BATAVIA, Ohio — Clermont County residents and businesses affected by severe storms in mid-August can now apply for federal disaster assistance after President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the county, according to the county.
Trump approved Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s request late Friday, Oct. 2, covering seven of the 23 Ohio counties for which the state sought help. Clermont, Franklin, Hamilton, Licking, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry counties were approved; federal officials are still reviewing the request for the remaining counties, according to the county.
The mid-August storms brought flooding, downed trees and multiple road closures, and left thousands of residents without power for days, the county said.
The declaration activates the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual Assistance Grant Program, which covers temporary housing, home repairs, rental assistance, replacement of personal property, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance and disaster legal services, according to the county. It also opens access to low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“This declaration is important because it will provide much-needed financial help for our residents and businesses who are still suffering from the impact of those storms,” said Shawn Riley, director of the Clermont County Emergency Management Agency.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses can begin applying through the federal Disaster Assistance website, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or through the FEMA app, the county said.
“We want those affected to know that they can pre-apply online,” Riley said.
FEMA, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and local emergency management officials are working to set up an in-person disaster recovery center to help residents and businesses process claims, though a location and hours had not been announced as of Monday, according to the county.
“This is a dynamic situation, and we will provide updates on the process as more information becomes available,” Riley said.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Clermont County Emergency Management Agency.