For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 18, 2002
Statement by the Deputy Press Secretary
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State
of Ohio and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local
recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes on
November 10, 2002.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to
affected individuals in the counties of Hancock, Ottawa, Paulding,
Putnam, Seneca and Van Wert.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and repairs,
low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other
programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the
effects of the disaster.
Federal funding is also available on a cost share basis
for hazard mitigation measures.
Joe M. Allbaugh, Director of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), named Ron Sherman as the Federal
Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected
area.
The Agency said that damage surveys are continuing in other
areas, and additional assistance and counties may be added after the
assessments are completed.
The Agency said that residents and business owners who sustained
losses in the designated counties can begin applying for
assistance tomorrow by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362), or
1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The
toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven
days a week until further notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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