Ohio Disaster Assistance Tops $1.75 Million: Application Deadline Approaching  

Release Date: February 27, 2004
Release Number: 1507-024

» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and Landslides

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With the March 26 application deadline one month away, Ohio residents affected by January’s severe storms and flooding have been approved for more than $1.75 million in disaster assistance to date, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA).

Applications are still being taken for disaster assistance that was made available with President Bush’s disaster declaration of one month ago. For those who have already applied for assistance, $1,078,483 in grants and $675,500 in low-interest disaster loans have been approved

Disaster recovery officials urge anyone who suffered damage or loss in the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred between January 3-30 to apply for assistance by calling the toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The number for those with speech or hearing impairment is TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, until further notice. The last day to apply for assistance is March 26.

The following is a one-month summary of assistance efforts as of close of business February 26:

Disaster Assistance Grants By County

County
Applications Recieved
Housing Assistance
Other Needs
   
Grants Approved
Amount Approved
Grants Approved
Amount Approved
Belmont
66
34
$56,337
8
$6,627
Franklin
348
169
$430,139
91
$116,535
Jefferson
88
49
$80,743
7
$4,833
Licking
13
7
$19,615
4
$2,654
Morgan
85
50
$122,937
26
$61,847
Ross
32
23
$42,542
12
$17,931
Tuscarawas
58
34
$78,028
8
$6,381
Washington
65
19
$30,174
10
$6,132

All figures are as of close of business, Thursday, February 26.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

The Ohio EMA coordinates State assistance and resources during an emergency and prepares the state for all hazards through planning, training, exercises and funding activities at the state and local level. This includes providing assistance to individuals and administering state and federal assistance to individuals and governmental entities recovering from disaster-related damage and costs. Ohio EMA coordinates homeland security funding, weapons of mass destruction training, anti-terrorism planning and training, and assists local and state agencies in determining homeland security strategies and priorities.

Last Modified: Friday, 27-Feb-2004 15:57:22