HENDERSON, Ky. — Kentuckians impacted by April’s severe storms and flooding now have until July 25 to apply for federal assistance, as the Federal Emergency Management Agency extends its registration deadline to support recovery efforts in hard-hit areas like Henderson County.

What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky residents affected by April’s severe storms and flooding have until July 25, 2025, to apply for federal assistance through FEMA

  • Around 300 families were affected, with 20-50 homes facing major damage or destruction; FEMA and local teams have visited 750 homes, working 12-hour days to provide aid

  • Residents can apply at the Disaster Recovery Center at the Salvation Army in Henderson, via the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

  • President Trump’s plan to phase out FEMA after the 2025 hurricane season may shift disaster response burdens to states, potentially impacting future recovery efforts

The storms, which triggered flash flooding and prolonged rainfall, left approximately 300 families in Henderson County reeling, with 20 to 50 homes suffering major damage or destruction, according to Kenny Garrett, director of Henderson County Emergency Management. Garrett, a 25-year veteran of the department, likened the flooding to the county’s historic 1997 flood, noting the water from the Green River rose just a half-inch higher this time.

“It’s been a busy few months,” Garrett said. “From day one, we’ve just been nonstop. I think I’ve probably had maybe two days off in the last three, four months.”

FEMA teams, working alongside local officials since May 21, have visited about 750 homes, operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week. A Disaster Recovery Center at the Salvation Army in Henderson serves as a hub for aid, offering serious needs assistance such as water, food, prescriptions, infant formula, durable medical equipment and fuel for transportation. Displaced residents are also being housed in hotels and Airbnbs, with FEMA trailers at RV parks planned as a longer-term solution.

“This is the first time that I’ve seen FEMA and Kentucky Emergency Management here at the level they’re here,” Garrett said. “We’ve never had a disaster recovery center set up here. We’ve never had a federal declaration of this magnitude in at least the 25 years I’ve been here.”

Residents can apply for help at the Disaster Recovery Center, through the FEMA mobile app, or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The center is expected to remain open for another week, with additional aid opportunities available for the next month.

Garrett, a former military member who joined emergency management to serve a greater purpose, emphasized the community’s commitment to recovery. “We’re helper people,” he said. “We’re here because we want to be here to help somebody.”

However, the future of federal disaster relief remains uncertain. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced plans to begin “phasing out” FEMA after the 2025 hurricane season, stating, “We want to wean off of FEMA and we want to bring it down to the state level.” Experts warn this shift could place a heavier burden on states to manage increasingly frequent and costly climate-driven disasters.

For now, Henderson County remains focused on recovery, with local leaders, faith organizations and community members rallying to support those in need. Residents are urged to register for help before the extended July 25 deadline.

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