Additional Counties Eligible For Disaster Aid
Release Date: June 18, 2004
Release Number: 1519-014
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State and federal officials announced today that disaster assistance is now available for Hocking, Mahoning and Portage counties, making residents in 11 Ohio counties now eligible for disaster assistance. The addition followed a review of damages incurred in flooding that began May 18.
Residents of the additional counties are eligible to apply for a variety of programs that include disaster housing assistance, low-interest loans to repair or replace storm-damaged property, and grants for serious needs and necessary expenses not met by other programs. Residents and business owners should call FEMA’s toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 to register for disaster aid.
Government disaster assistance covers only basic needs and normally will not compensate individuals for their entire loss. If an individual has insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under their insurance policy. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other help may be in the form of loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA may provide low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of any size for their uninsured or underinsured physical damages.
“Federal, state, and local governments, along with volunteer agencies are working together to meet immediate needs and address the long-term recovery issues,” said Brad Gair, federal coordinating officer for the disaster recovery.
Counties eligible for disaster assistance under the original disaster declaration are Athens, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Noble, Perry, and Summit.
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 determine homeland strategies and priorities.
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 National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 21-Jun-2004 10:27:29