More Than $13 Million Approved For Disaster Assistance In Ohio
Disaster Recovery Workers on Duty on Columbus Day Holiday

Release Date: October 8, 2004 Release Number: 1556-023

» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Since President Bush issued a disaster declaration on September 19, more than $13 million in grants and low-interest disaster loans have been approved to assist flood-stricken residents in southeastern Ohio, according to figures released today by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA).

While many people will be enjoying time off on the Columbus Day holiday, Monday, October 11, disaster recovery workers will be on duty providing information and support to those who call the teleregistration number to apply or who visit one of the four Disaster Recovery Centers. The Monday holiday may be a good time for those affected by the flooding to visit a center to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists or SBA loan officers in Marietta, St.Clairsville, Minerva and Byesville, or the SBA Loan Assistance Center in Lisbon (at the addresses listed below).

Disaster Recovery Summary

Local, state and federal recovery officials and voluntary organizations have combined efforts to assist victims of the severe weather in putting their lives back together. This is a summary of recovery activities as of close of business October 7:

• 6,508 individuals from the 20 designated counties have called to apply for assistance
• 3,399 applications have been approved for Disaster Housing Assistance grants, totaling $7,898,768 – for repairing disaster-damaged, uninsured homes to a safe, sanitary and functional condition and for temporary disaster rental assistance (see county-by-county breakdown attached)
• 1,139 applications have been approved for Other Needs Assistance grants, totaling $5,097,684 – for medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation and other eligible expenses
• 4,381 SBA disaster loan applications have been issued (3,371 for homeowners and renters; and 849 for businesses), and has approved $80,100 in low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses.
• 1,869 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers operating in the affected areas

Call to Apply. Those who suffered damages or loss from the flooding and severe storms that occurred between August 27 and September 27 are urged to apply for assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. If possible, try calling in the evening after 6 p.m. or on weekends when call volume often is lighter. Individuals can also find valuable recovery information on the agency’s website at http://www.fema.gov.

Additionally, FEMA announced that the hours of operation at its toll-free Help Line are being scaled back to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, from 24 hours. The Help Line is accessed through FEMA’s 800 registration number, by choosing menu item “3”. It provides information on the status of applications or other disaster assistance questions. Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Persons who are hearing-or-speech-impaired can call TTY number, 1-800-462-7585. Individuals are encouraged to register by calling the toll-free number before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

Disaster Recovery Center locations and hours:

• Washington County: Washington County Courthouse, 205 Putnam Street, Marietta
  Open Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice
• Belmont County: Engineers Garage, 45741 Roscoe Road, St. Clairsville
  Open Mon. – Sat., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice
• Stark--Carroll County: Minerva Fire Dept., 505 East Lincoln Way (State Route 30), Minerva
  Open Fri, Sat. Mon., Oct. 8, 9 & 11 only, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Guernsey County: Byesville Fireman’s Assoc. Bldg. (Bingo Hall), 210 Seneca St., Byesville
  Open Fri, Sat. Mon., Oct. 8, 9 & 11 only, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SBA Loan Assistance Center:

• Columbiana County – Columbiana County Career Center, 9364 State Route 45, Lisbon
  Open Mon-Fri., 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., until further notice

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.