All of us at Schwartz Insurance Group know that the Louisville area was fortunate to be largely spared from the recent tornadoes … and our hearts go out to every victim throughout Southern Indiana and Kentucky.

Let us share some helpful information about what you can do now, if you were impacted in some way by the storms. If you’re not sure what steps to take or how to begin receiving aid, here’s how to start:

Survivors of the recent Kentucky tornadoes who suffered damage should register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, even if they have insurance or aren’t sure they’re eligible for help.

Nine additional counties have been designated for disaster assistance to households and businesses as part of Kentucky’s federal disaster declaration, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The latest counties are Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Magoffin, Martin, Montgomery, Rowan and Wolfe.

The Indiana counties eligible for disaster assistance include: Clark County, Jefferson County, Ripley County, Scott County, Warrick County, and Washington County.

You can find more information by accessing www.DisasterAssistance.gov or calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).