Disaster Aid In Northeastern Ohio Tops $7 Million In First 10 Days 

Release Date: August 12, 2003
Release Number: 1484-11

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Cridersville, OH -- Disaster assistance for northeastern Ohio flooding topped $7 million in the first 10 days of the recovery effort, officials from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) said today.

"We have approved $7,525,161 in aid to the victims of the July 21 flooding and processed 7,189 applications since August 2," Federal Coordinating Officer Ron Sherman of FEMA said. "In addition, we have seen a significant turnout at the newly-opened Disaster Recovery Centers."

Almost 200 people have visited the centers to meet with specialists in housing assistance and other disaster-related programs. Additional centers are slated to open this week.

Grants approved to date include:

"These grants do not cover all costs and losses, but they do help people get started on the road to recovery," Sherman noted. "Even if disaster aid cannot make anyone whole again, it offers significant help. 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."

"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 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.

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, 15-Aug-2003 13:08:11