News Summary
In response to devastating floods, Kentucky has launched the ‘Save Your Family Treasures’ program, assisting residents in preserving cherished memorabilia. FEMA and the Smithsonian are collaborating to provide essential techniques for repairing damaged items at Disaster Recovery Centers. This initiative not only helps in salvaging physical items but also supports the emotional recovery of victims. With the focus on salvaging irreplaceable personal belongings, the program aims to restore a sense of normalcy for flood survivors.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Residents in Kentucky affected by the devastating floods earlier this month are receiving crucial assistance in preserving their cherished memorabilia through a newly launched program called “Save Your Family Treasures.” This initiative aims to provide support in salvaging items that hold immense personal value, especially for those facing significant losses due to the disaster.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working in conjunction with the Smithsonian to implement this program at various Disaster Recovery Centers established in the flood-affected areas. Survivors will have the opportunity to learn essential techniques for repairing and preserving items that may have been damaged by water and mud. Experts from environmental and historic preservation teams will demonstrate how to clean and dry out various memorabilia, ensuring that survivors can rescue some of their most treasured possessions.
Many individuals hold deep emotional connections to items such as photographs, and for many flood survivors, these items are irreplaceable. FEMA Public Information Officer Danny Bernardy remarked that restoring these cherished belongings is an essential step in helping people regain a sense of normalcy as they recover from the disaster. The preservation program not only aims to salvage physical items but also to support the emotional well-being of those who have experienced tremendous loss.
The “Save Your Family Treasures” program is set to take place at Disaster Recovery Centers located in Anderson County and Franklin County throughout the upcoming week. Residents are advised to take photographs of their damaged items before visiting the centers, rather than bringing the actual items, to ensure an efficient evaluation and planning process.
In addition to the preservation initiative, a flood recovery resource center has been established at a former grocery store in Frankfort. This center is designed to provide ongoing support to the community, offering supplies such as heat and propane tanks to those in need. The distribution site operates Monday through Friday and provides assistance during the hours of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The current recovery efforts are largely supported by dedicated volunteers, including individuals who are actively assisting flood victims in navigating available resources. There is particular emphasis on ensuring that Spanish-speaking families are not left behind due to language barriers, with efforts being made to provide assistance in multiple languages.
As Kentucky works to recover from this natural disaster, the impact on personal belongings and precious memories is significant. The “Save Your Family Treasures” program reflects an understanding that while housing assistance is critical, it is often the small, personal items that hold the greatest sentimental value for survivors. By helping individuals preserve their memorabilia, the program not only aids in the recovery of physical possessions but also supports emotional healing in the face of loss.
The collaboration between FEMA and the Smithsonian brings professional expertise to the forefront, empowering residents to take actionable steps in preserving their histories despite the adversity they face. With the launch of this program and the establishment of recovery resource centers, the community can find hope, resilience, and the chance to restore pieces of their past.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: Preservation Teams Help KY Flood Victims
- Google Search: Kentucky Flood Recovery
- Spectrum News: Resource Warehouse for Flood Victims
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Floods 2025
- CBS News: Distillery Recovery from Kentucky Floods
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Floods
- Fox 56 News: Frankfort Flood Recovery Townhall
- Google News: Kentucky Flood Disaster
- Kentucky Lantern: State Aid for Flood Victims
