Disaster Aid In Northeastern Ohio Exceeds $1 Million
Release Date: August 7, 2003
Release Number: 1484-06
» More Information on Ohio Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and High Winds
Cridersville, OH -- Disaster assistance for northeastern Ohio flooding has reached more than $1 million, officials from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) said today.
"To date, 3,527 residents from counties declared disaster areas on August 1, 2003, have registered for federal and state assistance," Federal Coordinating Officer Ron Sherman of FEMA said, "and $1,070,560 in grants have been approved to help those affected recover."
"A toll-free phone call to 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) -- TTY-1-800-462-7585 -- starts you on the road to recovery," Deputy State Coordinating Officer Richard Roman said. "Register first and then visit a Disaster Recovery Center that will open near you soon if you have additional questions."
Residents of Carroll, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Trumbull counties who suffered disaster related losses or costs may call the toll-free registration number from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week:
Grants approved to date include:
- 350 housing assistance grants totaling $771,654
- 117 grants for other essential needs totaling $298,906.
Sherman said, "These grants do not pay for all costs and losses. They help, but cannot make anyone whole again. A U.S. Small Business Administration low interest disaster loan is the prime source of federal aid to restore those affected to pre-disaster conditions."
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 08-Aug-2003 08:55:22