FEMA to Arrive Next Week; Judge Warns About Scam Artists

On Wednesday, Aug. 30, President Donald Trump added Fayette County to the list of federally-declared disaster areas.

Fayette County Judge Ed Janecka said the presidential declaration will begin the process of federal disaster aid flowing into the county. Janecka said officials from Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will arrive next week.

“Once they arrive, we’ll set up a place for them to work and people can start coming in with their claims,” Janecka said.

Flood victims with flood insurance should begin filing claims with their insurance providers immediately, he added.

Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator Janet Carrigan said FEMA will reimburse homeowners for repairs they make themselves, but proper documentation is necessary. Take plenty of photos of damaged areas, she said, and keep all receipts.

In a meeting with first responders on Tuesday, Aug. 29, Janecka warned that unscrupulous contractors and scam artists will likely target flood victims.

“If they’re not already here, they’re on their way,” Janecka said.

Homeowners should use repair contractors they know and trust. Rely on friends, family and neighbors for recommendations. If you don’t know the contractor you’re hiring, make sure you go with them to the hardware store to purchase building supplies yourself and pay for the work only after it has been completed.