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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Damage Assessment Teams begin work in Pike County
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Through a coordinated joint effort, Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams consisting of personnel from local, state and federal government have begun gathering damage estimates from local government and private citizens in Pike County.
“The aftermath of the flooding in Pike County is really unlike anything I’ve seen before,” said Gov. Beshear, who visited the area yesterday to meet with local officials. “Swiftly moving water is extremely dangerous and its ability to cause destruction should never be underestimated.”
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel arrived in Pike County yesterday. After being briefed by local and Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) officials, teams were assembled and county assessments were assigned. These teams will begin PDAs throughout the county today. These damage assessments will be used to support Gov. Beshear’s request for federal assistance.
“We are hoping to expedite the assistance process by having the FEMA teams conduct these damage assessments with our local teams,” said John Heltzel, director for KYEM. “We want to bring whatever assistance is needed, and eligible, to all of Pike County and its residents as soon as possible.”
Officials encourage those who have suffered property damage to photograph the damage, save any repair receipts and report your damage to the local emergency management director.
The Kentucky National Guard currently has 24 Soldiers on duty providing support to Pike County. For the past several days, members of the 577th Sapper Company, 201st Engineer Battalion have conducted security patrols in humvees in support of local law enforcement, and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews have assisted in damage assessment. Additional troops from the 201st are being brought on to provide communications and logistical support in the distribution of bottled water.
If you do not have the family and/or financial resources to clean out your property, you can call 606-432-0210 to request volunteer assistance. “Folks need to be aware volunteer groups are available to help clean up they cannot dismantle or remove destroyed homes,” said Jim Garrett, Voluntary Agency Liaison for Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).
Safety Messages:
- Do not drive through or wade through any water, no matter if it’s just a few inches. STOP – TURN AROUND – DON’T DROWN!
- The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) reports that boil water advisories are in effect for much of the county due to broken lines and other factors. Water distribution points have been established to assist those without water. Check with your local government for current water distribution locations.
- DOW also warns against contact with floodwaters due to contamination from sewage, agricultural products and other harmful substances.
- The Kentucky Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages flooded residents to be aware of toxic or hazardous wastes associated with flood waters. For additional information on health safety tips and flood water clean-up, please visit the DPH’s website at www.chfs.ky.gov/dph/ or contact the local health department.
- Do not attempt to enter flooded structures unless a certified electrician has shut the power off.
- Avoid unnecessary sight seeing, keeping the roadways clear and allowing emergency officials access to the impacted areas.
For local information and/or shelter locations, please contact your local emergency management office. Follow this link for assistance: http://www.kyem.ky.gov/about/countyemdirectors.htm .
For additional information, visit the KyEM website at www.kyem.ky.gov.
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