Ohio Disaster Assistance Weekly Summary 

Release Date: October 6, 2000
Release Number: 1343-08

» More Information on Ohio Tornado And Severe Storms

Xenia, OH -- Federal and state agencies are working in partnership to help Ohio residents following the recent severe storms and tornado. The following is a summary of ongoing response and recovery efforts since the Presidential declaration on September 26th.

Over 650 Applications For Assistance Received

More than 650 Greene County residents and business owners have applied for the various types of individual assistance made available by President Clinton's major disaster declaration on September 26.

"The process begins with a single toll-free call to 800-462-9029 or to TTY 800-462-7585 for the hearing impaired," FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Lou Botta said. "That toll-free call is fast, efficient and confidential, and it's the only way to get the assistance process underway." The phone lines are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and will be open on the Columbus Day holiday (Monday, October 9).

Recovery officials have just announced an extension of the deadline for assistance application to Monday, November 27 due to the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 23. They urge all who suffered damage or loss as a result of the severe storms on September 20 to begin the assistance application process immediately.

"Safe Room" Workshops At Three Locations This Weekend

"Safe room" displays, video presentations and printed information on ways to reduce future disaster losses will be available at two Xenia-area locations tomorrow (Saturday, October 7) from 9 a.m. to noon. The locations are: the Wal-Mart on Route 35 in Xenia and at Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse at 6300 Wilmington Pike in Sugarcreek. Federal hazard mitigation experts will also be on hand to answer questions and give more detailed information. In addition, a display and print materials will be available to the public in the lobby of the Greene County Department of Public Works at 667 Dayton-Xenia Road until further notice.

Disaster officials urge home and business owners in tornado-prone areas to learn more about how to better protect lives and property in the event of storms such as those that occurred last month in Greene County.

In particular, they recommend using tested wind-resistant building techniques including the construction of a "safe room" in buildings where people live and work. A"safe room" is a small, interior room with concrete walls, a metal door and no windows that can be constructed at an average cost of $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the materials, design and area of the country.

Recovery Services Available Over Holiday Weekend

The Disaster Recovery Center on Greene Street in Xenia will be open tomorrow and again on Columbus Day, Monday, October 9 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those who have already called to apply for assistance may visit the center to inquire about the status of their application, receive further information about the various types of assistance available and learn about ways to reduce future risk and damage.

The temporary center is located in the Juvenile Country Building (second floor) at 61 Greene Street in Xenia. The center will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. Representatives of FEMA, Ohio EMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and other agencies staff the center including representatives from the state departments of aging, insurance, and job and family services.

Disaster Victims Can Receive Free Legal Advice

Greene County residents and business owners who suffered damage or loss as a result of the September 20 storms and have disaster-related legal questions may call for counsel, free-of-charge, at 800-467-0372. This service is being offered by the American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, and will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday until further notice.

Don't Let The Sba Name Fool You

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a major provider of federal assistance in the aftermath of disaster. Often, however, disaster victims assume that the SBA assists businesses only. "This is not the case," Travis Brown, SBA Manager, said. "Don't be fooled by the name, because we make disaster loans to homeowners and renters, as well as businesses, who have uninsured or under insured losses."

SBA low-interest loans are available to businesses and homeowners who apply for disaster assistance, complete and return an SBA application packet and are found eligible for the loan program. To date, over $400,000 has been approved for disbursement to Greene County residents and businesses.

Voluntary Agencies Encourage Donations

As is always the case in disaster recovery operations, a number of local, state and federal volunteer agencies gather donated items and cash and disseminate them in the most timely and efficient manner possible. To assist these efforts, those who wish to donate are asked to direct all offers and inquiries to Cheryl Carter at the Multi-Agency Warehouse/Distribution Center at 635 Bellbrook Avenue (937-372-0705). All donations must be coordinated and scheduled with Ms. Carter prior to delivery. Donations of clothing and water are no longer being accepted.

Those who wish to make cash donations are encouraged to donate to the organization of their choice or to the Xenia Area Association of Churches Disaster Relief Fund. Funds donated to XAAC will be used to assist families with long-term recovery needs.

For individuals and families with disaster-related needs, donated items may be picked up at any of the following locations:

Assistance For Local Governments And Non-Profits Now Available

Today, state and federal officials briefed representatives from about a dozen local agencies and not-for-profit organizations on the process to be used to obtain reimbursement for disaster-related building and repair expenses. The federal government will reimburse 75 percent of eligible costs while the State will reimburse up to 12.5 percent of those costs. Local governments will be responsible for the remaining share.

The Ohio disaster declaration was amended on October 4 to make all categories of public assistance available to help reimburse state and local governments in Greene County for public facilities damaged by the severe storms and tornado that struck the area September 20, according to federal disaster officials.

Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Nov-2003 10:11:50