By rssfeeds-admin LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Just over two years ago, eastern Kentucky was ravaged by deadly floods that destroyed entire communities. On Sunday, the water rushed in again across the entire Commonwealth.
The devastating floods have left many in dangerous and insecure situations, and now a winter storm is rolling in while floodwaters are still high in some places, making a quick community response even more important.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Friday ahead of the storms. As part of the declaration, the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center was activated and Kentucky National Guard units were placed on standby.
Kentucky’s price gouging laws have also been implemented, protecting residents from overpriced goods and services in the cleanup process. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.
As of Wednesday morning, the death toll from the weather events remains at 14.
“Let’s remember that this 14 fatalities is not just a number. These are children of God. These are Kentuckians that are missed by their families and by their communities,” Beshear said.
Where to donate
1. Christian Appalachian Project
The Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is an Appalachian-based nonprofit that supports communities across 13 states in the Appalachian region. The nonprofit is working to provide food, water, and emergency supplies to those impacted by the flooding as cold weather rolls in.
“We are neighbors helping neighbors,” said Robyn Renner, CAP’s director of disaster relief. “The incoming weather will add to the challenge, but we are preparing now to begin assessments as early as Monday. We are heartbroken for the devastation we see all around and are ready to help families as soon as we can. CAP’s Disaster Relief program will stand alongside people in need in Appalachia in the days and weeks to come.”
In addition, CAP is taking monetary donations to help families in need of lifesaving relief. Those interested in donating can visit christianapp.org.
The nonprofit is also urging those in need of cleanup to utilize the Crisis CleanUp platform. Flood victims will never be charged, asked for a deposit, or payment through the platform or any of the participating organizations. For help with cleanup, visit crisiscleanup.org or call 606-268-0896. The hotline will remain open through Feb. 28.
CAP is also looking for volunteers to help with cleanup and mucking out flooded homes. To volunteer, email volunteermanagement@chrisapp.org.
2. Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund
Gov. Beshear established the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund to help those impacted by the floods and the severe weather. All donations are tax-deductible, and donors receive a receipt for tax purposes.
Beshear said the first use of this fund is to pay for funerals so families don’t have to wait for reimbursement.
“This fund is fully transparent and is subject to open records and legislative oversight. There are no administrative fees, so every dollar helps Kentuckians affected by this historic flooding and severe weather,” reads the fund website.
Donations can be made online or by mail by checking out to the Kentucky State Treasurer. In the memo line note, the donation is for the “Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund.” Send the check to Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero Street, 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601.
3. University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is holding a donation drive to help students, employees, and university stakeholders who are impacted by the Kentucky floods. The university asks that everyone avoid donating clothing and used household items.
Needed items include:
- Nonperishable foods
- Paper goods (toilet paper, paper towels)
- Cleaning supplies
- Bottled water
Here are the drop-off locations:
- Beginning Feb. 18
- Gatton Student Center
- Student Government Association office on the first floor
- 160 Avenue of Champions, Lexington, KY 40508
- Chandler Hospital
- Pavilion A Information Desk
- 1000 S Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508
- Gatton Student Center
- Beginning Feb. 19
- Before the UK men’s basketball game
- Donations accepted from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on High Street between the Hyatt and Rupp Arena
The university’s philanthropy office is also accepting financial donations.
Protecting yourself from scams, price gouging
The Better Business Bureau recommends verifying charities at Give.org and never clicking on links to charities on unfamiliar websites or in strange emails or text messages.
Kentucky’s price gouging laws have been implemented, protecting residents from overpriced goods and services in the cleanup process. Suspected price gouging can be reported to the Attorney General’s Office by calling 502-696-5485 or by visiting ag.ky.gov/pricegouging.
Camille Hantla contributed to this story.
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