Disaster Aid In Western Ohio Nears $1.2 Million 

Release Date: August 7, 2003
Release Number: 1478-18

» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding

Cridersville, OH -- Disaster assistance for those in western Ohio who were hit by the July 4 floods has reached nearly $1.2 million, officials from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) said today.

"To date, 766 residents from the counties declared disaster areas on July 15 have registered for federal and state assistance," Federal Coordinating Officer Ron Sherman said, "and $1,190,573 in grants and loans have been approved to help folks recover."

Some people may not have registered yet, and the assistance process cannot begin until they call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Deputy State Coordinating Officer Richard Roman said, "Make sure you receive any help for which you may be eligible. Complete and submit your application for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan promptly, if you have already registered and received a loan application. Otherwise, you may exclude yourself from other forms of assistance which may be available to you if you do not qualify for a loan."

Residents of Auglaize, Darke, Logan, Mercer, Shelby, Van Wert, Columbiana, Crawford, Mahoning and Pike counties whose property was damaged by the disaster may call the toll-free registration number from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week:

1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
For those who use TTY: 1-800-462-7585

Grants and loans that have been approved to date include:

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 09:00:14