Death toll rises as Governor requests Federal disaster declaration

Reported by: Tom Kenny

3/5/2012

The death toll in Kentucky has risen to 21 from Friday’s tornadoes, according to emergency management officials.

There were more deaths in Kentucky than any other state hit by severe weather. There were seven deaths in Morgan County, five in Laurel County, three in Kenton County, two in Johnson County, two in Metcalfe County and two in Lawrence County.

Indiana has had 12 reported deaths, three in Ohio and one each in Alabama and Georgia.

In Kentucky, more than 300 people were reported injured.

At one point on Sunday, about 19,000 people were without power.

The Governor has deployed nearly 400 National Guard troops to help with security, traffic control and other needs in affected counties.

Governor Beshear has formally requested an expedited major disaster declaration from President Obama. By making the request now, Kentucky can expedite the process of getting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assessment and assistance teams into communities that need it most.

People trying to find friends or relatives in affected areas should register a person’s information on the Kentucky Emergency Management website at www.kyem.ky.gov. The information will go to local emergency management teams, who will try to find the people. Information can also be provided to the Red Cross’ “Safe and Well” program, by visiting www.americanredcross.org.

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services has arranged a temporary office in Morgan County. The office is located at Old Wrigley School, 87 Redwine Road in West Liberty.

The Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions is working with management teams of three storm-damaged banks in West Liberty to ensure customers have ready access to their money and other banking services.

Disaster response teams with the Kentucky Department of Insurance are working with counties about claim information and monitoring responses of insurance companies to ensure an adequate number of adjusters are on the ground. For more information, go to www.insurance.ky.gov or call toll-free, 1-800-595-6053.

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