FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Federal disaster housing assistance checks are on their way to individuals and families who sustained damage to their homes during the February storms and flooding in northcentral and northeastern Kentucky.

"Checks started going into the mail today," said W.R. Padgett, director of the state Division of Emergency Management. "We are pleased this help is on the way, just a week after the president's disaster declaration, to assure that people are in safe housing."

Gov. Paul Patton assured people in the flood-damaged counties that "while we can't restore all that they've lost, we're doing everything we can to provide relief to them."

Scott Wells of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, federal coordinating officer for the Kentucky disaster recovery, said letters earlier were mailed to homeowners and renters explaining how these cash grants can be used.

Disaster officials reminded applicants that they do not have to wait for the house to be inspected before beginning cleanup and repairs. But they should document all expenses related to the disaster. Receipts should be saved for:

• Any money received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or an insurance company.
• All labor and materials expenses for repairs of storm damage to homes.
• Any expenses for renting a hotel room or other place to live if the home was left unsafe and inhabitable by the disaster.

If you don't save these receipts, you may not have sufficient documentation to be eligible for additional assistance.

Any individuals or businesses sustaining losses in the declared counties who have not registered should do so as soon as possible by calling 1-800-462-9029 (TTY 1-800-462-7585). These counties are Bath, Boyd, Carter, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas, Robertson and Rowan.