Hazard Volunteers Tackle Flood Cleanup, Football Team Leads Effort

Floodwaters that swept through downtown Hazard earlier this week have left homes and businesses saturated with water and mud, creating an immediate cleanup crisis and raising public health concerns for the community. Perry County Emergency Management officials estimate at least 200 residences and commercial properties suffered major flooding damage, and that figure is expected to rise as assessments continue.

On Thursday morning members of the Hazard High School football team turned out to clear out a local office building, hauling damaged furniture and personal items from upstairs offices and a flooded basement. The players worked in biting cold to remove soaked materials that can harbor mold and contamination. "Well, it's hard but you gotta do what you gotta do," said player Aden Hughes as teammates kept loading debris onto trucks.

Head coach Matthew Chandler said the team has been a steady presence since the first days of the event. "Since Sunday, between coaches and players, we've been at 23 different homes and businesses," he noted. Chandler also spoke about the town's resolve as volunteers and residents begin the long task of recovery. "You don't really have any choice but to put your head down and go to work and hope your community comes out of it stronger and closer," he shared.

Beyond the immediate labor of removing ruined items, public health experts warn that flood cleanup carries risks. Standing water and soaked building materials can promote rapid mold growth, which can cause or worsen respiratory problems, especially among children, older adults, and people with existing lung conditions. Floodwater may also be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or other hazardous materials, increasing the need for protective equipment and safe disposal. Mental health strain is another likely outcome as families face loss of property, temporary displacement, and the financial burden of repairs.

For Perry County residents the local volunteer response provides essential relief while formal aid and recovery resources are mobilized. Cleanup by neighbors and school teams reduces immediate hazards and speeds the path to reopening businesses and restoring housing. Still, the scale of damage underscores inequities in recovery capacity, with low income households and renters often facing greater barriers to rebuilding.

Public health and emergency officials urge residents to document damage for insurance and relief applications, to avoid entering structurally unsafe buildings, and to seek guidance from county agencies on safe cleanup practices. As community members continue to clear debris and support one another, the emergency also raises policy questions about flood mitigation, infrastructure investment, and equitable disaster assistance for rural counties like Perry.

The visible solidarity of volunteers from Hazard High School is a reminder of the community effort ahead, and of the need for coordinated public health support and funding to ensure recovery is safe and fair for all affected residents.