Federal disaster aid is now open to Franklin County residents who lost property in the August storms. FEMA announced on October 2nd that a major disaster declaration has been declared for Ohio, and applications are open now.
The declaration, DR-4945-OH, covers severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding and landslides from August 10th through the 22nd. FEMA’s October 2nd release says federal funding is available to affected individuals in Clermont, Franklin, Hamilton, Licking, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry counties. No other central Ohio county is on the list yet. FEMA says more designations could be made later if further damage assessments warrant them.
What’s covered
FEMA says assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, along with low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. FEMA can’t pay for losses your insurance already covers, so file the insurance claim first and then apply.
How to apply
There are three ways to apply, and FEMA says the website is the fastest:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- By phone at 1-800-621-3362
- Through the FEMA App on your phone
If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service or another relay service, give FEMA the number assigned to that service when you apply.
FEMA’s declaration data lists December 1st as the last day to file an application.
What happens after you apply
FEMA will review your application and decide whether an inspection is needed to verify the damage to your home and belongings. FEMA staff or an inspector may contact you, and the agency may send a letter asking for more documents to support your claim. Once the review is done, you’ll get a letter by email or mail, whichever you picked on the application. It says whether you were approved, how much you’ll receive, how the money has to be used, and how to appeal if you disagree with the decision.
Other avenues
Brian F. Schiller is the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. The DR-4945 page is where FEMA posts updates, and the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 takes applications and may be able to refer you to other help.
Columbus Navigator’s August guides to where to take storm debris and how to help neighbors recover are still up.
