Federal disaster assistance is now available for Union County and other areas affected by the tornadoes that passed through the state in March.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Thursday that President Joe Biden approved a “Major Disaster Declaration” for Ohio that includes assistance for Union, Logan, Delaware, Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Hancock, Licking, Mercer, Miami and Richland counties to supplement recovery efforts in those places.
Union County EMA Director Brad Gilbert said FEMA will visit the county in the coming weeks to offer information on the process. He said officials would “set up somewhere in the county,” making themselves available to residents with questions.
“They will be here to answer any questions people may have but residents will be able to apply for this assistance online,” he said. “The date, time and location will be announced shortly. It will be most likely mid-May. The Union County Emergency Management Agency is working to distribute this information to those impacted by the tornado.”
Gilbert said the assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, rental assistance and replacement of personal property to help homeowners and renters recover from the effects of the disaster. The declaration also allows the Small Business Administration to offer low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses for homeowners, renters and business owners impacted by the storms.
“People can get assistance whether they are uninsured or under-insured,” he added.
Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments. This declaration comes as a direct request from Gov. Mike DeWine last month.
FEMA first visited the area in April to do an assessment, following the severe weather event on March 14. The National Weather Service confirmed that the storms produced an EF-3 tornado in Logan County, which brought severe damage to areas on the southern edge of Indian Lake. Storms also produced an EF-2 tornado in Union County causing damage to homes and property in the northern part of the county, most noticeably in the Broadway area, before continuing east.
According to a release from FEMA, assistance “may include temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.”
When registering, the agency recommends residents have: a current phone number where they can be contacted, their address at the time of the disaster and the address where they are now staying, their social security number (or the social security number of a minor child in the household, if they’re applying on their behalf), a general list of damage and losses, banking information if they choose direct deposit and if insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
“Those who already made repairs or started their recovery should still apply,” according to information from the release. “FEMA inspectors are trained to recognize damage caused by a disaster even after recovery has started, and they will discuss that damage with you when they come to your home. Be prepared to show repair receipts, photos and any other disaster-related documentation as well.”
Gilbert shared that there is also information available at the local level through the Union County Auditor’s Office relating to damaged property. Residents with damaged homes or properties may qualify for a reduction in the value of the damaged portion of the home if they fill out a DTE 26 tax form.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA App. They can also apply for the disaster loans at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.