The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction is here to help those impacted by the state-wide weather events starting on February 15, 2025. This page will be updated as new information is available. If you have any questions outside of the information presented on this page, please call the department at 502-573-0365.
Governor Beshear has created a broad list of Resources for Storm Recovery, including options for temporary housing and immediate needs.
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are locations that provide both state and federal resources at one stop to best serve flood victims. Unless otherwise noted, DRCs are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Consumers, Stay Alert to Scams and Fraud
Contractors may be in short supply if there's a major disaster. Don't let desperation put you in a position to be ripped off. Here are a few tips to help you avoid common scams.
- Do not pay upfront. Do not pay out any funds until the work has been completed to your satisfaction.
- Avoid repair scams by dealing with reputable licensed and insured local contractors you know or can check out.
- Ask people you trust for recommendations, and get second opinions before signing a contract.
- Do not deal with “fly-by-night” roofers or remodelers who go door-to-door, especially those not known in your community or those who offer greatly reduced prices because they say they just completed work nearby and claim to have leftover materials.
- Ask for identification and proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Do not spend a lot of money on temporary repairs.
- Remember that payments for temporary repairs are part of your total insurance settlement. If you pay a contractor a large sum for a temporary repair job, you may not have enough money for permanent repairs.
- Do not sign a contract on an iPad. Ask for the contract in writing and give yourself time to review it before signing.
- Insist on a written contract that includes a description of the work, total cost, and completion date.
National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) VIDEO on protecting yourself following a disaster.
For more about working with your insurance, visit Kentucky's Department of Insurance.
Tips for Safely Using Generators During a Power Outage
- Do not run generators inside your house or closed garage. The fumes can cause carbon monoxide poisoning quickly. Always place the generator at least 20 feet from the home, away from doors and windows.
- Before refueling your generator, turn it off and let it cool. If you accidentally spill gasoline on a hot engine, it can cause a fire.
- Don't try to "back-feed" your house. Back-feeding means trying to power your home by plugging your generator into an outlet not intended to be used for this purpose. Generators that are tied to your home should be done using a transfer switch. Without this switch, you could back-feed the electrical utility lines and harm the utility workers trying to restore your power.
- Don't overload your generator. You can't power your entire home with a portable generator. Many people keep their fridge and one or two outlets on the generator power to keep phones charged.
Tips for Electrical Safety: Water and Electricity DO NOT Mix
- Stay away from downed lines. Assume any dangling wires you encounter are energized and dangerous. Warn others to stay away and contact the electric utility.
- When entering storm-damaged buildings or rooms, be sure all electric and gas services are turned off. Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so. If you can’t reach your breaker box safely, call your electric utility to shut off power at the meter.
- Never step into a flooded basement or other area if water is covering electrical outlets, appliances, or cords. Never touch electrical appliances, cords, or wires while you are wet or standing in water.
- Do not use water-damaged electric equipment until a qualified licensed electrician has inspected them and ensured they are safe for operation. In some cases, the manufacturer will recommend that water-damaged electrical equipment NOT be re-used. Replacement may be the only option.
Who Needs a License in Kentucky
How to Contact an Inspector
For private property, please contact the County Judge/Executive’s office or Local Planning & Zoning office.
For all other properties, please click the following Inspector Contact Information. Inspectors are organized by county.
How to File a Complaint with DHBC or Report Unlicensed Work.
Complete the appropriate form and email the Department using the email provided.
Electrical Complaint Form can be emailed to elec@ky.gov
Plumbing Complaint Form can be emailed to plumbing@ky.gov
HVAC Complaint Form can be emailed to HVAC@ky.gov
HOW CAN I HELP THOSE IMPACTED?
Donate to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund
Governor Beshear established the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the floods and severe weather system beginning February 15, 2025. All donations are tax-deductible and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes. This fund is fully transparent and subject to open records and legislative oversight.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
NEMA Storm Recovery (National Electrical Manufacturers Association)
Electrical Safety Foundation International Disaster Recovery
Storm Reconstruction Toolkit (NEMA)
Evaluating Water-damaged Electrical Equipment (NEMA)
