Disaster Officials Offer Recovery Tips for Ohioans

Disaster recovery officials overseeing efforts to assist those dealing with the aftermath of the severe storms and flooding in Ohio that occurred between Dec. 22, 2004 and Feb. 1, 2005 suggest a course of action for individuals and business owners who suffered damage or loss.

* Call to register as soon as possible. The application deadline is April 18, 2005. Homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered flood and severe storm losses must call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to be considered for disaster assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments should call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until further notice. People can also register online at www.fema.gov.

* Call to register, even if one has already reported the damage to the county emergency manager, American Red Cross or other voluntary agencies. People must call the FEMA application number to apply for federal disaster assistance.

* Call to register, even if insured. Check with an insurance agent to see if the coverage is adequate to reimburse the damage and loss. If not, or if not sure, register for assistance.

* Remember, disaster assistance covers a range of disaster losses and comes in a variety of forms. Disaster-related damage or loss of essential personal property, anything from a wheelchair to an essential appliance, may qualify for some form of federal/state assistance. Disaster assistance can come in the form of grants for immediate housing needs and emergency repairs, low-interest disaster loans to repair or replace disaster-related damages, or Disaster Unemployment Insurance for those affected by the disaster who are not covered by regular unemployment insurance.

* Return all forms promptly. After applying, one may receive a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan application package in the mail. Fill out and return these forms promptly since they are an essential part of the disaster-assistance process. Failure to complete and return the application could eliminate one from getting other forms of assistance, including grants.

* Stay in touch and keep appointments after having applied for disaster assistance. A FEMA inspector and/or an SBA loss verifier may make an appointment to visit the home. Make every effort to be at home for the appointment. People can call the FEMA Helpline using the same toll-free numbers, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY) 1-800-462-7585, if they have any questions on the status of their application or wish to provide updated information, like a current phone number.

* Be mindful of assistance conditions to purchase or maintain flood insurance if living in the floodplain. Disaster victims who received housing assistance grants or loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration – and live in a Special Flood Hazard Area – must maintain flood insurance in order to receive disaster assistance in the future (except for rental assistance). For those residents involved in an earlier flooding incident who allowed their mandated flood insurance to lapse, some forms of state and federal assistance will not be available in this disaster.

* Rebuild with disaster prevention in mind. If receiving an emergency housing repair grant from FEMA, a follow-up letter will arrive after one has received a check. That letter will identify the purpose of the grant and will highlight the need to make repairs that will lessen the risk of future losses. Examples include raising electrical junction boxes and elevating major appliances to minimize floodwater damage.