This blog was written by an in-house contributor. All photos were taken by Reed Timmer.
Damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding affects thousands of people across the United States each year. These severe weather disasters often cause the need for extensive clean-up and rebuilding efforts. It can sometimes take years for communities to recover due to immense damage, with many residents displaced from their homes and in desperate need of supplies.
In the aftermath of such tragedies, those impacted rely heavily on help and donations from others to get back on their feet. Most recently, we collaborated with Reed Timmer, Extreme Meteorologist, Storm Chaser and Flex Seal Ambassador, to help provide relief after the widespread flash flooding in Eastern Kentucky.
“I’ve been chasing storms for 25 years and this, by far, is the absolute worst damage I've ever seen from a flash flood,” Timmer said. “My heart goes out to the people here in Eastern Kentucky. They need all the help they can get out here…it’s going to take years to recover from something like this.”
The immense destructive power of this flash flood was evident in the bent beams of this large bridge. These communities of eastern KY are in need of help. If interested in donating please contact @ChrisHallWx of Hazard. pic.twitter.com/rW9VrRdTN6
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerAccu) August 1, 2022
Once Timmer and the Flex Seal team saw the impact of these floods, they quickly joined forces to help. After some planning, the Flex Seal relief team got the truck and trailer ready and made the 14-hour drive up to Kentucky to join Timmer.
“I was surprised how quickly they worked to get up here,” said Timmer. “The Flex Seal crew was on the road to Kentucky in a matter of hours.”
Very concerned about additional rainfall in eastern KY with new flash flood watches in place.
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerAccu) July 31, 2022
We are on the ground with @GetFlexSeal relief truck heading to Richmond, KY Walmart (820 East Beltline Dr) by NOON for a shopping spree for supplies to donate. Then off to Hazard pic.twitter.com/LjnClTtbE9
As the Flex Seal team headed towards Kentucky, Timmer asked local fans interested in helping to meet at a Walmart where emergency supplies were being gathered. Several fans showed up to volunteer and donate.
We have arrived with the @GetFlexSeal relief truck at Walmart in Richmond, KY. Thank you to all who have come out to donate. We are now picking up food, water, clean up supplies, clothes, chainsaws and other equipment. We will be here for another hour and then head to Hazard! pic.twitter.com/85APZcRJZr
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerAccu) July 31, 2022
“It’s always so amazing to see the kindness and generosity of others,” Timmer said.
“These are everyday people who want to help make a difference, and I can’t thank them enough for all their donations.”
Such a cool experience getting to meet one of my biggest inspirations. This man is the reason I love all things weather related. I want to thank @ReedTimmerAccu and the @GetFlexSeal team for coming together to send help and supplies to Eastern Kentucky foood victims. pic.twitter.com/ma1KZajvRj
— Bradyn Delaware (@Delawaree_) July 31, 2022
The emergency supplies and donations included food, water, pet food, and dry clothing. Once everything was packed, Timmer and the team delivered the items to a central donation drop-off zone near Hazard, Kentucky.
The Flex Seal team and volunteers load donations into the truck. Photo by Flex Seal Studios.
“I’m so thankful for everyone who donated, volunteered, or spread the word,” said Timmer. “Thousands of people will be helped due to the generosity of Flex Seal, Kentucky residents, and supporters across the United States.”
Thank you to everybody who came out to support and donate to the communities of Eastern Kentucky with @ReedTimmerAccu and the Flex Seal volunteers #StrongerTogether
— Flex Seal (@GetFlexSeal) July 31, 2022
For more information on donating to the Kentucky Flood Relief fund, click here.
By Paula Falcon
Paula is an Associate Editor at The Flex Seal Family of Products, where she focuses on writing and editing articles for the company’s blog.