International Code Council Supports Kentucky Flood Victims

In late July 2022, torrential rainfall caused flash floods in eastern Kentucky and central Appalachia, resulting in 39 deaths and catastrophic damage to homes, businesses, bridges and roadways. Family homes and buildings were swept away in the rising flood waters and many people were left stranded relying on helicopter and boat rescue teams to take them to safety.

Several months later, thousands of families are still recovering from the devastation. Some are sheltering in state parks as they try to rebuild their lives and find new places to call home. “These people lost everything they have,” says Kentucky resident and Code Council Board Member Ron Hampton. “People are living in FEMA trailers up on a strip mine because that’s the only place they have left to live.”

Code Council Presents Donation to Help Kentucky Flood Victims

Recognizing the importance of helping Kentuckians in need, the Code Council reached out to the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters (UA) Local 248, who were already participating in flood relief efforts, to help organize a donation. As recommended by Gavin Tussey, UA Local 248 Vice President and Director of the Training and Apprenticeship Program, the Code Council donated to the Caney Baptist Church Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund in Pippa Passes, Kentucky. The relief fund supplies flood victims with necessities, like food, water and clothes, in an effort to help get them back on their feet and welcomes volunteers to help deliver and hand out resources.

“My first visit at Caney Baptist Church was inspiring, to put it mildly. I could tell Brother Lawrence Baldridge spoke from the heart and truly embraced the opportunity to help his Eastern Kentucky community. So, when I was asked by Ron Hampton how the Code Council could help, I knew this was the place,” said Tussey who is actively involved with the relief efforts in Pippa Passes.

Hampton presented the check on behalf of the Code Council to Brother Lawrence Baldridge, pastor of Caney Baptist Church, during a ceremony held at the local Alice Lloyd college. “This donation will go a long way towards helping the people who need it the most,” said Hampton who was proud to be involved in the ceremony.

How You Can Help Flood Victims Recover

As an aid to community disaster response, the Code Council and the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) sponsor the Disaster Response Alliance (DRA). The DRA maintains a national database of skilled, trained, and certified building safety professionals who are standing by and ready to assist communities in need. The DRA is always looking for volunteers. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a DRA second responder resource, please visit the Volunteer Now link on the DRA website.

The Code Council also has several resources available about incorporating disaster-resilient provisions of the International Codes (I-Codes) during flood recovery, reconstruction, and in future flood prevention and mitigation efforts.