The City of Pikeville urges local flood victims to take advantage of all available resources for assistance, while proceeding with caution.
Two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs), operated by the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and FEMA, will open in Pike County on February 27 to provide in-person support to flood survivors. These centers are located at:
They will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.
At the DRCs, FEMA representatives will explain assistance programs, help survivors apply, and connect them with additional recovery resources. Other on-site agencies include the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance, the Kentucky Department of Insurance, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to assist with unemployment claims, insurance questions, and disaster loans.
Flood victims do not need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. Applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone at 800-621-3362 (available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET), or via the FEMA Mobile App. Additional DRCs may open in the coming days based on community needs.
Please note that the deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance is April 25, 2025.
The City of Pikeville is also waiving building and job permit fees for residents, businesses, and property owners repairing flood-damaged structures. While fees will not be charged for repairs that restore buildings to their original condition, contractors must still obtain the necessary business licenses and permits for consumer protection. The fee waiver does not apply to major remodels, structural changes, or properties that were not flood-damaged.
Preliminary Damage Assessment Teams, comprised of Pike County employees and local volunteers, are actively documenting flood damage throughout the county, including in Pikeville. Although the City of Pikeville has compiled an initial inventory of damaged structures to aid these teams, residents must still apply for FEMA assistance individually, even if their home has already been assessed.
Residents are advised to exercise caution when hiring contractors by ensuring that any contractor is licensed both locally and by the state to avoid scams, and by being wary of unsolicited, door-to-door offers. Additionally, scavenging in flood debris is illegal and dangerous due to potential contamination. If you observe any looting on private property, please report it to the appropriate police department via a non-emergency line.
As immediate steps, flood victims should take photos of all damaged property and belongings, compile a list of lost or damaged items, file an insurance claim if applicable, and apply for FEMA assistance as soon as possible. The City of Pikeville is offering free flood debris pickup and has provided free dumpsters throughout the city for flood-related waste disposal, with additional services available on request. The Utility Management Group continues to support ongoing debris collection efforts.
If your home or business has been affected by recent flooding, you may qualify for federal disaster assistance. Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) for help.
FEMA representatives are available to guide you through the application process and connect you with the resources you need.
The Kentucky Department of Public Health provides critical information regarding flood-related health concerns. This includes guidance on water safety, mold prevention, and disease prevention—essential information to help protect you and your family during recovery.
Stay informed and follow their updates to ensure you take the necessary precautions for your health and well-being.
Veterans impacted by the disaster may qualify for additional support through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Their programs are designed to help veterans access benefits and services that can assist in their recovery and long-term stability.
If your property was damaged and requires rebuilding or repairs, the Pikeville Licensing Office can assist with permits and zoning regulations.
What Contractors are required to be licensed.
In Kentucky, the Department of Housing, Building and
Construction (DHBC) licenses the following trades, and those
licensees should be able to produce a copy of their
license/card:
| Trade | Contact / Licensing | Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing |
Phone: 502-573-0397 Requirements: State plumbing license required, City Business License required |
State Inspector |
| Sprinklers/Suppression |
State: 502-573-0385 Local: 606-422-0251 Requirements: State License required, City Business License required |
Local Inspector |
| Electrical |
State: 502-573-1797 Local: 606-422-0251 Requirements: State License required, City Business License required |
Local Inspector |
| Mechanical (HVAC) |
Phone: 502-573-0395 Requirements: State License required, City Business License required |
State Inspector |
| Elevators |
Phone: 502-573-1694 Requirements: State License required, City Business License required |
State Inspector |
| Boilers |
Phone: 502-573-1708 Requirements: State License required, City Business License required |
State Inspector |
| Underground Petroleum Tank Installer |
Phone: 502-573-0382 Requirements: State License required, City Business License required |
State Inspector |
| Certified Installers of Manufactured Homes |
Phone: 502-573-1795 Requirements: State License required, City Business License required |
State Inspector |
| Construction Contractors |
Phone: 606-444-5115 Requirements: City Business License required (Not Licensed by DHBC) |
Local Inspector |
Note: The State of Kentucky certifies building and electrical inspectors.
To verify a contractor's license, you can visit our website by clicking the link below or call 502-573-2002 to verify a license: Verify License . You can also call 606-444-5115 to verify that the contractor has a City Business License.
It's always best practice to ask a licensee to show a copy of their license and business license before contracting for work, so you can verify that their business license is active by checking the date and confirming that they have a state-issued license.
Important: Always verify contractor credentials before hiring. Only hire contractors who are licensed both locally and by the state. Be cautious of out-of-town contractors soliciting door-to-door and avoid deals that seem too good to be true—always verify their credentials using trusted sources.
In addition to immediate assistance programs, there are valuable resources available to help you navigate the recovery process. For example, the FEMA Consumer's Guide offers practical advice on protecting yourself after a disaster. It emphasizes the importance of obtaining written contracts for all repair work, keeping detailed records to avoid payment pitfalls, and verifying contractor licenses and references before hiring. The guide also advises caution against unsolicited repair offers and stresses the need for clear documentation of any agreements.
To read the complete guide and review all the recommendations, please click the button below.
