Ohio: Two Counties Added To Federal Disaster Declaration 

Release Date: September 4, 2007
Release Number: 1720-008

» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes

FINDLAY, Ohio -- Two counties have been added to the presidential disaster declaration as a result of the severe storms and flooding Aug. 20-28 in northwest Ohio, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) announced today.

That means residents and business owners in Hardin and Seneca counties are now eligible for FEMA's individual assistance, joining Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Putnam, Richland and Wyandot counties, which were designated in the original Aug. 27 declaration.

"I appreciate the president and FEMA officials approving the addition of these two counties to this federal disaster declaration, and I thank our federal partners for their efforts to aid our communities during this time of recovery," Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said. "Today's announcement is crucial in our efforts to provide Ohioans impacted by the recent flooding with the assistance they need to begin putting their lives and communities back together."

The individual assistance program can help eligible applicants with grants for temporary housing, and repair or replacement of a homeowner's primary residence.

The program may also provide funds to help homeowners pay for necessary losses and expenses caused by the disaster, including clothing, household items, clean-up materials, a primary vehicle, and equipment required for a job or educational purposes, as well as medical and dental costs, moving and storage expenses.

In addition, the SBA provides low-interest, long-term disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes, and to private, non-profit organizations, who suffered damage to property and contents.

Those who suffered damage and losses from the severe storms and flooding are encouraged to register online at www.fema.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech-impaired. The toll-free numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT daily.

SBA representatives are at all Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to explain how SBA long-term, low-interest disaster loans can help. They also will meet with applicants one-on-one and assist them in filling out and mailing their loan applications.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 05-Sep-2007 12:29:03