Gov. Andy Beshear said today that four people are confirmed dead in the severe weather that brought devastation to communities across the commonwealth. On Wednesday, the governor declared a state of emergency ahead of the first round of severe storms. On Friday, President Donald Trump approved the governor’s request for an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky.

What to Do if Your Home or Business Was Impacted by Storms

Here are some important things to keep in mind if your home or business was affected by recent storms:

Don’t Forget Your Financial Obligations

Contact your insurance company, mortgage lender, credit card companies, and other creditors to inform them of your situation. Many have hardship programs or resources to help during emergencies. If you cannot live in your home, reach out to utility providers to ask about temporarily suspending services like electricity, gas, and internet to reduce costs.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

• File your claim promptly. Call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and any relevant information. Some policies have strict deadlines for reporting damage.
• Provide complete and accurate information to avoid delays.
• Ask about coverage for additional living expenses if you’re unable to stay in your home.
• Document the damage by taking photos or video.
• Make only temporary repairs to prevent further damage (e.g., board up windows, cover damaged roofs). Don’t begin permanent repairs until your insurer inspects the property and agrees on repair costs.
• Keep damaged items for the adjuster to review.
• Request an itemized explanation of any claim settlement offer.
• Save all receipts, especially those related to temporary repairs or additional living expenses.

Be Careful When Hiring Contractors

Watch out for these red flags when hiring someone to make repairs:

• Door-to-door sales: Be cautious of contractors who show up uninvited and offer deep discounts.
• High-pressure tactics: Avoid contractors who insist you must act immediately or miss out.
• Demands for full payment upfront: Don’t pay large sums in advance. A common recommendation is to pay no more than one-third upfront, with additional payments tied to progress milestones.
• Reluctance to pull permits: The contractor—not the homeowner—should obtain any necessary building permits.
• Cash-only demands: Avoid paying in cash. Never sign over an insurance check.
• Lack of written documentation: Get a detailed written contract before work begins. It should include start and end dates, payment terms, materials, labor, warranties, and a change order policy. Keep a signed copy for your records.

Tend to Flooded Vehicles

If your vehicle was submerged in at least a foot of standing water for more than an hour, have it inspected by a professional—even if it still runs. Water damage can cause long-term issues. If you need a replacement vehicle, protect yourself from scams:

• Buy from a licensed seller whenever possible.
• Do your research: Check the vehicle’s history at vehiclehistory.gov, take it for a test drive, and have it inspected by an independent mechanic.
• Keep copies of all paperwork before leaving the dealership or seller.

Stay Alert for Scams

Unfortunately, scams often increase after disasters. Watch out for:

• Upfront fees for applying for aid, loans, or services. Government agencies don’t charge application fees.
• Imposters posing as officials from government agencies, insurance companies, banks, or law enforcement. Ask for credentials and verify them if needed.
• Charities or businesses with similar names to well-known organizations—verify before donating or signing anything.
• Pressure tactics: Don’t rush into agreements or make payments without time to review terms carefully.
• Fake rental listings: Be cautious of rental offers that seem too good to be true, especially if you can’t view the property in person beforehand.

Report Price Gouging or Other Misconduct

Watch for sudden, steep increases in the price of essentials like food, fuel, water, lumber, or lodging during or after a disaster. Many states have laws protecting consumers from price gouging during declared emergencies. If you suspect this or other misconduct, contact the state attorney general’s office at 888-432-9257.