Knox County Crews Working to Alleviate Storm Damage

Knox County Engineering and Public Works crews worked through the night to clear more than 200 down trees as several areas in Knox County suffered significant damage after yesterday’s storms. Reports show that Karns, Cedar Bluff, and Lovell Road may have been the hardest hit.

Additionally, residents were forced to clear more than 300 units in an apartment complex off Yarnell Road. KAT buses are helping lead evacuation efforts.

Countywide, few injuries have been reported.

“Quick, hard-hitting storms like this can be scary,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. “Thankfully, our crews and personnel are always prepared for emergencies, and we are able to respond quickly.”

Crews hope to work with utility companies to have all roads open by the end of the day, though the following were still closed this morning:

• Bob Kirby Road
• Bob Grey Road
• Essex Drive
• Whitlock Lane
• Pleasant Ridge Road
• Norfolk Drive.

Clearing roads for emergency access is the top priority. Roadside debris will be picked up in the coming weeks.

“Anyone whose house or apartment was hard hit should call their insurance company right away,” urged Mayor Jacobs. “Together with local government, they will be leading immediate needs assessment and support efforts.”

Knox County, along with other municipalities, has already formed an emergency response team to begin assessing damage, but FEMA could take weeks to approve financial aid, and it could take years for those in need to actually receive any money.

In an event of this size, personal insurance (homeowner, rental, car, etc.) will be the best avenue for reporting and/or recovering any loses or damages. It is highly unlikely there will be an opportunity for individual claims to be filed for federal aid.

Knox County has already begun assembling an emergency response team that will assess damage to submit a request for federal reimbursement of public sector and governmental costs to include things like EPW overtime, debris management, utility work, road repairs, etc. However, it’s more complex than that as FEMA typically won’t reimburse the county for the ordinary costs of business (like road crews doing road work or debris removal during regular working hours).

Reimbursement, if approved, is typically a multi-year process and the county is following the standard reporting processes regularly required by FEMA.

 -Abbey Harris, Knox County Deputy Communications Director

Please call the EPW office at 865-215-5800 to report any trees or debris blocking any road.