area today and promised aid is on the way.  I actually recovered their safe intact today... beat the looters again!  I appreciate everyone's advice and kind words.