Bourbon Countians seeing results when dealing with FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has gotten a bad rap following their handling of the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort two years ago. However, several residents who have applied for flood aid have had positive experiences with the agency.

Dennis Clayborn and Kevin Russell both applied for federal assistance following last month's flood that ruined portions of their properties. Both have received money from FEMA that will help them begin repairing the damage.

Clayborn received $9,000 for flood damage to his house and several barns he operates a dairy farm out of.

A small stream near his house flooded and ran into his house, with much of the damage concentrated in the basement. Water reached 4 to 5 feet and pumps were needed to extract the water. Water got in the barns but most of the damage was concentrated in the house located at 2495 Valley Road.

Clayborn couldn't say whether the money will be enough to cover the losses. This week, he's working on applying on the money toward fixing the house and doesn't fully know the end amount for renovations.

He said the process of applying for the federal aid was easy.

"There weren't any hoops I had to go through," Clayborn said. "I applied for it, they came out...and within a week I went out to my mailbox and there was the check."

Clayborn called Bourbon County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Laura Hyer, who supplied him with FEMA's number. The following day, a representative with FEMA assessed Clayborn's property.

The federal government declared Bourbon County a disaster area on July 2 because of heavy flooding that resulted in property damage, crop and cattle losses countywide. The declaration allowed individuals and local government to apply for funding.

Currently, 22 residents have applied for help from FEMA and all have received money that has totaled over $88,000 from FEMA. People are still calling in, asking about assistance, Hyer said.

However, residents in Bronson and Fulton can't apply for assistance because the towns don't carry national flood plain insurance.

Kevin Russell applied for help after storm water drainage released into the sewer system that backed up into his basement. Water poured into the house via drains and the stool. He tried to plug the drains but water kept running into the house. About 10 inches of rain swept though the basement area.

The house will need extensive repairs to ensure all the soaked sheetrock and baseboards from waste and flood waters are replaced.

He said a FEMA employee was at his house at 1902 Holbrook St. looking over the damage two days after he applied. A few days later, he received a $6,900 check. The money is well short of the loss, which was estimated at over $16,000.

When Russell heard about FEMA assistance, he thought it would take a long time to get money and would require filling out tons of paperwork. However, he was surprised at how FEMA expedited the process.

It took his wife around 15 minutes to fill out the application on-line.

"It turned out to be very simple and incredibly helpful," Russell said. "It was very simple."

Hyer acknowledged there are residents who have damage to their properties but have not applied yet. "I want them to know assistance is here and they need to apply," she said. "I can only applaud FEMA's efforts. Our experience here has been very positive."

Residents whose properties sustained damage by the flood can contact Hyer at (620) 223-1910 or call FEMA directly at (800) 621-3362. For crops or livestock losses, phone the United States Department of Agriculture Service Center at (620) 223-1880 or the Bourbon County Extension Office at (620) 223-3720.

The deadline to apply for assistance is Aug. 16.

"They're here to assist us and people need to understand that if they're not insured, there is still a way to get assistance," Hyer said. "Rather than say 'I probably won't get any,' go ahead and apply. Let the government make the determination whether or not you get assistance," Hyer said.